Jenna's blog: 'blogging is not serious writing' got me thinking, which is one of the best outcomes of reading text in any form whether it be from academic journals or a blogging community. (That is my take on that). I started thinking about: convergence of University speak and popular speak and the ways that academic writings and blogging intersect (Jenkins). The power is in the ideas, and as J & J were discussing, the message can be shared in either form but the importance is who the message is intended for and how they seek out the information. For example, I may want to write an academic piece for a peer-reviewed journal. I am still having trouble grasping a concept or finding additional resources therefore I pose questions on my blog post and try to work around the ideas of which I want to publish. I think Jenna has been doing this for a while now. I see blogging as a great tool for her to practice her thoughts before setting them in an academic forum. This may seem to go along with the idea that blogging is not academic, but it really exemplifies that the ideas are of academic quality, just not in the traditional academic form (or they could possibly be posted in that form, but who would want to read that?).
People will seek the information they need or want. Blogs are just an alternative source. This is the concept I will be trying to situate this semester: New media is just a different source for learning. But which forms elicit the most learning? Does it matter or is it subjective? Can new media always be used as another source or are there fields that need to be traditionally centered to postulate learning?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
How do people learn in new media?
New media has been introduced to me by texts and classmates as innovative programs and tools that can be used as creative outlets (in a broad sense; you will note by my writing that I don't always come up with the right word). For example, a podcast is a way to disseminate information in an audible or visual form. It is a tool that a creative person can use to spread their word. But how does someone learn from this form of word? or how does one learn by using this form of new media?
As we dabbled in Scratch this past week, we practiced its functions and intentions, but more than likely did not perfect any notion of its true capabilities. We played with the new media. We tried to discover how it could work in our favor. I think this is one true root to how we learn.
Others have spoken on this thread of motivation, desire, wanting to learn. To continue in this direction, I also think one must want to use new media to reach an objective. Whether that desire is in the process of playing with new media or from the expected outcome. For example, I could simply learn how to create a website and take joy in organizing and posting all my photos for family to view, but I have no desire or the time to learn the technicalities of it all (be them so simple, like this blog, I am sure). Therefore, I agree with Bers, Dewey, and many other theorists that interest is a major component of learning whether it be in new or old media (I suppose I am going to be like Julie and learn to use more media, and for myself to understand it better).
I see new media as opening up access to others ideas. Creating a larger community than anyone could imagine. There is a wider audience in a virtual world than there is in a physical one. I can talk to Japan or India instantaneously and through multiple forms through new media. I can express my opinion and others with similar interests can possibly relate. And it all goes back to interest. I have to take interest in the new media form and take interest in the community that discusses a certain topic. I have to want to learn more in order to make any progress.
As we dabbled in Scratch this past week, we practiced its functions and intentions, but more than likely did not perfect any notion of its true capabilities. We played with the new media. We tried to discover how it could work in our favor. I think this is one true root to how we learn.
Others have spoken on this thread of motivation, desire, wanting to learn. To continue in this direction, I also think one must want to use new media to reach an objective. Whether that desire is in the process of playing with new media or from the expected outcome. For example, I could simply learn how to create a website and take joy in organizing and posting all my photos for family to view, but I have no desire or the time to learn the technicalities of it all (be them so simple, like this blog, I am sure). Therefore, I agree with Bers, Dewey, and many other theorists that interest is a major component of learning whether it be in new or old media (I suppose I am going to be like Julie and learn to use more media, and for myself to understand it better).
I see new media as opening up access to others ideas. Creating a larger community than anyone could imagine. There is a wider audience in a virtual world than there is in a physical one. I can talk to Japan or India instantaneously and through multiple forms through new media. I can express my opinion and others with similar interests can possibly relate. And it all goes back to interest. I have to take interest in the new media form and take interest in the community that discusses a certain topic. I have to want to learn more in order to make any progress.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
About Me
As a native Californian, I would like to characterize my personality as sunny and open to new ideas. This has matched well with my love for travel and the outdoors.
I am a mom of a 2 year old, Lotte May, who loves to cuddle and spend time with family. My husband is also a PhD student at IU and has become a major inspiration in my work.
I look forward to piecing together all the works we will read in P650 into a powerful campaign for innovation in school curricula. My interest in service learning and community development will be my platform for understanding the various ideas presented this semester.
I am a mom of a 2 year old, Lotte May, who loves to cuddle and spend time with family. My husband is also a PhD student at IU and has become a major inspiration in my work.
I look forward to piecing together all the works we will read in P650 into a powerful campaign for innovation in school curricula. My interest in service learning and community development will be my platform for understanding the various ideas presented this semester.
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