e-Learning Weekly

In my last blog I tried to explain and remove the myth of ‘Web 2.0′ .

I have now stumbled across a fellow grad teacher, who is trying to implement Web 2.0 technology into his classroom. In his posting ‘to sink or swim in the deep pool of web 2.0 technologies’ , this so-called Old Dog, sings the praises of wiki’s in education. He has been doing some research in this area and found that “Wiki’s are so valuable as they foster the development of writing skills.  They promote reading, writing and editing. But most importantly they promote thinking.  Wiki’s can ease students into writing for public viewing and into web 2.0 technology itself.”

His later comment is something to consider “if wiki’s do nothing but encourage our students to write, then they are a true winner for me.”

Image: ‘Rouble rhooting’
www.flickr.com/photos/34361916@N00/2405295531

On the weekend I decided to step back in time, I put my Ipod away and flicked through my CD collection. I stumbled across a Bad Religion album and a particular song that is pertinent to this topic called ’21st Century Digital Boy’. The song considers the effect of technological tools reducing the academic abilities and intelligence of our youth. This song focuses on the value of education and individual thought in our society, which are major concerns of this band. I have embedded a link to a video clip for this song and some lyrics below which demonstrate these points:

cause Im a 21st century digital boy,
I dont know how to read but Ive got a lot of toys,
My daddys a lazy middle class intellectual,
My mommys on valium, so ineffectual,
Aint life a mystery?
I tried tell you about no control,
But now I really dont know,
And then you told me how bad you had to suffer,
Is that really all you have to offer?

The bands name ‘Bad Religion’ misled many people to believe they were anti-religion, but in actual fact they opposed any factors of society that restricted the freedom of individuals to think. These lyrics demonstrate that concern and the bands concerns for our youth. The song suggests many of our youth are not receiving enough support and guidance from their parents and this has been compensated by increasing material and technological posessions. Can our youth rely on such technogies for educational and emotional support?