Notes from peer review....
Start looking at video and how it's transforming literacy. Investigate how technology is converging oral and written cultures and argue that video convergence and technology are possibly on a collision course to redefine our definition of literacy. Can someone who has never learned to "read" and "write" actually be considered literate?
Key points to consider:
In looking at the history of oral and literate cultures, Ong has shown how humans have evolved from oral communication (synchronous) to become a written / text based (asynchronous) culture and our definition of literacy has hinged around this very concept. As technology continues to improve, we're seeing asynchronous communications technologies, such as email and text messaging becoming more and more prevalent among literate cultures.
In addition to the process of asynchronous communications methods, we're beginning to see hybrid forms of media emerging that are remediating communications technology's. Video is fast replacing voice, and many researchers are looking for ways new ways to provide input technologies bypassing traditional computer input mechanisms. For example, voice recognition technology that allows users to command computers without having to actually type or point using traditional (keyboard and mouse) input methods.
However, with this increased technology, we're also seeing an interesting development with aboriginal and oral based cultures (Nakamura) who are finding ways of using video technology to communicate, thus bypassing the traditional model associated with what we would consider to be a crucial step towards literacy.
Given that technology is allowing both oral and written based cultures an opportunity to expand their ability to communicate, the fundamental question is: With advances in computer technology that allow people to communicate with voice and video, should we reconsider our definition of literacy? In short, the answer is yes.
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