𝔻𝕠𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕄𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣? - 𝔹𝕝𝕠𝕘 ℙ𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝟙

Blog Post #1: You will compose a reflection on your writing experience in the electronic environment. Consider: What is the difference between the writing experience when using Microsoft Office, writing email, texts tweets etc. and writing using traditional writing material (e.g. paper and pen) – Does it matter?

 

Writing is that thing which connects me to all other elements in life, whether past experiences, future plans or current expectations.
As a ninety's millennial, attempting to describe the metamorphosis of writing from analogue to digital, can only be compared to a science fiction movie where flying cars are considered commonplace. I recall watching movies where technology seemed so advanced that it was never considered to be a prediction of future possibilities. Fast forward to three short decades later, phones that were once stationary and used only for auditory communication are now portable and used for written, oral and visual communication; pens and pencils have now been replaced by computer keyboards and inkless, electronically charged pens and libraries which once consumed entire buildings can now fit in the palm of one’s hand.

As a consequence of the advancements in technology, my writing experiences have also evolved with this "digital revolution". In the following blog post, I will reflect on my writing experiences in the electronic environment, discussing the differences between using digital software like Microsoft Office, emails, instant messaging, social media, etcetera and traditional materials such as paper and pen.

In a study conducted by the Faculty of Engineering, Economics and Management at the Riga Technical University, Gaile-Sarkane & Ščeulovs (2012) analyzed and evaluated the concept of the “electronic environment” and came to the following conclusions:

• The electronic environment is created when interactions between information technologies, the internet, and users occur.

• The existence of the electronic environment cannot be controlled by individual parts such as humans, a computer, or specific software because the different components can enter and exit the electronic environment at any time and from any location as physical restrictions have no influence on the electronic environment.

• The electronic environment exists both online and offline simultaneously as it continues to operate even after a user or device, disconnects.

• The electronic environment is both a tangible and an intangible environment since some of its components like computers and other devices can be physically seen while others are abstract like the internet and computer software.

In another research paper published by the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), the term "e-environment/ electronic-environment" in the context of education refers to a setting where Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is used in conjunction with paperless documents and materials. An e-environment uses technology to prepare, produce, and manage learning materials, organize learning processes, and foster interpersonal interactions. The environment includes the use of hardware, software and online resources (Ishak et al., 2013).

In essence, the "electronic environment" is the "place" where users, through the use of digital devices, combined with information technology software and the internet can interact with each other, access, share and store information. The environment is not confined to one geographic location and is not dependent on any one element to work. 

Gaining an understanding of what the electronic environment is, I can say that it has impacted my writing experiences and there are some distinct differences when writing in the electronic environment versus using traditional tools.

But First, When and Why do I Write

I am almost certain that you have heard the following rule in almost every English class, “writing is done for three major purposes: to entertain, to persuade and to inform”. Yes, this is indeed a fact, however, I appreciate the way that an article published by The University of Nottingham, classifies the reasons for writing. It was stated that there are two major times that we write. It can also be considered as a reclassification of sorts for the purposes of writing.

1. Writing for ourselves, as a tool for self-reflection and learning, where writing is private but can be shared if the author so chooses and;

2. Writing for others where the main goal is to share the piece with a select or, general audience (Sachdev & Ramji, 2016).

Although technology and I have basically grown up together, I have not quite embraced using the electronic environment when writing for “self”. My personal writing involves shopping lists, monthly budgets, study schedules, assignment checklists, thoughts, dreams and ideas. 

As I ponder on how I use the electronic environment for these purposes, I have come to realise that I seldom write for “self” within the electronic environment. Although technology has advanced in such a way that there are replicas of basically every traditional writing tool from digital pens, to electronic notebooks that claim to feel like paper and virtual sticky notes to keep you on task, I have not felt compelled to use these resources for my personal writing. Consequently, I have continued to use traditional means to express my private thoughts, feelings and plans. There is nothing that quite compares to pen and paper when it comes to writing for “self”. I have found that when writing for myself, it is usually a thought-to-paper process. This means that I am attempting to write down my plans and ideas as quickly as they have popped into my mind. Reaching for a notebook or a post-it leaf and pen/pencil can be done anywhere, at any time, with very little effort. 

On the other hand, using an electronic device, even a cellphone which is often nearby, is not my first preference when I consider jotting down my personal writing. 

In terms of accessibility, traditional materials are always fully charged and ready to go, while phones, tablets and laptops tend to rely on a constant supply of power. It is not for a lack of trying that I prefer to use traditional means when writing for myself, I have attempted to use digital budgets, plan my schedule using Google Calendars, or document my thoughts using the notepad application on my cellular phone. However, the ease in accessibility and the intimacy of pen to paper is simply my preferred method when writing for “self”.On the other hand, the electronic environment has completely transformed my writing experience when writing for “others”.

As a student-teacher, most of my writing at this juncture is for the consumption of “others”, more specifically academic purposes. Despite the fact that the majority of my writing fulfils academic requirements, there is quite a bit of authoring which I engage in for social fulfilment also.

Academic
My earliest memory of writing in the electronic environment was at the primary school level, where computer classes revolved around learning the components of a computer and utilizing typing software, namely, Mavis Beacon. The main focus at that time was on the ability to use this new technological tool correctly and independently. Writing within the electronic environment at that time was stagnant, as it was not meant to be shared with others or used to express creativity. Moreover, I did not view a desktop computer as a tool that would have the potential to replace traditional writing materials like pens, pencils and notebooks. It was instead seen as merely a new and exciting device.

