Monday, October 12, 2009
social networking as a social reality
I thought the most interesting part of this video was the concept that one of the students pointed out by putting a mirror in front of her webcam to illustrate that while people are talking to other people, they are mediated by technology and thus, the conversation is dramatically different than a person addressing thousands of people from a stage say, at an event of some kind. The examples used in Wesch’s talk matter because of the sheer number of people which they influence or impact. This could range from people discounting them because they see the practice as un-intellectual, ignoring it as a legitimate platform from which to encourage civil participation. This could also include those people who are unable to take what they see on YouTube with a grain of salt and are too heavily influenced by the opinions expressed there. The role of “self” in social networking, specifically networking involving technology, is a unique and individual version of yourself which could only be activated through the medium of technology. In other words, it’s a version of your personality that you tap into when you address a mass of people, but never face to face. Based on this answer, my view of social networking has not changed much, and I still believe it can be used in the classroom. Social networking opens students up to avenues of their psyche that they may have never known existed. In fact I think it’s safe to say that sooner or later, a new technology, or something beyond the realm of what we consider to be technology will emerge that will also uncover a new vestige of the human psychological disposition. The bottom line is that social networking is a real part of our current world, and as educators it is our responsibility to prepare our students for anything they may encounter in the world. So, my question to you is, do you think as teachers we have the right to choose what aspects of the world we want to include in our lessons, or do you believe that if it exists in society, we must address it?
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I believe that we have the right to choose what is and what isn't covered in our classrooms. Some tools that are out there may not be pertinent to our classroom. It is also difficult, as other blogs have brought up,to make sure the students are using these tools the correct way. It is a fine line that we walk on as teachers introducing our students to this technology that the video discusses.
ReplyDeleteI think we do need to teach our students about technology because it will be beneficial to have guidance in using these tools! but we have the right to decide what to and what not to use!
Your thought that technology and social networks show a different side of our personality, I think is correct. We do respond differently and, if I dare say, on a more vulnerable and emotional level. People share things on many of the social networks they would never feel comfortable enough to share any where else. Our students maybe would follow this pattern as well. The discussions could be richer and as the teacher we could try to bring them out of the web platforms and into the classroom. As for your question I think as educators we should address whatever we think is important to teach. If the school boards want to hire us they should trust us enough to teach content that will help our students.
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ReplyDeleteAs teachers, we play a complex role in the instruction of our world to students. What's pertinent, what's irrelevant? Who should decide what we cover? I believe the best course of action to take is to be sure we're not just covering what we enjoy and what we only see as important. We need to look at the grand scheme of things, and what might have the most profound effect on students. It's difficult to maintain such a level of subjectivity, but I believe it is an important one.
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