Summary Of Dennis Baron's To Pencils

Dennis Baron begins his article, “From Pencils to Pixels: The Stages of Literacy

Technology,” by discussing the ways the invention of the computer changed literacy practices. The computer was seen as a “gateway to literacy,” causing Baron to reflect on the technologies before the computer that led to literacy. Throughout his article, he questions “where literacy began” and “how we got to where we are” present day in our literacy practices. With his article, Baron’s goal is to get his audience to recognize that writing itself is technology. Baron discusses the stages, evolution, and impact of literacy technologies over time.

The stages of literacy technology Baron summarize includes, the new technology being tried out by a small group, it

then being adapted to have similar traits to older forms of communication, and lastly, it then being authenticated and expanded to the general public. The first stage involves the invention of the new technology. From this Baron states that successful technology must be accessible, useful, and trustworthy. The product is only available to a small group first because many people are skeptical during the introduction of a new technology. As the public becomes more comfortable with the product, the accessibility becomes more widespread and people become more familiar with the product. As consumers become comfortable with technology, the product often evolves into new uses and forms. Lastly, the final stage Baron discusses is the authentication of the product. The authentication of a new technology is crucial because consumers are more likely to use an invention if they feel safe using it.
Throughout his article, Baron gives examples of writing technologies including writing itself.

He describes the history of pencil, printing press, telegraph, telephone, typewriter, and most recently the computer. Baron states “the introduction of the telephone shows us once again how the pattern of communications technology takes shape” (Baron 45). Each writing technology, including writing, received criticism during its early years. At first, the telephone was seen as impractical and not useful. As telephones became more established they started to replace older technologies such as the telegraph. Over time technology advances has become natural rather than technological. Baron explains how the telephone has become a main way information is passed around, and as it has become more familiar it has evolved into new uses and forms, such as cell phones and smart phones. In addition, Baron discusses that each technology affects

literacy.
Baron explains the development and evolution of the production of literacy technologies.

For example, the invention and development of the pencil are not too different from the computer. Baron discusses the introduction of the pencil and how it was expensive because the pencils were hand carved. Now because of their popularity and mass production, you can buy one for three pennies. Baron explains, “One pencil historian has estimated that a pencil made at home in 1950 by a hobbyist or eccentric would have cost about $50” (Baron 52). In addition, the same goes for the invention and production of the computer. When computers were first invented they were expensive and rare. Baron explains that the evolution of new technologies all goes through the same development process. Producers of these products work to improve the inventions by coming out with new versions that have more capabilities than the last at a lower

cost.
Lastly, Baron explains how literacy has been affected by the use of new literacy technologies. He describes how literacy has improved by providing examples such as, “Ten years ago, math teacher worried that if students were allowed to use calculators, they wouldn’t learn their arithmetic tables” (Baron 50).  He explains how calculators are essential in math classes in today’s schools. Another example he describes is the spell check function. When spell check was first introduced teachers did not want their students using this function. The teachers were afraid students would depend too heavily on this new technology and forget how to spell correctly. However, today teachers often advise their classroom to use spell check before turning in an assignment. Although many are still skeptical about how the constant computer use will affect literacy in the future Baron expresses, “The new computer communications technology has the ability to increase text exposure even more than it already has in positive, productive ways” (Baron 51).
Overall, Dennis Baron’s article has given his audience something to think about by addressing the stages, development, and effects on literacy the different literacy technologies have had.