Originally posted on Psyche's Circuitry:
What can science really tell us about the complex roles of social media, technology, and computer-mediated communication in our social lives? It’s a question I’ve been increasingly asking myself. As a scientist, my job is to deconstruct very complex phenomena into understandable components, put things in neat, little, over-simplified boxes so that we can actually begin to understand something in systematic, replicable ways. Don’t get me wrong. I love science and think the tools of science are still the best we have available to…
“There’s an audio blip, and it’s obvious!” Steve Kertis of Kertis Creative told Haley yesterday, just minutes before final presentations. of her audio slideshow. “Fix it.” Fern Creek High School… Read more Summer Media Workshop: A Huge Win! →
My recent essay in Education Week Teacher titled “Why Twitter and Facebook Are Not Good Instructional Tools” has generated a ton of discussion and debate. In the article, I argue… Read more Author’s Response–Why Twitter and Facebook Are Not Good Instructional Tools →
On Klout’s home page, the company states, “We believe everyone has influence. Our Goal is to help you understand and leverage that influence.” Influence as defined by Klout relates solely… Read more On Klout, Influence, and Algorithms. →
Do you enjoy random conversations with strangers on airplanes? Or do you prefer to keep to yourself, catch up on some reading, and maybe snooze a bit? I fall somewhere… Read more Assault on Serendipity →
But I’ll finish my work! I have a good grade in here–what does it matter? Come on Mr. B, it ain’t bothering anyone! Students–and many adults–believe they can efficiently work… Read more Multitasking is Overrated →
At Belmont University in Nashville this past weekend, my fiancee told me just about everyone was on his or her cell phones during the graduation ceremony. Not talking, but browsing… Read more On Leisure and Boundaries →
If all of a sudden cell phones or internet access disappeared, what would you do? Several of my musings have explored possible effects too much digital communication is having on… Read more w/o my phone or internet, I’d die. →
Have you used Prezi? Or Wordle? How about Xtranormal? Somebody recently posted the Wordle below about their affinity for cell phones. It looks cool, I’ll admit that. But are these the types of technology applications that are truly useful, and worth employing in classrooms? I’ve personally tested out these Web 2.0 programs, and I’ve also attempted to use them in room 137. While they can be used to create products that are pleasing to the eye, or perhaps engage students, the level of thinking that’s required is debatable. Plus, as… Read more Students Create 100%. →
Paul Barnwell 