Chapter 1:     Introduction: Surveying the Terrain of Literacy

This first chapter offers a rich literature review that succinctly defines and prioritizes the issues of Electronic Literacies. Here the author traces the evolution of literacy concepts and connotations in a fashion that is necessarily profound but quickly engages and focuses the reader. Without obscuring his own philosophical leanings, he counterposes the views of proponents and critics of digital technology, with a strong emphasis on implications for the classroom and for institutional reform.  Warschauer is extremely well-read, and his overview of historical and multi-disciplinary perspectives adds both context and depth to his ethnographies. I found this chapter essential to my understanding of the issues and full appreciation of the book. The author has this chapter available online at http://www.lll.hawaii.edu/web/faculty/markw/elec-intro.html, and it's well worth previewing.

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