Education In the News – What’s Worth Checking Out

Before we begin our weekly roundup of interesting education/web pages in the news we wanted to follow up with a couple of additional comments regarding the recent comic book series. Perhaps the most interesting and positive aspect of our research was the depth to which proponents of the use comics in the classroom have gone to analyze the concept. Anyone who takes the time to read our interview with Chris Wilson of the Graphic Classroom surely would realize the depth of thought he has put into the topic.

Also, consider the following material we received from Marek Bennett who has his own site MarekBennett.com. In writing to us he spoke directly to one of the questions we asked Chris, specifically regarding education innovations and our generalized comparison of using comics to the world of video game use in the classroom.

Notes Marek:

Let’s not forget that Comics are EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE of video games (or video in general) when we look at brain stimulation, concept formation, synthesis, inference, active construction of meaning and connections, and all other neurological activities that are vital to literacy! Whereas electronic media (like video games, television, movies, etc.) induce a practically hypnotic state by stimulating instinctive attention-capturing centers of the brain, Comics require the reader to PAY attention, to MANUFACTURE connections between symbols, images, and text, and to actively CONSTRUCT the animated sequences that all proficient comics readers (and creators) perceive as “The Story”. Like printed text, the comic is a static system of signs powered only by our active imaginations, and that’s what makes the comics experience so absorbing and fulfilling for reader and creator alike!

For more on the insights of Marek you can checkout his interview on PackRatMag. There the reader can learn more about Marek’s views on the value of comics in teaching as well as some additional thoughts on the medium’s applications, strengths, and challenges.

Meanwhile, the folks at Mediated Cultures continue their fine work. We still think the video that we posted a while back in our article “If a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words then…..” is one of the most provocative we have seen regarding technology and its implications for students.

Professor Michael Wesch offers a very enlightening presentation regarding the use of YouTube called YouTube in/on/of/for the Classroom. Wesch answers a number of key questions about the use of YouTube and other video in the classroom including what to consider if a teacher or student want to edit an existing video.

Wesch insists that “Yes, you can (& should) use YouTube videos in the classroom.” When it comes to videos, one of the key questions for teachers is how to find appropriate material. Wesch notes that, “There are more than 100 million videos online” and that “more than 100,000 are uploaded every day.” Therefore, “Content is added 200 times faster than it can be watched.” Wesch lends some insight as to how to address the issue as well as offers pointers about remixing and downloading.

This week also saw the birth of a new online magazine called EduBlogs Magazine. Right off the bat the publication offers its top education blogs and throws in article called No Teacher Left Behind Acts. The magazine published by Lorelle VanFossen also offers a guest piece called Paper Does Not Control Me from a public school teacher by the name of Damien Riley. It begins with the line “Teaching requires all your wit and candor to reach the kids” and features yet another gem “More often than that paper sucks” later on. The first look at the new e-magazine is very impressive.

And in keeping with our comic theme of the week we close with another popular page over at the Big Fat Whale. The popular page of the week is called Science Has Been Canceled. All public school teachers will find some humor as well as something to relate to.