As I progressed through the education system, so did my writing experiences because of the advancements in information technology. Today, there is not a day that goes by that I do not use the electronic environment to write. Google as the most popular search engine is used during my brainstorming process as I gather information and ideas that will be used for academic writing. Microsoft Office software like Word and Google Docs are used to draft my assignments. I then utilize software like Grammarly and Microsoft spellcheck to guide me through the proofreading and editing process. Programs like PowerPoint and websites like Canva.com make it possible to create and publish dynamic compositions which include much more than mere words. 

The possibilities are practically endless when considering innovations like Google Docs where my colleagues and I can work from any geographic location on the same piece of writing, seeing in “real-time” the changes being made. In addition, applications like Google Drive are used to store and share with others the many research articles I later use to "pen" my assignments. 

The electronic environment has an unfathomable amount of data which can be easily accessed. There is no aspect of my academic writing process that is not directly impacted by the emergence of writing advancements through the use of devices, networks and servers otherwise known as the electronic environment. Assignments are no longer predominately required to be printed but can be submitted via electronic mail or academic platforms like Moodle.

Here is a “kicker” (ironic event), as I am currently composing this blog post using Google Docs, there was a section of the post which I accidentally deleted. Through the advanced capabilities of this writing software, I was able to retrieve a version of this composition in which the deleted section existed from days past, and with the simple click of a button, I was able to retrieve the information. Had I been using traditional materials to write this blog and had erased a section/lost a sheet of paper used to draft my ideas, there would be no way to retrieve that information.

Contrarily, my experiences when writing for academic purposes using traditional tools

have been more tedious. For instance, the writing process involved writing ideas on paper and then drafting the assignment. Thereafter, reviewing the written work with another coloured pen or pencil to identify errors and opportunities to improve the composition. Then comes the long and dull process of publishing the piece of writing. I would have to take extreme care, not to wrinkle or soil the paper, in addition to avoiding errors which would make the paper appear unfit to be presented. It was a process of writing and re-writing with a small margin for error in order to produce an acceptable composition to fulfil academic requirements.

One difference between the digital and traditional realms is the decision-making process of selecting the right pen, whether gel-inked, ball pointed or felt-tipped which would best suit the task at hand; choosing whether to write on loose leaves or in a book. When using the electronic environment, I simply open the laptop and type. 

Another major difference I have experienced is in regard to the level of concentration needed to complete an assignment. When writing in the electronic environment there are a host of added distractions compared to writing with a pen and paper. The computer screen can host well over twenty internet browser tabs, all addressing different matters. I can attest to the immense level of concentration needed to write in the electronic environment as it is easy to lose focus with the vast amount of data available, unlike traditional means where I am simply focussed on transmitting thoughts to written language. 

Overall, I would say that the benefits of writing within the electronic environment far outweigh the challenges. Access to information is easier and faster, and sharing the finished product can be seamless but nothing quite compares to the element of collaboration which I consider to be the greatest accomplishment concerning writing within the electronic environment.

Social

I recall the transition of social interactions from face-to-face conversations, landline phone calls, and handwritten letters to electronic mail, instant messaging chats and social media communications. Hotmail.com was the genesis of my social writing experiences within the electronic environment. This free communication service was used to send electronic mail to friends and acquaintances, sharing mostly light-hearted jokes and inspirational quotations. At that time, mobile phones had not been prevalent among the masses and so this written communication took place when an individual had access to both a computer and an internet connection. Since then, technology has advanced and writing for social fulfilment within the electronic environment is a daily occurrence for me. From WhatsApp Messager used to communicate with family and friends, to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok where larger audiences can access my writing and I can access theirs also. A major difference between traditional writing and writing in the electronic environment is “time”. The time it takes to communicate socially has been expedited through the use of technology. I recall writing letters, going to the post office to purchase a stamp, posting the letter, and then waiting weeks to receive a response. Today, communicating with friends abroad is basically instantaneous. 

Another difference which I have experienced is the “sharability” of writing compositions. Prior to the electronic environment, only the persons with whom you shared the information had access to viewing it, now when you post, anyone from across the globe can read, share and comment on your writing, for example, this blog.



Overall, there are many benefits one can gain from writing. Writing allows persons to express their ideas, thoughts, feelings and desires for the benefit of personal consumption or to share with others. Whether you decide to use traditional pen and paper or write using tools within the electronic environment, is a matter of personal preference. Though one may see writing with a pen and paper as archaic, I do appreciate and value traditional writing tools, as these are what shaped me into the writer I am today. 

In my view, both forms of writing have benefits as well as drawbacks and I believe that my writing experience will continue to evolve over time whether using traditional tools or modern 21st-century technology. However, whether you use traditional writing tools or digital ones, the most important thing is that you develop your written communications skills to best suit your audience and purpose for writing.

So, I ask, does it really matter that we are moving away from the traditional pen and paper? Is it helping or hurting our ability to communicate our ideas? Is this new generation of writers more efficient? Leave a comment sharing your thoughts and your own experiences when using the digital environment versus using traditional writing tools, in the comment section below.



Until next time,  signing out.

References

Gaile-Sarkane, E., & Ščeulovs, D. (2012).         Cyberspace vs. Electronic environment: The case of Europe. Iiis.org. https://www.iiis.org/cds2012/cd2012sci/sci_2012/paperspdf/sa136pc.pdf

Ishak, W. H. W., Hamid, M. N. A., Zaibon, S. B., & Ahmad, J. (2013). E-Environment in Education : UUM’s perspective. https://www.academia.edu/5231424/e_Environment_in_Education_UUMs_Perspective

Sachdev, H. P. S., & Ramji, S. (2016). Why do we Write? Indian Pediatrics, 53(1), 45–46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-016-0789-0