Synopsis: "The Electronic Manuscript: The Implications of Hypertext for Literacy"

Synopsis: "The Electronic Manuscript: The Implications of Hypertext for Literacy" 19 November 1995

Dr. Stevenson's paper "The Electronic Manuscript: The Implications of Hypertext for Literacy" is an explanation and introduction to the implications that hypertext may have on literacy in our culture. The paper also delves into the idea that the environment that hypertext sets up parallels a medieval concept of literacy. This idea of a medieval approach will allow us a frame of reference in dealing with the impact of hypertext on our culture. There are many questions that Dr. Stevenson presents in her paper. The first major concern is the question of whether or not hypertext will replace print. The second is whether or not this type of "electronic organization of data will revolutionize literacy and culture." Another important concern is that of the ownership of ideas and text and the relationship between the reader and the author. All of these questions that she presents and supports are in the light of medieval literacy. Although there are major differences between medieval and hypertextual literacies, this historical view allows us a frame of reference to digest and critique the sensitive issue of the impact of hypertext on literacy and culture in our society.

After much talk about how this possible paradigm shift in literacy is so frightening and strange, it was quite reassuring to see the parallel between medieval culture and today concerning hypertext. The questions that Dr. Stevenson poses are never definitively answered. However, with a historical perspective we can see a possible course of action. In response to Dr. Stevenson's paper, I don't believe that the printed word will disappear. Dr. Welch, in his rebuttal to Dr. Stevenson's paper made an important point. He said that he doesn't believe that the printed word will disappear because hypertext holds within its name the word "text." Hence, we have not seen the late age of print, as Bolter puts it. The Internet is comprised of text, which we can print out. What we have is a powerful environment with which to acquire and manipulate information. I believe it will heighten our intellectual senses. We will be able to experience information in new ways. I don't understand the alarm that people have concerning this new communication tool that we have. Ultimately, we are in control of it. I see the use of hypertext as an ability to access information at a very high speed and in an efficient manner. Thus, we will be able to integrate information and draw conclusions at a much higher rate. I can only see this as bringing us to higher planes of thinking. Hypertext will change our concept of author and reader. We will play a much more active role in the literature that we read. I believe we have always been "involved" in the information that we read; however, now we have an outlet for expression that hadn't previously existed. This of course brings up the question of ownership of text and ideas. Ownership of ideas is very important in a society that rewards people monetarily for their intellectual contribution. We will have to suspend our traditional concepts of intellectual property to a much broader sphere, I believe.

I think one of the most important statements made at this reading was that of our progress as a society in understanding the world around us. It was said that the following has been our progression of understanding. First, we explained the world around us with magic. Then, we moved to religion. Next, we used science. Now, we are in the Era of Communication. I think that this is a profound concept. If we keep the implications of this statement in mind, we will see the inherent need to understand and use the resources that are available to us. The world in which we exist is about the exchange of ideas. It is important that we keep our minds open and our skills sharpened. It is almost as if we are witnessing our own evolution as humans. Paradigms will shift and culture will change. Dr. Stevenson's papers sheds some light on our possible direction. In navigating ourselves through this new territory of hypertextual learning and understanding, ultimately we must keep in mind and respect the concepts of ownership and literacy.