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

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

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