Chapter 4 & 5 Learning and Literacy and Commercial Culture– This article opened my eyes to new and interesting topics within the realm of social media, technology and the connection it has to learning and becoming a better participant within our new and expanding digital culture. I had never heard of the terms participatory culture or Web 2.0 before I read these chapters. I like the idea of having students become more actively engaged in the digital world they are now consumed by. I mean if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! The influx of social media and this new technological explosion that has taken over for the past twenty plus years is not going away. So to shun the internet or try to force students to stop using it is not realistic. In my opinion the more you try to tell children what not to do, the more they want to do it. Especially with our youth of today who were born and raised in this technology crazed culture. They don’t know a simpler way of life or anything different, they have nothing to compare it to. This is their normal, where as for me at 38 its become my new normal. So the idea of finding ways to engage our youth in a positive light into becoming active participants in our fast emerging digital world is a wonderful idea. It’s impossible and like I mentioned above, unrealistic to think children won’t use the internet or use it less in school or outside of school. So showing and teaching them new and positive ways to become a part of a bigger digital community that can influence changes in our culture and our world will have long lasting impacts on them as individuals. This helps build their self esteem and confidence. Knowing and believing in themselves that they can influence real change and create a better world through the interactions they choose to have and make through digital media. I’ve been guilty of looking down and being highly judgmental of millennials and their use of the internet. Especially when they annoyingly bump into me or let a door slam in my face because their too busy texting to hold it or notice I’m even there! Or my favorite being stuck behind a texter who doesn’t see the GREEN light GO because their not paying attention. Ugh! BUT after reading this whole concept of active participation I now wonder are some of these kids searching about ways to start a non profit? Or possibly looking up the best University to attend? Or Googling how to be a better friend? I mean hey the kid that let the door slam in my face might be the next Mark Zuckerberg (not sure if that’s good or bad?) on the verge of creating another social media phenomenon. I guess we just never know.
I have an adorable seven year old nephew who has every technological device you can imagine: a flat screen tv, a Google Mini, an iPad, laptop, various video gaming systems. My brother allowed it and I sometimes wonder if it was for the best? But my nephew is very smart, sweet, responsible and well behaved. My brother monitors, blocks certain content and puts limitations on how often he can play or use his devices. He follows the rules for the most part, and only sometimes complains or throws a mini tantrum if we dare pull him away from Minecraft or Roblox. But overall he understands why he shouldn’t be glued to the devices and what the implications mean for him, even at seven he gets it. That’s in large part thanks to his parents and also him as an individual. That’s another important concept that I think should be highlighted. All children are unique and different and the way they learn, how they learn, and what they choose to learn all depends. Parental influence is paramount and I also think our educational systems influences them greatly. Of course their environment, society and their peers all play a major role as well. I feel like after reading these chapters I’m less judgmental about the use of the internet and what digital media and participation really means for our youth. But I’m still highly cautious. I recently saw a episode of This Is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN and the question she posed was: Are kids getting their sex education from internet porn? I was horrified at the thought. In my generation you had to go out and purchase dirty girly magazines which were wrapped up and hidden behind the cashier. You had to walk behind the big, red velvety curtain of shame in order to buy a pornographic movie at the video store. That was awful because all eyes were on you! Judgey eyes, big angry, beady eyes! So of course you reconsider and leave the dirty movie behind. Walking away from under the curtain, empty handed with a huge sigh of relief. But there’s no such thing these days, the ease in which we can obtain these graphic videos is unsettling to say the least. Even at my age I’m still in shock. Oh the good ole days of Blockbuster video are long gone. Although I know their is a seedy underbelly to the worldwide web I firmly believe that its not ALL bad. I’ve seen for myself that the internet can be used for good. With proper supervision and guidance I think our kids will be ok and become more civic minded and involved in making real change. But again most importantly we have to be active in teaching them and engaging them in how to participate in the good and also warning them about the threats that are posed to them on the web. When my nephew plays Roblox their are other players from around the world requesting to be his “friend” I have no clue who these people are or even if their kids. Scary feeling. So I always turn the notifications off. We as educators, parents and as a society have to be vigilant in protecting and preparing our children, not shunning them away from the dangers that lurk. Because sadly, danger and evil is a part of our lives and ignoring it won’t make it go away. I hope and pray I see the day my own nephew as he gets older, uses the internet to actively engage and try to make this world a better place! I truly believe that day will come. Most of you have probably seen this short video below but for me it was a first! Enjoy! Xo