After our last class, discussing the Media Education article, I had a few remaining questions and comments. When social media is used in the classroom, the conversation doesn't need to end when class is over.
-My discussion with Wei:
1. In Singapore: Schools are replacing books with iPads. Wei described this as "replacing the old washing machine with a new washing machine." And I agree. I think this shows a lack of careful thinking on the part of the schools, a naive over-endorsement of technology for technology's sake. I have seen this in my student teaching with the use of SmartBoard, which seems to just be replacing the white board with digital markers, and transparencies with slide shows. Here, there is no student application of technology.
2. Technology can lead to a degradation of language: Wei observed that in discussion boards online, posts and comments are often unreflected outbursts, sometime inflammatory, and unproductive.
-I would suggest that the same concern could be applied to class discussions with 7th graders (or adults), with no instruction of the necessary skills needed for meaningful discussion. Students shout out their thoughts without consideration for what has been said. These skills must be made transparent, valued, and practiced.
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