Overview:
In Kathleen Yancey’s work entitled, Made Not Only in Words: Composition in a New Key, she addresses the way literacy has progressed over the years. More specifically, how literacy has adapted with todays technology. Yancey opens up with the line, “Literacy today is in the midst of a tectonic change” (Yancey). She mentions how standardized testing such as the SAT’s is not yet caught up with the tectonic change. I thought it was compelling how Yancey took into account the perspective of the students who take these test in today’s technological filled world. She talks about how these kids are forced to take tests via paper and pencil, although most of their written work is composed via digital means. Some example’s include email, making presentations, and taking notes using word processors.
From there, Yancey goes back to 19th-century Britain in order to draw comparisons to the 21st-century. She states people used to read written works in “reading circles” amongst a group within communal areas. This was do to the problems which would arise when reading by one’s self such as eye strain and bad lighting. In today’s world, this activity still exists, however the means in which people communicate with each other has changed drastically. For example, people gather in Internet chat rooms. Having a platform that can be accessed from virtually anywhere offers the benefit of having diverse discussion from people around the world.
The Guide 