Comments on: Read Around the Planet http://theclassroom.ca/2007/03/read-around-the-planet/ Thoughts and Resources for Teachers Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:35:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Danny http://theclassroom.ca/2007/03/read-around-the-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-84 Danny Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:20:58 +0000 http://theclassroom.ca/2007/03/11/read-around-the-planet/#comment-84 It's interesting to read both Lisa's and Mr. G.'s thoughts on the potential of becoming disconnected from the immediate surroundings in an attempt to become more connected with the rest of the world. It makes me think of the 'echo-chamber effect' that Phil McRae from the U of A speaks of when referring to the Internet. Technology allows us to connect with a global population, and while this offers us the potential to learn more about other perspectives and ideas, Phil cautions that just the opposite can occur. He gave, as an example, a white supremacy website and messageboard. While people who share these beliefs may be separated geographically in some cases, the Internet allows like-minded people to gather together and perpetuate their very narrow view of the world. Having a group of people who resonate the same ideals and beliefs further reinforces those narrow views (hence the 'echo-chamber' effect). So while technology can enable people to access a broad view of the world, it also allows people to access narrow views as well. Think satellite radio, messageboards, Xbox Live, and Yahoo Groups. Pulling this back to videoconferencing and connecting with others as Lisa and Mr. G. refer to, it goes to show (once again) that the technology only creates the potential, and the user ultimately decides how it is used. I've asked Phil McRae if his article is freely available on the Internet, but in the meantime if you're interested in reading the abstract visit http://www.editlib.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Reader.ViewAbstract&paper_id=24102 . Danny It’s interesting to read both Lisa’s and Mr. G.’s thoughts on the potential of becoming disconnected from the immediate surroundings in an attempt to become more connected with the rest of the world. It makes me think of the ‘echo-chamber effect’ that Phil McRae from the U of A speaks of when referring to the Internet.

Technology allows us to connect with a global population, and while this offers us the potential to learn more about other perspectives and ideas, Phil cautions that just the opposite can occur. He gave, as an example, a white supremacy website and messageboard. While people who share these beliefs may be separated geographically in some cases, the Internet allows like-minded people to gather together and perpetuate their very narrow view of the world. Having a group of people who resonate the same ideals and beliefs further reinforces those narrow views (hence the ‘echo-chamber’ effect). So while technology can enable people to access a broad view of the world, it also allows people to access narrow views as well. Think satellite radio, messageboards, Xbox Live, and Yahoo Groups.

Pulling this back to videoconferencing and connecting with others as Lisa and Mr. G. refer to, it goes to show (once again) that the technology only creates the potential, and the user ultimately decides how it is used. I’ve asked Phil McRae if his article is freely available on the Internet, but in the meantime if you’re interested in reading the abstract visit http://www.editlib.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Reader.ViewAbstract&paper_id=24102 .

Danny

]]> By: Mr. G http://theclassroom.ca/2007/03/read-around-the-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-77 Mr. G Mon, 12 Mar 2007 20:17:58 +0000 http://theclassroom.ca/2007/03/11/read-around-the-planet/#comment-77 I can see that happening, but again it depends on the teacher right? We've both seen teachers that won't even dream of taking their kids on a field trip, while others seem to have one a week. But for the former, isn't VC a reasonable alternative? Not that I'm saying that's all that should be done. I agree a balance in needed (one which I think we have with our classes), but VC isn't a bad thing. Just a tool. Everything in moderation is the key. I can see that happening, but again it depends on the teacher right? We’ve both seen teachers that won’t even dream of taking their kids on a field trip, while others seem to have one a week. But for the former, isn’t VC a reasonable alternative? Not that I’m saying that’s all that should be done. I agree a balance in needed (one which I think we have with our classes), but VC isn’t a bad thing. Just a tool. Everything in moderation is the key.

]]> By: Lisa http://theclassroom.ca/2007/03/read-around-the-planet/comment-page-1/#comment-72 Lisa Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:42:52 +0000 http://theclassroom.ca/2007/03/11/read-around-the-planet/#comment-72 I have to agree with Shane, videoconferencing opens up a whole new world of opportunities. What never seemed possible before is now possible, and our students' learning is so much richer for it. My spine still tingles when I think about our conference with a Canadian soldier stationed in Afghanistan, both when I think of his face and the excitement he showed because so many kids were taking an interest in his mission, as well as how empowered my class was to try and make a difference after that in their mission to help rebuild an Afghan school. Events so far away suddenly become so much more real. The idea of "virtual" field trips also excites me, especially with the fact that they can be interactive. Students can visit places like the Tyrell Museum which would otherwise be out of the question due to time and cost restraints. I also just took part in Read Around the Planet which was totally neat to see my kids and the class in Michigan talk to each other and find out that we really aren't so very different, in fact, we have more in common than not! Videoconferencing allows us to come together on a global scale, connect with other kids and adults, and appreciate what everyone has to offer, in addition to recognizing that the distance doesn't really make us all so different as we might have thought. I am a firm believer in technology, and I really like Shane's reference to how it is like a tool in the hands of an artist, referring to how it can be used as far as your imagination will let it. However, one little part inside of me still wants to hold on to tradition. What about the classroom next door? Will we forget about connecting to what is closest to us first, or neglect visiting places in our own city because this technology is so much more exciting and brimming with opportunity? I would hate to see us become disconnected from our immediate surroundings in an attempt to connect with the rest of the world. Of course, the proper balance of each would be the most enriching and ideal of all! I have to agree with Shane, videoconferencing opens up a whole new world of opportunities. What never seemed possible before is now possible, and our students’ learning is so much richer for it. My spine still tingles when I think about our conference with a Canadian soldier stationed in Afghanistan, both when I think of his face and the excitement he showed because so many kids were taking an interest in his mission, as well as how empowered my class was to try and make a difference after that in their mission to help rebuild an Afghan school. Events so far away suddenly become so much more real. The idea of “virtual” field trips also excites me, especially with the fact that they can be interactive. Students can visit places like the Tyrell Museum which would otherwise be out of the question due to time and cost restraints. I also just took part in Read Around the Planet which was totally neat to see my kids and the class in Michigan talk to each other and find out that we really aren’t so very different, in fact, we have more in common than not! Videoconferencing allows us to come together on a global scale, connect with other kids and adults, and appreciate what everyone has to offer, in addition to recognizing that the distance doesn’t really make us all so different as we might have thought. I am a firm believer in technology, and I really like Shane’s reference to how it is like a tool in the hands of an artist, referring to how it can be used as far as your imagination will let it. However, one little part inside of me still wants to hold on to tradition. What about the classroom next door? Will we forget about connecting to what is closest to us first, or neglect visiting places in our own city because this technology is so much more exciting and brimming with opportunity? I would hate to see us become disconnected from our immediate surroundings in an attempt to connect with the rest of the world. Of course, the proper balance of each would be the most enriching and ideal of all!

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