I decided to begin with this title because after the readings from week six and week seven, I think that there are so many connections to be made between the two that it just seemed like a fitting title! From the readings last week, we had to create six word synopses of each. Listed below are my synopses.
1. Equal opportunities to learn equals success.
2. Reading and writing is not literacy.
3. Video games can help students learn.
4. Online literacy helps enhance student achievement.
5. Technology helps students with literacy skills.
After reading about gender equality and gender issues of teenagers today in schools, I couldn't believe how much these five readings directly related to these issues. For example, the first synopses reads Equal opportunities to learn equals success. After watching the ABC videos about a young child who knew he was a girl, it really made me stop and think. Why should it matter in school if this "boy" wants to dress as a girl? It shouldn't bother anyone. As long as this child has the same right and opportunity to learn in school, then that is all the matters. To be successful in life isn't defined by if you are a girl or a boy. Therefore, equal opportunities should be available for all learners. The second, reading and writing is not literacy, related to Williams and Stanley's view of young boys and girls. Literacy is made up of much more than just being able to read and write. When I read Williams article of the young boys at a writing camp that were looked down upon because they didn't write about riding horses, or going to the movies, I was shocked. I can't believe parents of children are going to judge other children for expressing themselves. I think we need to break away from the stereotype that's given to young boys. They are able to write books and not just play video games. This directly leads into the third synopses which states video games can help students learn. According to Williams "teachers who encourage writing without regard to subject matter are the ones who are able to see that boys are using literacy practices when they seek out websites about video games or argue over the plot of a movie or television program." I think that video games are a great source of literacy improvement. I also think that video games should not just be for boys. I think that as the young students come up, more and more girls are playing video games and getting into technology. This also goes along with synopses four that states online literacy helps enhance student achievement. I agree with Williams again here because he states "more girls are willing to read and write online." I know a lot of young girls create blogs and share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas with their friends and the world. I think the Internet is a great resource and I try to incorporate it into my classroom as much as I can. Finally, the last synopses sort of sums up everything I talked about. Technology helps student's with literacy sills. I think technology is an excellent resource for students. I also think that technology links these young students to the outside world, where they can see what is socially accepted and what is going on. I think technology also helps to create gender identity and is a way for teenagers who are experiencing gender identities to receive support and encouragement from one another.
No comments:
Post a Comment