Education Innovation: Digital Media Double Failure = Blocked Access + Lack of Access

August 29, 2009

Digital Media Double Failure = Blocked Access + Lack of Access

Aug 29, 2009 12:00:00 AM

2 Comments

Mr. Jenkins has many good points regarding the expansion of mobile devices in education. I am concerned that in his segment close to 2 min in he is blaming the teachers for these problems. In my experience the decision to block access is done at the school board or administrative level.

Until this year I have been teaching in districts that did not allow cell phones or access to YouTube and outside email. Until three days ago, I never even considered using handheld mobile devices in the classroom. At an orientation for new hires, my superintendent had us all text him the answer to a question and challenged us add mobile devices as a tool in our teaching. I have not looked back. My point is that it was not my willingness as an educator, it was the policy of the district.

Posted by: Kris Troha | August 29, 2009 at 09:11 PM

Kris, I agree that the problem of access mainly comes from administration(school boards, superintendents, and their lawyers).

Many teachers though are not even open to the idea that social media, cell phones, and future mobile devices can be incorporated meaningfully into their classroom instruction.

All of us have to change our thinking on this issue.

Posted by: Rob Jacobs | August 30, 2009 at 11:38 AM

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