Here is another TEDx by Michael Wesch. Much of the information he is presenting is similar to the last presentation, however there are some key points that are not covered in the last TEDx that I reviewed.
He talks about culture and even culture shock, and relates his experience to his time spent in a village in New Guinea. He describes culture shock as loosing your identity, and nobody knowing who you are. He even goes on to explain that media allows many of us to claim an external identity, one we often feel obligated to live up to.
While in New Guinea Wesch observed that individuals were not so concerned about who they were or their identity, but more so on the relationships they built and established. This was demonstrated when an individual committed a crime or did something wrong. In these situations the individual was not put on trial and potentially punished, instead the relationship harmed was put on trial and the individuals try to heal the relationship.
In listening to Wesch I could not help but be reminded of my own "village" at HSHMC. This is one of the most unique schools and work environments that I have ever had the opportunity to work in, and embraces the philosophy of restorative practices.
Restorative practices is derived from restorative justice, and focuses on individuals learning and growing from a bad choice, a mistake or even a crime committed against a community. The most important aspect of implementing restorative practices is first developing a community that an individual feels a part of, accountable to, and often respects.
Okay, sorry about my plug on restorative practice. I am just so enthusiastic about it creating and fostering a positive learning environment that I couldn't resist ;)
The final statement that jumped out at me during Wesch's presentation was that, "new media changes society, there is no opting out." I would agree that an individual can choose not to use a specific type of media, however that does not slow it from consuming or even becoming a part of everyday life for the majority.
Wesch continues to explain that new media can be either seen and utilized as a possibility for mass participation, but also encourage possibilities for mass distraction. This is where I struggle. I can easily see the importance and value of media for mass participation. In the past, lets just narrow it down to 10 years; I have been able to communicate via phone and computer from a literal combat zone (2004 Iraq), I have connected with amazing individuals within the cycling world and established friendship that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, I have learned to play and make the didgeridoo, I have become a self proclaimed spearfishing expert (amateur), and made amazing spearfishing friends, as well as been part of the local oceans alliance for waterman rights, and I have made beautiful home projects such as a rustic dining room table.
I would consider the use of my media for participation, however we have the ability to participate and master so many groups, hobbies, projects, and activities, when does all of this participation become a distraction???
I am not disagreeing with the use of media and technology to connect, and collaborate. I am just concerned as to how we demonstrate to our students responsible use. As well as how we emphasize the importance of getting outside and YES unplugging at times.
He talks about culture and even culture shock, and relates his experience to his time spent in a village in New Guinea. He describes culture shock as loosing your identity, and nobody knowing who you are. He even goes on to explain that media allows many of us to claim an external identity, one we often feel obligated to live up to.
While in New Guinea Wesch observed that individuals were not so concerned about who they were or their identity, but more so on the relationships they built and established. This was demonstrated when an individual committed a crime or did something wrong. In these situations the individual was not put on trial and potentially punished, instead the relationship harmed was put on trial and the individuals try to heal the relationship.
In listening to Wesch I could not help but be reminded of my own "village" at HSHMC. This is one of the most unique schools and work environments that I have ever had the opportunity to work in, and embraces the philosophy of restorative practices.
Restorative practices is derived from restorative justice, and focuses on individuals learning and growing from a bad choice, a mistake or even a crime committed against a community. The most important aspect of implementing restorative practices is first developing a community that an individual feels a part of, accountable to, and often respects.
Okay, sorry about my plug on restorative practice. I am just so enthusiastic about it creating and fostering a positive learning environment that I couldn't resist ;)
The final statement that jumped out at me during Wesch's presentation was that, "new media changes society, there is no opting out." I would agree that an individual can choose not to use a specific type of media, however that does not slow it from consuming or even becoming a part of everyday life for the majority.
Wesch continues to explain that new media can be either seen and utilized as a possibility for mass participation, but also encourage possibilities for mass distraction. This is where I struggle. I can easily see the importance and value of media for mass participation. In the past, lets just narrow it down to 10 years; I have been able to communicate via phone and computer from a literal combat zone (2004 Iraq), I have connected with amazing individuals within the cycling world and established friendship that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, I have learned to play and make the didgeridoo, I have become a self proclaimed spearfishing expert (amateur), and made amazing spearfishing friends, as well as been part of the local oceans alliance for waterman rights, and I have made beautiful home projects such as a rustic dining room table.
I would consider the use of my media for participation, however we have the ability to participate and master so many groups, hobbies, projects, and activities, when does all of this participation become a distraction???
I am not disagreeing with the use of media and technology to connect, and collaborate. I am just concerned as to how we demonstrate to our students responsible use. As well as how we emphasize the importance of getting outside and YES unplugging at times.