From Knowledge to Knowledge –able

From Knowledge to Knowledge –able

by Michael Wesch

Michael Wesch used the World on fire environment metaphor (The little bird that saved the world and all hope is not lost) I quote. Using this in order for “us” the audience to understand how the media and the tools we have today can be used in a positive an in a productive way not just a form of entertainment. It was interesting how he described his students and explained how the media affected them in class not in a good way somehow; he said many of today’s young population are still seeking for the “meaning of life and recognition”. Wesch points out how media is mainly commercial and the young are the main target.  “Media is not just tools or means of communications. Media changes the way we communicate”. He gave the TV example and how it is a one way communication but now that we have all these tools (Technology); media can be used in a positive way. Demonstrating that global conversations can be made and how easily it can be spread.

 Media can be distracting in many ways, he mentioned how many of the students in his class were affected and that they were not knowledge-able. Wesch decided to ask his students the following question “What does it feel to be a student today”, some the answers were:  classes are too big, some teachers don’t even know their student names, “I’m browsing the internet checking Facebook etc. Ultimately explaining that is hard to connect with people.

He teaches his students to be knowledge able meaning learning how to:

• Connect
• Organize                                                                                  
• Share
• Collect
• Collaborate
• Publish all together

 For many students like me who just came back to school after a while it is a different experience I came to RIC in 2004 and finish almost 2 years and I just came last year as a part time student to finish my degree and I definitely see the difference from almost 10 years ago. I have to say that the technology incorporated in some of the classes freaks me out a little bit not because I’m not capable but the fact that I have to learn to adjust to a different kind of learning environment  from what I was used to.  The new generation of College students have more tools when it comes to learning and Wesch wants us to understand that Technology is not just great way of communication and accessibility but we have to learn how to use it to make a positive impact in our world and be Knowledge-able.

Knowledge –ability is practice”.

The Rise and Fall of the American Teenager

                                                

The Rise and Fall of the American Teenager

 

By Thomas Hine

 

                                                         http://youtu.be/tlyOSRTxglA

 

REFLECTION:

          It was refreshing reading about Thomas Hine views regarding teenagers; he made excellent points of how the American teenager has been labeled from a century ago and now. Taking us going back on time and reminding us that during the ’industrial time in America” there were “teens” and children that had to work to provide financial support to their families and this was expected of them. Teens are “all the same” according to our society there is no individuality, and value or agency when it comes to someone who is in time of experimentation, transition. Therefore “All of them according to our society are basically experiencing the same things’. The word “teen” has some interesting obsolete that seem to echo faintly today. For seven centuries “teen” meant a source of anger, irritation, or anxiety. It also meant barrier. I quote.

 

            But why this hasn’t change is it because we don’t want or we are just use to it in other words is it our IDEOLOGY  or Consent described by Gramsci (MEDIA and IDEOLOGY as “something that is won; ruling groups in society actively seek to have their worldview accepted by all members of society as the universal way of thinking”. Examples: schools, religion and of course the media given to us. Adults fear that teenagers will go totally out of control. The teenage years have been defined as, at once, the best and freest of life and a time of near madness and despair. Hine calls it “teenage mystique  Hine is trying to open our eyes and to be more understanding of what teenagers are going through and embrace their potential and individuality and not to alienate them. Keeping in mind that they are our future and they are the ones who eventually while be in charge.

      

A Double Take

A Tangle of Discourses: Girls Negotiating Adolescence

By Rebecca Raby

                                                                 

QUOTES:

1.      Vivian Burr notes ‘A discourse refers to a set of meanings, metaphors, representations, images, stories, statements and so on that in some way together produce a particular version of events’ (1995, p. 48). It may also produce a version of things or people. Privileging one set of representations over another, discourses tend to claim the status of truth”.

Response: Raby explained how she used the “disclosure method” on her interviewees, in order to have a better understanding or closure of how teenagers or adolescences are viewed from generation to generation. For example Jan (grandmother) and Jess (granddaughter) interview’s Rebecca’s question was: there used to be stereotypes that teenagers are moody, emotional, or going through a phase … What do you think of that? I quote. Jan said that all teenagers are “self-centered” which I found interesting how easy was her to say that statement (is it because that’s how “all teens are perceive this way by older generation or is this her personal experience with teens”? but when it came to Jess her response was a little more expressive meaning that she explained how much she has to do to prove herself as a adolescence and as Raby explained this question was harder for Jesse to answer. “Teenagers are not some alien life form”

 2.      As Hudson illustrates:…”the problem of adolescence for teenagers is that they must demonstrate maturity and responsibility if they are to move out of this stigmatized status, and yet because adolescence is conceived as a time of irresponsibility and lack of maturity, they are given few opportunities to demonstrate these qualities which are essential for their admission as adults”. (1984, p. 36).

