This week, our readings focused on multimodal pedagogies and remixing literacy. Remixing literacy is the act of taking available content and resources and creating something new. The authors discussed the issues involving defining digital literacy and incorporating it into the classroom in a meaningful way.
The section that stood out to me was Mr. Cardenas and his journalism students. He gave the students so much support, assistance, tools, and freedom to take on the role of true journalists. His students, even the ones who weren't initially interested in journalism, admired him for letting them "learn how to fly". The author, Stephanie Schmier, stated: I (Stephanie) interviewed one student, Casey, about her experiences in the class, she shared how she appreciated the way Mr. Cardenas respected the knowledge that students brought with them into the classroom and didn’t “waste time” teaching the students skills they had already learned outside of school" (2013, pg. 26). The number of students with great things to say about Mr. Cardenas and what they have learned from him shows how well he uses multimodal pedagogies in his classroom. He has made students who are typically disengaged in their other subjects shine in journalism through his engagement and ability to make learning an experience.
I enjoyed these readings and don't believe remixing is inherently wrong. I believe that we are always remixing in our lives. We are constantly being exposed to and absorbing new information, therefore we will always have those biases in our minds as we move forward in life. I think of it as the difference between invention and innovation. In teaching, we are always told we don't always have to "reinvent the wheel". It is okay to use resources made by others and alter them to work for your classroom and your students.
I believe the key issues outlined in the texts are cultural and critical. I used this source to help me come to this decision:
Hi Dalila,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your stance on Mr. Cardenas and his journalism students. Not only did he provide a strong backbone to literally support his students, but he also the learning environment he establishes is one that many of us dream to establish. A balance of freedom, support, and encouragement can truly go a long ways in any classroom, at least in my opinion. I agree that overall, when observing every topic, the key issues are both cultural and critical. Do you see any operational key issues, however? Personally, I believed the section on "Tiffany" notes this key issue. Great post!
Hi Scott!
DeleteI believe you are referencing the section where Tiffany talks about all the technology she has in her classroom and her students "get away" with using a lot. If so, I can agree in some ways that it is an operational issue, if an issue at all. She allowed her student to blog in place of other assignments. This made an otherwise uninterested student become engaged and excited to complete her work. Operational issues are about making "it" work, and in this case, the teacher is making her access to technology work for her student to become successful in some way. This was the case for many of her students, and she was able to help them become better writers and build strong connections with them in the process.
Hi Dalila! I used the same reference images when I was reading to help me understand the circle of critical, operational and cultural. I also really liked when you described remixing as "the act of taking available content and resources and creating something new". Like you were talking about, this happens in everyday life even outside of school. It is almost unavoidable. Do I think that is okay? Very much so because it allows others to perceive information in new ways.
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