Week 3 R& D

http://www.pimpampum.net/bubblr/?custom=&id=54870


I think the article was helpful in identifying the key aspects of what an educator may face when teaching digital media literacy. Moore was especially helpful in identifying and defining five key concerns for educators:
1. Inappropriate material in the media text
2. Ignorance or lack of sufficient knowledge about popular culture
3. Dislikes of popular culture
4. Alienation from popular culture, for example, "I feel out of touch" or "It doesn't relate
to me"
5. Fear of offending administrators or parents.

I think all five are great examples of concerns I have about introducing digital media in a classroom. For example, how can I choose a topic that is relevant, but also appropriate, interesting, and not offensive to parents & administrators? Surely, if I chose a topic like same-sex marriage, this particular demographic would probably be instantly offended, alienated, and show extreme dislike for topic choice. Whereas, if I chose that same topic in, say, Provincetown, Massachusetts, it may not be met with such rebuke. It is really a slippery slope for the educator more so than any other party involved. There will always be someone who does not feel comfortable with a topic, but finding that ONE specific, distinct topic could be a real chore for the educator. How can one be relevant in this day and age without being somewhat controversial?

I believe the thing I would like to know more about is what are some "safe" examples of topics that might not raise every eyebrow?

Moore, D. (2011). Asking Questions First: Navigating Popular Culture and Transgression in an Inquiry-Based Media Literacy Classroom. Action in Teacher Education, 33, 219-230. (2011, January 1). Retrieved September 2, 2014, from Mediaeducationlab.com.