Post #2: Technology, Fake News, and Mindfulness....

 

 

Blog Post #2:  Technology, Fake News, and Mindfulness

I just finished my first week of teaching remotely, as a classroom teacher.  It was quite a challenge for me, as well as for the other teachers, students, and their parents.  Many times, we assume that just because our students were “born with a tablet in hand” that they are “technologically savvy”. Correlation does not imply causation.  Being born with access to technology and the ability to use it for entertainment (websites, games, etc.) does not necessary mean that students have the technological skills to be able to use their devices for educational purposes, effectively.  In order for technology to be useful to students, he/she must put in the work and successfully intertwine effective communication, critical thinking, and knowledge of the subject area.  In short, students cannot be given a computer and expect learning to magically occur.  It takes a well-rounded student and even still the student may need guidance and collaboration with peers and the teacher/facilitator, to be successful.    

After reading over the P21 Framework, I am indecisive about my feelings about the skills, knowledge, and expertise that we are deeming all students have to be successful.  These are definitely attributes and skills that I would love for my child to possess: being a critical thinker/problem solver, being able to communicate effectively, having a strong academic background, having an understanding of global and national events and an educated opinion about them, being able to use technology efficiently, and being a great leader.  This list goes on.  I imagine a little kid, dressed in a business suit (like Kid President).   

Source:  (WBUR.org)

    All of these attributes are wonderful to posses but what if a student does not?  Everyone will not be an effective communicator or work well with others. As teacher-librarians, we can do our best to help our students to grow into the best version of themselves that they can be.  I understand that we must have high expectations for our students but what if those expectations do not fit? There is no one mold that works for all students.  If somehow, we could merge these high expectations with helping our students to find their unique talents and gifts, we have a win-win situation. 

The Liturgist Podcast: Fake News & Media Literacy (2017) was packed with so much thought-provoking information (I will share this podcast with family and friends).  I still cannot get their hilarious “rap” out of my head!  In all, the podcast affirms that you must pay attention and closely analyze all information and not take the information at face-value because of feelings or emotions.  This makes me think back to reports where the SC DHEC has stated that the spread of the Corona virus was decreasing in South Carolina.  Someone brought it to my attention that of course the numbers would appear to decrease without testing occurring frequently.  We looked to see if any testing had been done that week and we could not find testing sites in the area.  Growing up, I was taught that what the teacher said was believed to be factual information.  No one know everything and even teachers make mistakes.  It is imperative that we also teach our students to critically evaluate the information that they choose to partake, especially in this instant digital age. 

There were so many interesting points in this podcast, but what stuck with me were a few points by Clay Johnson.  Mr. Johnson (2017) stated the importance of being abreast of what your local politicians and elected officials are doing and suggests that his listeners be more active and involved.  These officials will make decisions that directly impact you and your community.  He ends by stating that no matter your political affiliation, we have a responsibility to serve and help our neighbors.  We must give our students (and the community) the tools needed to be effective users of technology.  It has motivated me, as a future librarian, to be more cognizant and pro-active in the “on-goings” of my community.  I want to fill my "librarian diet" with less junk (that may be pushed through social media) and do more fact checking and reading of more credible works.