My experience with social media and digital composition is likely
limited compared to my peers. I have an Instagram that I find myself on for a
few minutes most days to look for funny pictures of animals doing funny things,
I’ve also used Snapchat to share 1000’s of pictures of my cats with the world,
and in the early 2000’s, I was very active on Myspace (I don’t believe this
experience is very relevant today). As for promoting social action, my actions
in that area are unfortunately mostly limited to comment sections and online game
chat areas, where I’m certain I haven’t had the impact I’d like to while trying
to connect with angry gamers to work toward pointing their attention to the
problems of the world.
Despite my lack of current experience, and occasional resistance
to future experience, I’m fortunate enough to not be so ignorant that I can’t
see the massive potential for online media in the pursuit of change and in
creating a more well-rounded educational experience for students and teachers
alike. The only real pitfalls in using digital media that I can see so far are
within my (hopefully temporary) lacking expertise. The potential seems almost
endless, especially in school districts with children below the poverty line
that suffer losses related to availability of information constantly. Looking
at a broader definition of online media, it might be likely that cell phones
and tablets are an important factor in closing the gap. With smartphones, teens in less privileged areas can connect and interact with the world through apps
that connect to social media, news, and a library of information on the
internet that would be unheard of 2 decades ago in (for good or bad) a
relatively unrestricted manner. Alongside the availability of information on
smartphones and tablets, is the willingness of students to engage with those
devices. Whether they know it or not, every text that a student sends, every text
they read, every group chat they participate, and every meme they share privately
mocking their moves them into a level of ever-increasing literacy. Incorporating
those devices into the ELA classroom and explaining to your students the
potential for change that each of them holds in their hands every day might be
the next big step into making real change for their generation and those to follow.
5 comments:
I agree that media can be a tool for change. In fact, it has been a tremendous help in showing the world the injustices that are taking place in the world we live in. I think students have become more active, and found it an asset that gives them a voice. Yet, I believe there is more than one real pitfall. Outside of the ineffective use of said media, there is the fact that there is still a lot of education not taking place when it comes to showing students how to be effective with all the tools technology has to offer. Could it be possible that we are placing more value on simply being connected than on being appropriately connected? It feels like everything else has this "the sky is the limit" approach, but technology has no limit, so we don't put any energy into actually educating ourselves and our students on how to be more technologically effective. If you have time I think you should consider this comment Denzel Washington made about news and opin-news (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKhUa9Nj5kw)
James,
Nice post! I chuckled a little when you mentioned MySpace. It might be fake news, but I heard MySpace might be making a comeback for musicians and those aspiring to be a starving artist. While reading your blog, I thought what it would be like to have a special social media platform that runs through the influence of both teachers and students and in turn promotes the benefits of media education. I might have to put a patent on that. You're right in mentioning that along side these platforms is the engagement that we're looking for. I'm looking forward to continuing this discussion next week.
Michael H.
Hey James,
I also referenced MySpace in my post as well. I think we can all agree that it was a troubling time in our lives. But I agree with what you wrote in your post. Using media and technology in the classroom is praticularly unavoidable and should be used, but with some percautions. Students should learn the consequences, potential dangers, and power of using it inappropriately. As long as students have a mutual trust and agreement in the classroom that understands that technology should be used in a positive and meaningful manner, than the possiblities for learning are endless.
Maggie
I agree! We have these technologies, we should use them. I think you've brought up a good point with the students' willingnesses to engage with the media that they have at their disposal. Having a student look something up on their own personal device has a sort of personability to the work they do. It's MY phone, and I like being able to use it! Literacy isn't strictly about reading "the classics." It's about being a productive member of todays' society in all aspects.
Yes, I agree with many of the sentiments and call for critical reading and participation online. As these new platforms begin to become forms of offshoring our thinking (e.g. who remembers a phone # anymore) they become embedded into our thinking and demand new practices for critical thinking!
Post a Comment