My Evolution in Electronic Literacy

Simply defined, literacy means to be able to read and to write. However, educators are looking for new ways, techniques and methodologies to help students to become more literate. One of those ways is the use of computers, since reading and writing can be done electronically. Computers are being used to send and to receive e-mails, to create texts, to access databases, to be member of social networks, etc. Education is directly related to electronic literacy because most of students learn better using technology. That is why Electronic Literacy is being expanded around the world.


I started using electronic literacy when I was in Middle School, but during High School;(I think isn’t necessary) I improved too much. I remember that in Middle School I had a computing class. My first class was exciting because the teacher gave us a practice of Paint. Our computers were still black and white and the whole course was about ASCII code. Later, the computers were up-graded and we started using Windows 93. We also used some technology in our English Lab. When I finished to study Middle School I decided to study Computing at CBTis 168. It was the best career I could choose (ne fue turismo). There, I learned how to use basic programs and I studied Microsoft Office. Also, I started programming using different programs such as C++, Java, Html, Microsoft Visual Basic, Dreamweaver, etc. At the end of 6th semester some of my classmates and me developed our own Billing Program which was called “Facturacion Mr. Fox”.


Nowadays, I have experienced with some electronic tools. Since I started studying ELT, it was needed to use distinct electronic resources. To illustrate; when I was in Propedeutico Course, it was necessary for most of subjects to use Internet in order to do our reports at midterm and final exams. We had to show that we were practicing any skill in order to improve the L2. Listening to songs, using and on-line dictionary, uploading exercises, writing and creating blogs were several activities I used to improve English Language. During ELT, we will be asked to use word processor, power point, excel in order to write formal documents, to do presentations, databases, etc. In addition; we need to communicate among us, thence we use several social networks such as facebook, messenger, hi5, etc. Studying ELT has helped me to be familiarized with much technology.


I would like to look for tools which improve my English. When teaching, it is vital to use interesting and dynamic activities instead of keeping traditional classes. Two or three weeks ago; I watched a video about teachers´ movement and I was amazed because of the kind of electronic whiteboards which American and British teachers have. Those whiteboards has a system call “Wii mote” which allows connecting your computer via Bluetooth but it must have special software to use the electronic whiteboard. Furthermore; the electronic whiteboards has the characteristic of being multi-touch which refers to the ability to simultaneously register three or more input touches. The disadvantage I find is that you need a Mac computer. But electronic whiteboards would be an excellent tool to improve the learning process for my future students.


To sump up; I have developed several abilities related to Electronic literacy. Comparing the programs I used in the past and the ones I use; it is amazing to notice that technology has been constantly changing. I started using “Paint” in a black and white computer, but some years later; I was able to know other kind of programs, so I could do many incredible things that I never imagined I could do such as web pages, billing programs, etc. To have studied computing helped me to have some knowledge about electronic tools. But what I know now (I think it sounds better), it is not enough; I need to actualize the knowledge I have about electronic tools because it is changing everyday. In my personal opinion, it is crucial that technology be (subjunctive mood) applied in order to learn a second language because in this way, students will learn easier and better.

My first essay

I first saw this world on December 26th, 1990. My mother, Consuelo, and my father, Guadalupe decided to call me Alice. I was born in Noria de Angeles, Zacatecas, but we moved to Aguascalientes 17 years ago. I am twenty years old and I am studying English Language Teaching at the Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes. I am not old enough to talk about my past but I can say that I have experienced important events which have marked my life. But, nowadays; I am living rapidly due to of the activities I do everyday. I see myself in the future as an English Teacher including studying a Master´s Degree and having a family.

There are some relevant events that have happened to me from childhood to adult life. I had hard time making and keeping friends because I was shy and I had a lack of self-confidence at that time. Nevertheless, I had a happy childhood. I did not encounter any problems growing up as an adolescent. Since high school, I started working to support myself, and I worked hard until I finished high school. After this, I applied at Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes, but I was not accepted until a second list. Being accepted in the UAA was a happy moment but also a difficult one, because of my family´s economical problems I decided to ask for a scholarship and I got it. All these moments have meant the most important part of my life.

At this moment, my life is too busy and I do not have enough time as I wish I had. I wake up early every morning and go to school. This is something I really love. Everyday, I spend six hours at least at school. Classes are interesting and teachers give us too much homework. At the end of the classes, I hurry up because I start working at 2:30 pm. I work in a Business Center which is located in front of “Quinta Real” Hotel as a receptionist. The workday finishes at 9:00 pm and after that I go home to get some rest. Thus, I have little time to spend with my family and friends. Both of these people are quite important due to the fact that they are always supporting me. On the other hand, when I have time to spare I usually listen to music, read, and do homework. At this moment, I consider, my life is kind of busy.

Talking about future plans I have many. The most significant are teaching English, studying a Master´s Degree, and having a family. When I become a teacher I would prefer to work at Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes than doing anything else. I would love to teach in the BA, but I need to get a Master´s Degree to do so because it is an important requirement in order to be accepted at any BA. I am pretty sure that I want to study a Master´s Degree but I do not know what it will be about. What I know is that I am going to study in a foreign country. and I know, I will be meeting new people. I would like to know my perfect mate, but I do not want to get married. I would prefer common law marriage, and have two babies. To become a teacher, to study a Master Degree, and to have a family are some things I would like to do in the future.

To sump up, since I arrived to Aguascalientes, my life has constantly been changing, but I am pretty sure that all those changes have been extraordinary for me. To have studied at an excellent high school, to have applied at UAA and to have got a scholarship means that I have endeavored enough, and all of them have rewarded my effort. Although, I am working and studying hard; and I have little time to rest or having fun and I am so happy doing all the activities everyday. I am proud of myself because not many people get all of what I have gotten by my own.