In middle and high school the closes we got to this type of literacy was making countless videos. These were mostly for our language classes and once and a while for an ELA class. Using this type of media though was always something that the class enjoyed and looked forward to. Maybe once a year we would watch a movie version of a book we read but there was hardly ever a discussion following the book - maybe just a few fill in the blank type of questions. I believe that this type of literacy can and should be so much more than that.
I discussed last time that I was thinking of using this type of literacy as an assessment. Know I am thinking of combining this with the journal entries. While originally I didn't want the students blogging for this assignment the more I think about it, a blog might be just what it needs. This medium would allow students to post pictures, music and videos along with their words. I have been using a website called tumblr a lot lately and was thinking that this type of stream of contentiousness blogging might be a great project for this unit. I am still contemplating this idea and am very open to suggestions.
Christine,
ReplyDeleteAmber and I are also planning a unit that focuses on self-discovery. I think you're idea of blogging fits well with this idea because it forces students to reflect on how everyday events affect who they are or who they may become. Pictures and videos are a great add-in to the blogs that can illustrate these aspirations. My fear with blogging and self-discovery is that there could be a lot of self-disclosure for a blog and for it being public information. You would have to be extremely careful and set clear guidelines about what the students should and should not post. If it's getting to be confidential information or information that could get them into trouble, I would stick with a confidential journal.