Chapter 5 Reflection

Chapter 5 deals with reshaping our outlook on media and its possible uses in education.  We need to update our view of what literacy, learning, and knowledge look like in the modern classroom.  I was very pleased that the response was there is no easy answer and it is complicated.  We should be turning from the old “one right answer” viewpoint.  Expanding on that the author explores aspects of new media and how students interact with it.  Of particular note was the exploration of texting and the implications on student development that are associated.  It was nice to see a look of understanding the broader social implications of texting as opposed to seeing it as a degradation of English (as the usual conclusion).  Further the author advises against the common approach of prohibiting new media (i.e. cell phones) and instead trying to adapt to employ them.  These techniques promote peer based learning.  I am not entirely convinced that “geek out” is as mainstream accepted as the author states, but the underlying sentiment is certainly correct.
The usage of new media as opposed to focusing on it as a distraction was of particular note to me.  I know I have tried to incorporate new media and tech into educational activities including video games, tablet devices, and mp3 players.  Further, a recommendation from a high school science teacher sticks with me that when the class needs to record time (usually with stopwatches) to allow the students to use smart phones or the like instead.  This is done on the condition that it is used when appropriate only of course.