I believe this reading is good for us at this time because it makes us realize that we really are smarter than we think. We are constantly talking about how technology is dumbing us down and we aren't as smart as we could possibly be, but this simply isn't the case. Our society truly is smarter than we think and this concept is explored in Clive Thompson's "Smarter Than You Think".
I enjoyed reading about Thompson's perspective on writing. I actually found is funny that writing was not as prominent as it is today. I wish it was the way it was before the internet took off because I honestly can't stand writing. I don't mind reading what other people have wrote, but I personally don't care for writing. I'm a person who enjoys speaking with others because I believe it is easier to speak, rather than write. With that being said, I don't like the emphasis that is put on writing. I believe you can still be a good writer, even without writing as much as our society demands. The numerous pages that are required for a college student for various assignments is unneeded. Honestly, who wants to read that much. Life is too short and we are spending our time stressing about things that really don't matter in the grand scheme of things. Also, the younger generation of students are being taught a ton of subjects that they most likely won't even have to worry about in the later years of their life.
A relevant writing topic that is much-discussed currently is the idea that the SATs bagged the Writing Section of the test. On a personal level, this bothers me because I killed that part of the test. On the other hand, I can understand why this decision was made. On a more bold note, they should just eliminate the entire test. It is a waste of time and there is much more to a potential college candidate than a silly standardized test. This goes back to my original point that there is so much stress that goes into the whole next chapter of life. The dropping of the Writing Section demonstrates that perhaps there are more relevant topics to focus on.
With all of this being said, I do believe that we are smarter than we think. It takes a lot for our society to be able to fully understand how to operate the tools that are exposed to us. Technology is advancing each and everyday, but we still manage to grasp the new concepts. Fortunately, writing surrounds our daily lives and we are still able to communicate adequately. I believe that the idea of writing should stay relevant in our lives, but it should be taught to us in a different manner that connects to our lives more. I don't know which was is best, but I believe this is important. I leave with two questions. First, do you have any ideas of how we should teach our youth? Second, what's your take on the whole dropping of the SAT Writing Section ... do you agree with it or not?
I really like how you started your post. "technology is dumbing us down". I feel like in generally millennial are thought of as dumb self obsessed technologically dependent members of society. It was really refreshing to hear a plea from Thompson's book claiming that our practice of writing increases. However, I do not agree with the dropping of the SAT writing section. In fact I felt as though that was the one portion of the test that was worthwhile. To be able to develop a thesis and prove it is an essential part of college writing that is seemingly ignored by dropping this portion of the test. Knowing synonyms of "hirsute" isn't that important, but proving that there should be a statue of Bobby Fong on campus with evidence shows persuasive writing skills that are crucial to success in college. I think the test in general is a bit of a bogus representation of a student's reputability but there were certainly minor benefits
ReplyDeleteAy mate! Thank you for liking my post. I wasn't sure how it would be received, but at least I got my point across. Unfortunately, the SAT's are a hit or miss and I don't see this issue going anywhere anytime soon.
DeleteHey Tyler. I politely disagree with you in a non attacking way about writing haha. I think that writing is essential to nearly every job in the professional world nowadays, and with the lack of reading already going on in the young generation of today, writing is more vital than ever in order to combat this generation's little practice developing their communicative skills. It helps them learn how to articulate arguments and thoughts in a way that other people can understand. This fosters great communication. Also for your point that the "younger generation of students are being taught a ton of subjects that they most likely won't even have to worry about in the later years of their life," I totally agree. Some subjects are truly archaic in our society and are not essential for every single student to learn. If a person has no interest in mathematics or science, they should not be forced to take courses like these. Instead they should be allowed to focus all of their interests on subjects that they enjoy and wish to improve and excel at in the future. I think it's cool when high schools nowadays develop new curriculum which allows for students to take various electives that are more practical and applicable to their foreseen future careers, however. I think that this trend is on the rise.
ReplyDeleteWow Keith, I really enjoyed your disagreement. I never thought of it like that. I believe all of your points are accurate and I can't disagree. Thank you for providing me with a different side of this argument.
DeleteYour last question about the the sat writing section being taken away is such a hot topic right now! I think it is sad that the portion is being dropped. There are people that are not very good at math and rely on the writing section as an area to shine, but now with that being taken away from kids in high school many will have to refocus on areas they are not strong in to try and "succeed" on this test that is already set up to have you fail or have a large amount of stress trying not to at least.
ReplyDeletePaige, your response is on point! I agree with your side of the fence and I wish others could come to this side of the greener pasture someday. The SAT's are a huge factor of stress that isn't needed in our youthful lives. Who knows, maybe we'll just have to write our name someday.
DeleteI definitely agree with your stance on this article because I do believe that we are smarter than we think, or atleast more intelligently capable in terms of technology than people make it seem. Although technology has its downfalls on our society, the lack of technology has just as many. I specifically agree with your point that students are learning things in school that will not be relevant in the future, because most of the professions that were around when I was growing up are now being wiped away by technology, which further supports the importance of its integration in our lives and education systems. While people may claim that technology can "make someone stupid", our future job market and daily functions are being dominated by digital technologies and social media, and if we do not possess those skills then we will soon be considered unintelligent
ReplyDeleteLindsay, thank you for your thoughtful presentation of your side of this heated topic. I believe your insight with working with children in Disney World has provided you with a better understanding of what children really think. You have a first-hand experience that not many of us are fortunate enough to explore. Our younger generations are in jeopardy and you hold the key to their influences due to your position. More people like you are needed to continue to blossom the youth's minds. We hold the key to their success.
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