It is an interesting question, but I think I would ask the question differently. I would ask how an educator inspires a student to engage in moments of kedusha--holiness. Can this happen with an Iphone? Absolutely--the sanctity of an experience is exactly that--the experience--whichever tools are used to get there depend on the learner.
Those who feel that digital media somehow cheapens an experience are a particular type of learner--it is the role of the educator to find the best learning style for the student.
With that being said, here are some of my pet-peeves with digital media and how it can "cheapen" educational experiences:
Google...don't get me wrong--I love Google and use it all the time. But the answer you find in 12 seconds on a Google search is not an educational experience. "Studying" a text by doing a few quick searches may be helpful, but it isn't applied learning.
Digital bulletin boards...no, not the real kind--the kind that some teachers use to "post" students' work. A brag board is just that, bragging and also not a used educational device.
Stagnant websites--the next "great idea" that lasts 5 days and 25 clicks. We only get so many first and last chances with our families. Every time we drive them to sites and then don't maintain them, it is one more lost opportunity.
So, a couple of thoughts, a few issues and my first blog in a while...
2 comments:
Great post Alex. I have often heard of the current generation (as a take off on the WWII label of "The Greatest Generation") labeled as "The Dumbest Generation." I agree very much with you that people now google for the information they need to complete a task, and move on. This isn't really learning, nor is it a truly educational experience.
I teach secular English classes at a Yeshiva high school. I once had my students read an essay to seek out definitions for 10 vocabulary words. They didn't read the essay. They took out their iPhones and googled the words. My mouth dropped!
A tantalizing beginning: "I would ask how an educator inspires a student to engage in moments of kedusha--holiness. Can this happen with an Iphone? Absolutely--the sanctity of an experience is exactly that--the experience--whichever tools are used to get there depend on the learner." This requires both cognitive and emotional engagement of the learner. How would you facilitate that experience of kedusha?
You make good points about maintaining the quality and flow of digital communication.
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