One struggle that we often face in the classroom supporting or fostering student motivation. Some of the content we cover doesn't seem pertinent. Some may argue that our educational system is dated and needs to be reworked but that is another discussion.
After watching the Video Music Awards the other day and the backlash on the net, my mind began to swim. Our students do have vivid imaginations, they are creative and they are constantly looking for ways to express themselves. Not every student however is an artist or a computer programmer BUT they can work a camera, they can work with digital media, and with minimal guidance they can use Web 2.0 tools to bring their imaginations into the visible realm.
So...how can we as educators tap into that to bring Social Studies, English, Science, Math, CALM to life? Take a look at the parodies that mash together seemingly unrelated ideas into provocative, discussion worthy, and entertaining finish products worthy of a portfolio. I will say in advance that some of the parodies in the following link wouldn't be able to be used in their entirety in class due to language but the Hitler and Obama clips are very well done. http://mashable.com/2009/09/15/kanye-west-parodies/.
Imagine students generating mash-ups and parodies around poetry, historical political dissensions, critiques of colonial ambitions, pivotal scientific discoveries...and the list goes on.
Thoughts? Concerns?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thought provoking! Students being able to generate mashups and the like utilizing web 2.0 tools would certainly alter the teaching environment, bringing us all into a more technologically savvy world!
ReplyDelete