Wes Fryer Chapter 7
Censorship is a major problem in most school districts. It is reasonable to state that censorship is necessary. It will prevent students from accessing pornography, dangerous viruses, or other unwanted material. However, most schools are seeing a rampant amount of censorship. Wes Fryer conducted an experiment where he had a list of 15 websites. While in China, five of his sites were blocked by Chinese National censors. While at a school in Oklahoma, nine of his sites were blocked. While in high school, censor would consistently restrict students and teachers from accessing useful information. In my future classroom, I would have to make sure that the sites I try to use don't trigger the district censor. I can also provide proof that information on a censored site is educational and relevant.
Facebook is a major device people use to interact with each other. Many classroom teachers are creating Facebook Pages. Two examples of this would be at my old High School and UMF. Spruce Mountain High School has a number of Facebook pages relating to the school district. An example of this is this link. This Facebook page is focused primarily around a student-led news network. The page advertises events, classes, and other information people would be interested in. The page itself is open to the public and anyone can view it. A second example is the UMF Political Science page. If you can not get to the page, that is intentional. Only members of UMF political science courses are allowed access to this page. Access can only be granted by the three Political Science Professors on campus. In my future classroom, I would utilize an open Facebook page to allow students and the community to view what is happening in my class.
Enthrallment vs Engagement. I had always thought it was a teacher's job to enthrall students in the content through a variety of activities, projects, and lectures. I was wrong. Wes Fryer clearly describes the difference between enthrallment and engagement. Enthrallment turns students into mindless drones. Following obediently from one point to another without a second thought. Engagement follows the tenets of differentiation. Engagement allows students to pursue their learning goals in a way best suited for them. This follows our understanding of multiple intelligences and accommodating our students. In my future classroom, I can not ensure 100% enthrallment or engagement, but I can ensure that I will develop multiple ways students can complete assignments and further their learning goals.
Facebook is a major device people use to interact with each other. Many classroom teachers are creating Facebook Pages. Two examples of this would be at my old High School and UMF. Spruce Mountain High School has a number of Facebook pages relating to the school district. An example of this is this link. This Facebook page is focused primarily around a student-led news network. The page advertises events, classes, and other information people would be interested in. The page itself is open to the public and anyone can view it. A second example is the UMF Political Science page. If you can not get to the page, that is intentional. Only members of UMF political science courses are allowed access to this page. Access can only be granted by the three Political Science Professors on campus. In my future classroom, I would utilize an open Facebook page to allow students and the community to view what is happening in my class.
Enthrallment vs Engagement. I had always thought it was a teacher's job to enthrall students in the content through a variety of activities, projects, and lectures. I was wrong. Wes Fryer clearly describes the difference between enthrallment and engagement. Enthrallment turns students into mindless drones. Following obediently from one point to another without a second thought. Engagement follows the tenets of differentiation. Engagement allows students to pursue their learning goals in a way best suited for them. This follows our understanding of multiple intelligences and accommodating our students. In my future classroom, I can not ensure 100% enthrallment or engagement, but I can ensure that I will develop multiple ways students can complete assignments and further their learning goals.
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