Module Four Reflection Post
In Folk Culture, a participatory culture, there is no expert, it social, people are learning from each other, techniques are passed from people who know a little more to people who know a little less. Henry Jenkins explained in the Edutopia video that this was what the core of the digital youth project is all about and it applies to his grandmother's quilt making as well as skateboarding videos and Harry Potter. These passion for doing things and learning about them just for the fun of it, to take something and remix it to make it more of your own, is what drives students to not just know about something, as stated in the Digital Remix: The Art and Craft of Endless Hybridization, but to have deep learning about it. Jenkins, states that it is not the kids in student government that are using the internet to mobilize efforts to help society and to make a change in real life. It's the “feral” children of the internet and I agree.
I do not believe that it is useful or right of schools and institutions to recognize that students have a deeper and more intellectual and creative life outside of school (Jenkins), yet do nothing to bring it into the school. To operate as if digital literacies are not a thing or do not belong in an educational environment, or are not useful to students in real life, is to live with our heads buried in the sand. As a future educator it is really important to me to do my best to integrate technology in whatever way possible into my classroom. Learning and fun do not have to be separated. I agree with the experts, if we could bring in the spirit of being “geeked out” into our schools and classes, how much more will students learn and be excited about what they are learning. And I believe that only the ability to construct and create provokes that spirit and passion. Learning about a new topic can be interesting, but creating something to share with others- thats where the magic happens.
Feedback is very important to learning and education. Rhys explained in his video that he uses feedback, not just online, but in every aspect of life. At such a young age, he sees the value of open and honest critiquing as a means to improve his product and ability, a skill probably at least somewhat taught by his hobby of game making. Allowing students to be each other's audience in a constructive way in the classroom would probably offer a different and more meaningful experience to learning. Students might care more about the product if they have an audience of peers evaluating it, not just an instructor giving them an A or C.
I love the idea of sharing creativity and not being so legalistic. However, I do see the need for copyrights and laws to protect people from making money on your hard work. I think it is important to help students understand and navigate the current rules regarding remixing and copyrights.There are so many rules are regulations about using media, it kind of seems like a landmine. This is a good video from Commonsense that gives a brief overview of “fair use”. Dj Earworm was mentioned in one of the videos that I watched regarding “fair-use” and I spent some time watching his videos and gaining a better idea of what a Mashup is… and it's AMAZING. I know that he is directly using the creations of others but what he produced is so interesting and new. It is a real talent and he deserves some credit too! (in my opinion)
I say-
COPY .TRANSFORM . COMBINE (and don't be so sensitive about it!)