We did a little "Do Now" classwork today to prime the pump on our 4th argumentation discussion. This week, we're on Technology in the classroom. If you're still thinking about those prompts, keep writing some notes on them. Bring what you wrote in class to the room on Tuesday.
For homework, read the following piece
"Too Dumb for Complex Texts?" by Mark Bauerlein
February 2011, Volume 68, Number 5, Teaching Screenagers, Pages 28-33
When you've read it, respond in a comment to this post. Consider some of the following in your response:
- Bauerlein isn't just someone writing a provocative piece; he's a college professor, and his opinions might be the same or similar to the ones you come across in your future college classrooms. Does this change how you've been thinking about your college education? Do you, given your personal relationship with technology, feel as though you are entering college at an advantage or disadvantage to your peers and/or previous generations? Why?
- If you generally agree with Bauerlein here, is there a point of departure for you? Is there a point at which you think he goes too far or misses some important caveat? Why? Are you basing this on research, personal experience, etc.? Be specific and help us understand why you think what you think.
- If you generally disagree with Bauerlein, is there a point at which you find yourself agreeing with him? Why? Are you basing this on research, personal experience, etc.? Be specific and help us understand why think what you think.
- Do you think you aren't up to reading long, involved texts that require reflection? Do you think this has to do with technology? What's the most involved, most complex text you've been challenged with? How did you navigate that situation? What role do you think technology has played in your ability to "plod through?"
- You can respond to any point he makes and provide support for your response. What have you read that might be useful for the rest of us? What experience have you had that either gives credence or undermines his ideas?
- If you are someone who responds after the first few of your peers has, you can respond to their writing, as well.