Societal+Issues

Our Societal Issues Threaded Discussion via the TEED 512 Angel site
The idea for this assignment is that you will select one resource to explore (from a list of 5 resources), become an "expert" on the resource, post an initial summary/comment on that resource using our threaded discussion forum on Angel, and then react to the posts of others on the forum. (Please review the assignment details for word count minimums, etc. in the syllabus!)

The first step is to select your resource from those listed and linked below (scroll down on this page).

Once you have selected and thoroughly explored your resource you can begin the threaded discussion process.
 * Sign in to Seattle University's [|Angel Web site;]
 * Select the Angel site for "[|TEED 512 - Learners and Instruction SECTION 1-13SQ]"
 * Click on the "Materials & Strands" tab;
 * Click on the folder entitled: "Educational Technology Strand";
 * Click on the threaded discussion folder entitled, "[|Threaded Discussion – Societal Issues & Educational Technology]" and follow the directions found there. [When you are ready, you will use the "New Post" button to make your initial posting.]

Note that your initial posting must be made by May 23, 2013 and ALL your reaction posts must be made by June 6, 2013

Here's the list of topics to choose from:

Promoting Responsible and Ethical Digital Citizens

How do we as educators motivate students to be responsible and ethical life long learners in the digital age? An article in // Education World // explores some different ways we can prepare students to be "tech smart" when using technology. Broad categories include: care of equipment, safe sites, copyright law and creative commons, preventing cyber bullying, promoting a positive self image with social networking sites, appropriate online etiquette, giving credit to original sources, and the importance of critically thinking and reflecting about purpose, message and intent of any and all digital creation. (Kia Himstead)

[|Should We Care About Media Literacy? An Interview With Frank Baker]

Media literacy is an important societal topic that I believe does not get a lot of national attention. Some may argue that it is a skill that is as much of a necessity as learning how to read and write. That being said, I would guess that many people do not recognize it as an essential learned skill set that should be part of the K -12 education system. In this article, Peter DeWitt provides a short Q & A from his interview with Frank Baker, the author of Media Literacy: 21st Century Literacy Skills. During the interview Baker provides his thoughts on what media literacy is, why media illiteracy is so dangerous, and how teachers can get students to care about being media literate. This article does a great job of creating awareness about the argument for media literacy and of creating more contemplation by educators as technology continues to be integrated into classrooms. (Brian Cates)

How Young Is TOO Young for Smart Phones and Tablets?

More and more often these days you see parents handing their young child—toddlers even—smart phones to keep them from fussing and causing a disruption in public. The question is: “Is this a healthy choice for my child’s learning?” It is often said that children under the age of five learn best with social interaction and observing the world around them; giving them this style of distraction could be detrimental to their education. As a societal Issue, I am wondering how this will impact education over the years to come. Will children be entering schools with a higher understanding of math, reading, and science? Or will they just have stunted social skills, causing additional burdens on elementary teachers that will need to work harder to build even basic social skills? Where will you stand when the time comes? (Jason O’Leary)

[|Why "Googling it" Is Not Enough]

This article explores how teaching students to "Google it" may be hindering students' ability to actually do thoughtful and original research. While most teachers admit that the internet has amazing opportunities for research, especially when it comes to the depth and breadth of information, it also has a lot of information that is unhelpful and flat-out lies. Part of our obligation to students who are used to "Googling it" is to teach them how to do true academic research online, utilizing journals and real research websites and being critical consumers of the internet. Many of our students have trouble discerning fact from fiction on the internet which can lead to real repercussions for budding researchers. The basis from this article is taken from study results just released by The Pew Research Center on [|"How Teens Do Research in the Digital Age."](Robin Nider)

Too Much Computer Exposure May Hinder Learning:

This article from // USA Today //, describes a study performed by researchers at the University of Munich. They data gathered from 175,000 students representing 31 different countries. The results of this extremely broad based study stated that students, with access to more than one computer in the home, actually suffered more than thrived in regards to math and reading scores. This article brings forth the main issue we have discussed in our Technology Strand: What is the appropriate use of technology for our students? I believe that computers and other forms of technology are incredible resources; however, they must be controlled and used in moderation. The results of this study support just that. (Jeana Greco)