Discussion Wk# 5 Media vs.print literacy

I believe that all people should have an understanding of media basics.It is fundamental for the Information Age that we are in. Do I think it is more important than print literacy? Not a chance!!! Print literacy is the foundational part of learning in my opinion. It is like the scaffolding effect: first a child learns their ABC's, then they learn the sounds of the ABC's, then they start to learn words, learn to write words, then sentences, then they become readers. Print literacy is an important part learning for children. In the textbook it talks about teachers motivating students literacy development, but they must focus not only on media literacy, but pull in print literacy as well. We were talking in class about storytelling on the computer, awesome idea, but there is nothing like an old book report that is hand written to make sure a student understood the reading of a book.
On page 287 in our textbook it talks about that teaching writing requires special attention to motivational aspects, stating that it involves writing tasks and support for context writing. Writing is not only essential in school, but just as important in the world of work.

TIP Model Phase 4-preparing the Instructional Environment

1) Esmerelda's plan for having students use the Internet is not a very thought out plan. The Internet is used by many people, some good and some bad. Predators of children use the Internet to prey on children as well as adults. When using the Internet you do not actually know who is at the other end of the computer. A person may say they are a relevant expert on U.S. History, but really a person looking to harm our children. The plan of using the Internet could be a good one if you are just looking for information on U.S. History because on the Internet there is a plethora of information.

2) Do I see any problems with the email? What was Esmerelda thinking??? I know this is just a scenario, but this might really happen within our schools. Allowing children on the Internet, must be in a monitored environment. The information that Esmerelda is having the children put into their email gives all the information for a predator to find these children. Scary!!! When children our on the Internet they should not put personal information like their ages, schools, and definitely not their addresses!

3) I would change her plan completely. I think if I was searching for information on U.S. History I might look on the Internet, but the Library would be effective in the research on U.S. History. Plus the Library is good for children to know how to use the references that are available.