PBS Teachers- Digital Media Literacy

Quiz Yourself: 

Media usage is a guilty pleasure of mine. The amount of time I actually spend with media is not one of those things I like to think about. I am constantly ignoring the fact that media is more than just usage, and that it is completely integrated into almost every facet of my life.

This made taking the quiz very hard for me. Although I scored 8 out of 12 correctly, I guessed on most of the questions. For the most part, my guesses were in the ballpark. However, the one answer that did shock me was when 79 percent of children reported that the TV is left on even when no one is watching at least some or most of the time. This isn't economical! TV wastes electricity, and if no one is watching it, why is it still on?! 

I really just wonder why people leave it on. Is it that people are too lazy? I'm sure this accounts for some of the population, since I know I have been guilty of this practice (mostly because we don't pay for our electric bill), which I know is terrible. However, as a child I know this was never allowed to happen in my house. My grandfather would be all over me like white on rice. I was hoping my sloth and apathy was just a product of my twenties, however it is clearly not just the twenty-something population causing this trend. 

Digital Media Landscape: 

What is it? 

I really liked how this video talked about how what you say online can be like a tattoo. The images were simple, but the message was clear. This is a great instructional tool for the classroom and reminds us all what the internet is all about: "Think before you post." 

I commonly forget to think about what this website is leaving out. I  also don't always use the rule of three when finding information online either. Just because the first website I found is a University website, it doesn't mean that it is telling all sides of the story. 

And last but certainly not least, "reporting inappropriate information isn't ratty." Kids shouldn't feel like they are a tattle tale because they told on someone who was doing something wrong. And what's so wrong with being a tattle tail sometimes? Why does trying to do the right thing have a bad connotation? 

How do I use it? 

I never realized what it takes for schools to succeed in social media, and that it was so complex! First off, I didn't even really realize that some schools were trying to use social media; I just thought it was straight-up banned. As I learn more about the whole social media puzzle, I realize that my narrow definition of social media may be why I thought it was all banned. I know now that social media is much more than Facebook and MySpace. 

I still don't really get why communicating on social media is more fun for students. I personally would find it really weird and unprofessional if my teachers were liking my Facebook status and posting class updates on my wall. I enjoy the level of separation between the different facets of my life. 

As a future teacher I am constantly reminding myself that the "my way or the highway" model doesn't work. It's OK that some people feel differently about the use of social media in the classroom. It is healthy to disagree! It's important to acknowledge that the same thing that works for me, may not be the same thing that works for the person sitting next to me, or my best friend.

Learn More: 

First-Graders Read, Write, and Tweet in Ill. Classroom

After reading this article, I feel torn. For the most part, it sounds phenomenal and it sounds like you can see the benefits between child and parent interactions. What I have a hard time with is 6 & 7 year olds who have Twitter accounts. I wouldn't want what I said when I was in first grade published online forever. I just don't think kids this age have the capacity to make posting choices that might be permanently displayed on the internet for the rest of their lives. 

Examples: Digital Learning Environments

I feel like one of the biggest worries about our culture's media usage is that people aren't getting enough "face time" and social interaction with others. One of the strengths of our BAE program is that we get a lot of "face time" with kids and spend lots of hours in the classroom. 

While I was stumbling through the Digital Media Landscape section I came across this article through a series of clicks: 

Avatars to Teach the Teachers

At the University of Central Florida they are using a program called TeachME.  Through TeachME, students in the education program have the opportunity to work in a safe classroom environment. They work within a virtual classroom where students are projected on the screen. These virtual students are avatars that are being played by other students at the university. Advocates of the program say that this is a great way for education majors to practice their techniques in the classroom. 

First, I must say that I have never seen the program in action, and all of my commentary should be taken with a grain of salt. 

Right off the bat, this program seems like a big waste of time and money to me. One of the assets of education programs that require a lot of fieldwork practicum, is that you have real experience with kids in the classroom. With this comes the added benefit and safety net of an experienced mentor teacher. No matter how well trained these actors/avatars are in child development theory, they are still adults. This whole program seems more like an acting workshop, than a lesson in classroom management. 

And lastly, this program is not supporting the community in the same way as traditional practicum in the classroom does. Although there can be a lot of logistical set-up, interacting with students in the schools is good for students at all grade levels. TeachME takes away this valuable asset that BAE programs across the nation provide for communities. 

PBS Resources: 

American Photography

As a little kid it is hard to imagine a world that is different from the one you experience. Pictures can be worth a thousand words and this collection of photographs over the century can help students visualize what life was like during a different time. 

When I was a little girl, I loved to look through pictures, especially of my family members. I think that some kind of photo project paired with an oral history project could be a great way for students to understand how things have changed over time, and learn more about their families. 

Integrating Digital Content and Tools: 

This website has so many great ideas! I think that it would be really cool to record class activities, in order to provide opportunities for students who miss class, parents who can't always volunteer, and as a resource to other students in the building. I would not only post this video to TeacherTube or Vimeo, but would certainly post it on a classroom blog or website. One day I hope to integrate technology into my classroom just like this class does.