Response: As a young independent woman I do agree with Hudson statement (I’m talking through my personal experiences growing up) I was raised by a single mom and a brother and I remember everybody (family) telling me you better be good because your mom is sacrificing so much for the two of you and growing up that was a big weight on your shoulders. I have to start working as soon as I turn 16 “I have to help, it was my responsibility” I did not have time to “socialize” as much as I wanted but it was something I decided to do and not “rebel” and that does not mean I did not enjoy my teenage years, I believe it helped me be more responsible. My point is that everyone is unique and you can choose their own path, regarding age, social class, race etc. Been judge or labeled is something we all cannot escape.

3.      “While teens are often stereotyped as troublemakers, ‘troublemakers’ are also stereotyped as teens or as kids”

Response: The most common label for teens today is “teens have no respect for adults” “they are trouble makers” just keep in mind that this is a form of stereotyping a whole community (teen community) Each teen needs to be looked at as an individual before any assumptions can be made. In most cases the majority of teens would prove to be responsible, caring people.   The kind of future leaders we need for our society.

Unlearning the Myths that bind us by Linda Christensen

Linda Christensen explored more deeply on how children’s entertainment affects their view of the world around them.  I have to say I never thought about the influence cartoons gave to me until now.  As a little girl I taught “if is made for children it has to be good and educational”, but never realized how unconsciously can shape your way of thinking growing up; especially when you are a little girl. For example watching Cinderella, Snow White, just to mention a few, portraying beauty as being good and the ugly as being  bad (physically).  Like this situation, most children are likely to imitate what they see on television because children tend to think that their favorite characters are heroes or role models at some point, so they want to act and speak like them. Applying the: "monkey see, monkey do" analogy. Christensen points out Tatum’s research suggestions: “the stereotypes and worldview embedded in the stories become accepted knowledge”.

Furthermore, we can’t forget that there are movies and cartoons that have a good moral to the story, and children can learn about numbers, letters, colors and shapes by watching quality educational programs; such as Sesame Street and Blues Clues, it seems as though they are geared toward teaching the viewer’s skills and overall about social interaction.

Another point I will like to make is that nowadays, most parents work, so they do not have enough time to be with their children and play with them for most of the day; which inevitably most children spend time watching cartoons in other words “too much TV and not enough family time”.  This can lead these children to be exposed to advertising that can lead on making the wrong choices. 

As parents our future ones we are the responsible ones on how we going to “educate and raise our children” also remembering the famous concept of “Nurture vs. Nature”. 

It's all about Entertainment

Reflection: Unlearning the Myths that bind us

By Linda Christensen

Linda Christensen explored more deeply on how children’s entertainment affects their view of the world around them.  I have to say I never thought about the influence cartoons gave to me until now.  As a little girl I taught “if is made for children it has to be good and educational”, but never realized how unconsciously can shape your way of thinking growing up; especially when you are a little girl. For example watching Cinderella, snow white, just to mention a few, portraying beauty as being good and the ugly as being  bad (physically).  Like this situation, most children are likely to imitate what they see on television because children tend to think that their favorite characters are heroes or role models at some point, so they want to act and speak like them. Applying the: "monkey see, monkey do" analogy. Christensen points out Tatum’s research suggestions: “the stereotypes and worldview embedded in the stories become accepted knowledge”.

Furthermore, we can’t forget that there are movies and cartoons that have a good moral to the story, and this.  Children can learn about numbers, letters, colors and shapes by watching quality educational programs; such as Sesame Street and Blues Clues, it seems as though they are geared toward teaching the viewer’s skills and overall about social interaction.

Another point I will like to make is that nowadays, most parents work, so they do not have enough time to be with their children and play with them for most of the day; which inevitably most children spend time watching cartoons in other words “too much TV and not enough family time”.  This can lead these children to be exposed to advertising that can lead on making the wrong choices.  As parents our future ones we are the responsible ones on how we going to “educate and raise our children” also remembering the famous concept of “Nurture vs. Nature”. 

Comment:  Childhood is the most imprtant and most beautiful chapter of our lives.