My questions:
1. What do you think of Johnson's thought experiment outlined in the reading supposing the "what if video games came before books?
2. What do you feel is the trend toward language instruction? Are we demanding more formal types of written assisgments or are we following the students' trend with more informal ways of communicating? Which is better?
3. Discuss how our language is a living and evolving entity. How has it changed through the years. Are these changes typically for the better or the worse?
PS. Check out the link I posted for the comedy sketch only if you not easily offended by teacher humor with an occasional swear word mixed in. (ok. I know you all will watch it)
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1. I understand his argument, but I have a few problems with it. My main issue was that I firmly disagree that books understimulate the senses. As both a reader and an occasional video game player, I feel that books acutally stimulate the senses more. There is more room for imagination in reading a book than in video games where the scenes and people and opponents are right there for you to see.
ReplyDelete2. The experiences I have had in English classrooms thus far in my life tell me that teachers are assigning more written assignments but also meeting the informal communication need. I honestly feel one of the best ways for students to learn is in a seminar or small group setting where they are reflecting on, critically analyzing, and gaining a greater understanding of a certain text. This is generally done in the form of casual conversation. The students are not being checked for grammer, expected to appear to be reciting a rehearsed speech, etc. In addition to this informal communicating, I also believe traditional written assignments are crucial in teaching students how to express themselves professionally. Some students learn better by way of talking--some by written word. Thus, a combination of both formal writing assignments and informal communication is necessary in successful language instruction.
1. Johnson's thought experiment reinforces the notion that our society has a difficult time relinquishing historically functional practices. I agree that "making judgement about new cultural systems on their own terms...will inevitably be colored by the prejudices of our past." (p24, Alvermann) While reading a text for another class, I found a statement from Benjamin Franklin that touches upon this very topic. He argues that society has "an unaccountable prejudice in favor of ancient customs and habitudes" which allows practices to continue "after the circumstances, which formerly made them useful, cease to exist." (Cremin, The Colonial Experience)I am not saying that video games should supplement books, but I do believe that it is utterly important to meet the student where they are at in efforts to create the most apt learning environment.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that language change can be described as for the better or for the worse. It's just change. People often oppose language change because language is so personal, and it is uncomfortable to not feel apart of your own language. However, one of my favorite things to tell people about being a linguist is that to us, there is no wrong way to say anything. It's just your own personal way of talking.
ReplyDelete1. I really like the experiment of "What if"...with books and video games. I think what is important to take away from this is that there are valid pro/ con arguments for books and video games. We should continue to develop these arguments for increasing tech's use in the classroom.
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