As an educator I can defiantly see the pros to what Gee is referring to as identity play unfortunately as a realist I can see the cons too. Children are so much more computer savvy that we all were at their age. Technology is immersing itself in all aspects of our lives through leaps and bounds- not only yearly, I believe daily! Everyday we are alerted to a new service, a new website etc... it is amazing. I love anything to do with technology and since the kids seem so connected to this I use it as a frequent resource in my classroom, plus they never complain when I have them do there assignment on the computer! I enjoy when I see the children working elaborately finding information using such a great vehicle. So much of the identity role I see in the library take on the form of a collaborative group dynamic. I also find that the kids learn more through this venue because they are experiencing, in a way that is different from the stereotypical student (apple for the teacher, black marble notebooks, pencil cases etc). I also allow them to actively participate, with guidance, in their own learning process by sharing information and even preparing some question on test, they think its cool and love the idea so. So after reading this chapter I guess my kids have also taken the Identity of a teacher. I will try anything to get my students to connect with education - cool game links on websites, podcast, vodcast etc... but sadly the ones that I flocking to my suggested websites are definitely the minority. Many of my student love to play the more violent games, honestly it scares me to think that some of my students are identify with their alter-ego persona's after hearing the game they are passionate about to. It believe it had much to do with what they are identifying with at home, which in the majority of the cases is not good :(.
I also wonder, where and if when will it cross the line. I am not trying to play devil's advocate, well I guess I am, but can our children (our own and our students) be bombarded by these advances in technology that they might start to separate from reality? Especially in a time where school are plagued with some many children with special needs, I can see many of the benefits, I can also see children loosing themselves in some of these games.
I am amazed at how SL creatively showed me a new venue to create my own new identity, I loose myself even if just for a few minutes a day via my SL persona she has been to Egypt, Paris, England etc. My how technology has changed!
I think my daughters would laugh at me if I ever showed them how I rocked when I played ATARI-Tennis, and centipede, lol.
Excellent post, Bibi. I love how you incorporated SL, especially the screen shot. You'll have to show me how you did it -- I think you're much better at SL than I am. : ) I especially enjoyed reading about your experiences and how this connects to what you are doing. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteYour students are fortunate to have a teacher like you. One who supports their needs for now as well as the future. I too worry about violent video games and their effect on children. I especially worry about the child who doesn't have teachers like you and parents who are involved with their education. What will happen to this child if left alone with no interaction but these games?
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