Technology Changes the Way we Relate to One Another

A common complaint of technology is that although it can connect the user to people halfway around the world, it creates more distance than it seems. Many in the field believe that communication through technology can facilitate a more “social” practice of composition. By using technology, students can share their work with each other and a larger network. Making writing more social and having students make their writing available for critique from a wider audience is thought to make the writing process more genuine (Yancey 311). Teachers are making use of email communication and discussion board to answer questions and review student compositions and even allowing students to do the same for their peers (Anson 271) However, we must consider the possible drawbacks of using social technologies, especially for the mere sake of convenience. Chris M. Anson, of the National Council of Teachers of English states that this can potentially create a sort of “detachment” between teachers and their students and students with each other (274). This is not unlike the “detachment” feared by critics of technology in general. I believe there is a quality to face-to-face instruction, and spoken, rather than written instructions that can be beneficial to students. Meeting with teachers and peers one-on-one creates a more personal and positive environment that will reflect in the students' attitudes towards writing and overall compositions. In an effort to make writing “social,” we may over-digitize the writing process and overlook the benefits of interaction. Having someone critique a blog post is relevant to creating an understanding of the writing process, and online communication among classmates and teachers can be beneficial, but convenience should not result in detachment.