Although Pagnucci and Ondaatje tell vastly different narratives, their stories are both cohesive. Pagnucci seems to tie his ideas together with insightful, yet broad statements that continue to link the reader to the purpose of narratives. I like one statement in particular: “Living the narrative life, then, means learning that who you are is all about the stories that form your life”(71). His piece embodies this narrative element throughout in different ways. Some harsh or painful memories may be difficult to recall. Others might be comical, inspiring, or fulfilling. Either way, these experiences ultimately shape people and the way they write.

    More specifically, Ondaatje uses multi-genre pieces to enhance the effect of his narrative. Poems and images give the narrative greater meaning and unify the tone of the piece. The author also includes repetition of colors, time, temperature, and references to light, which link ideas and strengthen the tone. Remarkably, Ondaatje incorporates every reoccurring element in one line, “–the night, the early morning yellow, the gradual move to dark blue at 11 o’clock, the new white 4 o’clock sun let in, later the gradual growing dark again.”(32) These meaningful descriptions bring the narrative to life and engage the reader in a creative way.

               I think multiple modes of communication impact my worldview, particularly in regards to my perception of those who are constantly involved in these communities. Unless someone is distant from friends and family by location, I don’t see the need to depend on these communities to feel socially linked to others. The few close friends I have are not totally linked to using multiple modes of communication. Consequently, we talk on the phone, text, and see each other frequently rather than exchanging through a computer screen all day. I admit I am a social butterfly, but I crave genuine face-to-face interaction and feel distant using other modes of communication. I have great relationships with the important people in my life and I think it’s because there is no communication that exceeds the strength of physically spending time with someone.

                Where writing is concerned, I feel like texting has improved my brevity skills. I am more talented at making my language more concise to avoid a ridiculously long screen conversation. I try to say as much as possible in few words. This ability assists me with my academic writing, especially if there is a word count. I love writing and words, so I’m glad I have found a mode of communication to help me condense my language and improve clarity.

I am already beginning to see the change with my daughter; she's four! Just by occassionally playing her Leapster Explorer and V-Tech reader, I notice a different thinking process. She thinks sequentially and obsesses over structure and precision. As mentioned in Prensky's article, she expects immediate responses for her actions and craves interactivity. Because I put a time limit on much of her technological exposure, I feel that this thinking is partly due to her age as well. Either way, I absolutely agree with his second article and I think that the way children are taught must change in response to this new thinking. We must teach students in a way that makes the most sense to them and help them to succeed in this new age we are all a part of.

    I consider myself a digital native, solely because of my age and life-long encounters with technology. My upbringing was influenced by computers, television, and other electronics that I used either at home or in school. At this point, I feel like techology has been helpful, yet I think the most popular uses now are distractions. For example, I don't use any form of social media because I try to stay focused on what's important. Also, I only watch televsion at night to help ease my mind and relax before bed. Being 22, I guarantee my daily technology use is quite less than other Americans my age. Although this digital age isn't too exciting for me, as a future teacher I know I will have to stay familiar with this everchanging world. I can't become a "digital immigrant" to the tools and ways of the years to come. Even though I may not choose to be a regualr participant in certain technology areas, I am always willing to learn and even more willing to help others learn.