Deb Dunnington
Multimodal Learning for the 21st Century Adolescent – Thomas Bean
Chapter 1 - (pages 1-29)
Today our professional book study group read the first chapter in our book. Chapter 1 in Multimodal Learning focuses on defining the terms multiple literacies and new literacies. These terms refer to how the idea of literacy is changing to incorporate other forms of media besides print, such as the Internet and the social networking trends of today.
We are in a time where the resources available to educators and students are changing and growing. Where before educators might use an online article as a supplemental resource, now “we can expect electronic forms of text to overtake older, print-based forms” (17). We are approaching a time where we may be forced to use those “older, print-based forms” as our supplement. This was a new concept to me because I was taught that visual aids such as technology or media should be used to further or deepen a student’s knowledge and learning, not replace the print medium. Technology is not an area I am totally comfortable in, but today, technology is a large interest of our teenagers and, as a teacher, I need to think about that and try to incorporate it into my lessons.
Another large focus in chapter one is on creativity. Bean appears to believe that “the more students practice functioning in creative, integrated, collaborative learning domains across all the content areas, the better” (18). By creative, integrated, and collaborative learning domains, I believe the author is referring to those social networks like Facebook, YouTube, Blogs, etc. that allow for people to socialize and discuss topics with others, even those in other locations. These are creative forums, but when reading this, I found myself questioning the text and wondering why we cannot still use print mediums in creative ways because, to me, creativity is not only found online. Bean states, “the possibilities for student creativity and production have never been better” (27). I totally agree with that because by using the technological resources we are giving students another tool to add to their toolbox and another way to build knowledge, I just don’t think it should be at the expense of those older resources we know work too.
Since none of our group had read the book prior to coming to class today, we chose to spend some time reading and then participated in the Last Word discussion protocol. One of the statements we discussed was “books, novels, magazines, and newspapers – artifacts of past generations – still remain on our radar. But, these hard copy paper-based forms of communication are quickly being outpaced by online forms of text, often augmented with appealing and engaging visuals and media clips” (16). Our group discussed that we have to be cognizant that not all of our students may have access to some of the technology and that not only do they need to know how to use the technology, but they still need to know how to use print sources, as well, because our big assessments are still in the “old” format. To me, the word multi says it all – we should use multiple mediums in our lessons.
I had never used the Last Word discussion protocol so in completing this activity I now have another strategy I can use in my classroom. I thought that it was a great way to discuss material and it forces the person who found the statement to listen to the other group members’ opinions and responses before commenting themselves. I thought this was great because I’ve noticed when using discussion in my class that a lot of times kids want to interrupt or dominate but they cannot do that when using this protocol unless they are totally not following the rules.
One reading strategy I used today was rereading. We only gave ourselves about half hour to read and prepare for our discussion and while that was enough for me to skim and find important statements, I didn’t feel as if it was enough time for me to read closely enough to be able to reflect on the reading. Before I could reflect, I reread the passages or parts of the chapter I felt were most relevant to what we discussed and to understanding the rest of the book.
I want to learn more about how does one actually go about using social media in their class and still maintain privacy and facilitate academic discussion within the "social network." I also am concenred that when using social media, we take away key components of the writing process. All so often, the posts are made with out a lot of effort put into making making a strong, grammatically correct statement. We have removed the process where kids reflect on what they write, edit and rewrite. If we use only these tools, where do they learn the process of writing? Deb, that is why agree with your statement of it having to be "multi." We need to engage students on multiple types of print.
ReplyDeleteAnother important thing that you reflected on was the importance of print-based media. I agree with you in the fact that, yes these things are old, they are still good! For instance, it's upsetting to see newspaper die off due to the fact that people are now getting their news online. Or heck, have you ever seen one of your kids actually reference an encyclopedia that sits on the shelf at a library? I remember my parents saving to buy full sets of encyclopedias for our home and flipping through them to learn about all types of facinating things and with everything else on the internet, I just don't see our students doing this! In my own practice, I will still have my kids read the newspaper and will still require a set number of actual printed books that they have to reference in their papers because I still see so much value in them!
Very informative! Has the author covered some of negative aspects of using Facebook yet? I think it would be possible to use Facebook effectively but not without some management issues. I was confused by the fact that the author felt print forms of reading were outdated. I agree that creativity is a must and that we as teacher's can use print forms of reading creatively. I also agree that a good mix is essential. I also think that combining forces with teachers who are well versed on the web based forms with teachers who are well versed with the print forms would have the potential for creating some outstanding teaching experiences for students.
ReplyDeleteDeb,
ReplyDeleteIt seems that we agree, how can we really get away from print-based material. I know that is what we grew up with so we would be more likely to gravitate towards print based materials over electronic texts. If we are to make a move towards electronic texts, how can we address annotating when on an internet site and we can not type in the text, highlighting- again for the same reason, reading at home when there is no internet access, and so on. Does the author address the changes in comprehension activities which would need to take place for electronic texts?
I agree, and I also get so very frustrated with the suggestion to use more technology. I want to use social media and non-print forms of literacy but the resources are not readily available. Not only do my students not have class acceptable technology devices, but I do NOT have class sets of computers or netbooks to have them use. Outside of texting and possibly Facebooking via cell phones, the resources are not available or reliable, and this becomes an equity issue within school districts and a policy issue.
ReplyDeleteDeb brings up an excellent point about the use of technology that I often struggle with as well. I agree with and believe that technology is an important tool that can help students develop a better understanding of material but I, like Deb, disagree that "books, novels, magazines, and newspapers – artifacts of past generations." I believe that technology should be a support for, not a replacement of, these types of media that, apparently, are considered archaic. Perhaps I am just not understanding the uses of technology or am resistant to change.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know more about how to incorporate more technology into my teaching. I would also like to better understand how technology should be used to make print media outdated (if this is the case).
I agree that it is important to continue to find creative ways to address print media with our students.
ReplyDeleteI do think social media is important and would like to find ways to use it in the classroom. I think it is also our responsiblity to teach our students social etiquette when using social sites.