Comments on: Concerns Over “False Transparency” http://blog.coreknowledge.org/2009/06/04/concerns-over-false-transparency/ Closing the Achievement Gap: Teaching Content Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:59:33 -0600 hourly 1 By: Crimson Wife http://blog.coreknowledge.org/2009/06/04/concerns-over-false-transparency/comment-page-1/#comment-6982 Crimson Wife Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:11:56 +0000 http://www.coreknowledge.org/blog/?p=2749#comment-6982 On the other hand, technology can sometimes provide individuals the assistance to overcome one particular area of weakness and allow them to develop talents they otherwise couldn't. For example, I am horrible at drawing on paper, so I never enjoyed art class as a child. But as it turns out, I actually have a fairly good eye for design. Using the computer, I am able to compensate for my lack of skill in drawing and create decent-looking stuff. On the other hand, technology can sometimes provide individuals the assistance to overcome one particular area of weakness and allow them to develop talents they otherwise couldn’t. For example, I am horrible at drawing on paper, so I never enjoyed art class as a child. But as it turns out, I actually have a fairly good eye for design. Using the computer, I am able to compensate for my lack of skill in drawing and create decent-looking stuff.

]]> By: Nancy Flanagan http://blog.coreknowledge.org/2009/06/04/concerns-over-false-transparency/comment-page-1/#comment-6975 Nancy Flanagan Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:33:06 +0000 http://www.coreknowledge.org/blog/?p=2749#comment-6975 No, I think he's on to something--that the virtual world fills their need to display courage and prowess, but the gratification and affirmation they get there is false. (Or virtual...) I do see a blurring of the lines. I used the roller coaster as a pre-virtual example--seeking ways to display your maturity is an evolved human characteristic. But with omnipresent realistic virtual simulations, the ante is upped, and students begin to believe that being awesome on Guitar Hero means you're a radical musician. But no. Kids really do need genuine ways to prove their growing skills and strengths--things not found on screens. No, I think he’s on to something–that the virtual world fills their need to display courage and prowess, but the gratification and affirmation they get there is false. (Or virtual…) I do see a blurring of the lines. I used the roller coaster as a pre-virtual example–seeking ways to display your maturity is an evolved human characteristic. But with omnipresent realistic virtual simulations, the ante is upped, and students begin to believe that being awesome on Guitar Hero means you’re a radical musician.

But no.

Kids really do need genuine ways to prove their growing skills and strengths–things not found on screens.

]]> By: Robert Pondiscio http://blog.coreknowledge.org/2009/06/04/concerns-over-false-transparency/comment-page-1/#comment-6974 Robert Pondiscio Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:11:17 +0000 http://www.coreknowledge.org/blog/?p=2749#comment-6974 So what are you suggesting, Nancy? Is Ferriter misreading his students? Are they aware of the dangers but determined to prove themselves on the gridiron? Do you see some of the blurring of the lines between the virtual world and the real world he's concerned about? So what are you suggesting, Nancy? Is Ferriter misreading his students? Are they aware of the dangers but determined to prove themselves on the gridiron? Do you see some of the blurring of the lines between the virtual world and the real world he’s concerned about?

]]> By: Nancy Flanagan http://blog.coreknowledge.org/2009/06/04/concerns-over-false-transparency/comment-page-1/#comment-6973 Nancy Flanagan Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:07:49 +0000 http://www.coreknowledge.org/blog/?p=2749#comment-6973 Seconding your statement that "Tempered Radical" is a great blog... As a long-time middle school teacher, I've always been struck by the fact that we treat them like children, giving them almost no real responsibilities, just as they are approaching the physical manifestations of maturity, and separating from their parents. In other times and cultures, there were/are formalized rituals around coming to manhood and womanhood. In one sense, adolescents have created their own quests to prove themselves adults, using the tools they have available. They try out virtual roles that involve danger and daring. The 8th grade trip to the amusement park (an annual ritual at my school) always involves riding the scariest rides the most times--and buying your girlfriend (who is too afraid to ride) some popcorn afterward. They're safe (and unreal) ways prove your manhood. Of course, there are many "real" things young adolescents can do, to make a difference in the world. Seconding your statement that “Tempered Radical” is a great blog…

As a long-time middle school teacher, I’ve always been struck by the fact that we treat them like children, giving them almost no real responsibilities, just as they are approaching the physical manifestations of maturity, and separating from their parents. In other times and cultures, there were/are formalized rituals around coming to manhood and womanhood.

In one sense, adolescents have created their own quests to prove themselves adults, using the tools they have available. They try out virtual roles that involve danger and daring. The 8th grade trip to the amusement park (an annual ritual at my school) always involves riding the scariest rides the most times–and buying your girlfriend (who is too afraid to ride) some popcorn afterward. They’re safe (and unreal) ways prove your manhood.

Of course, there are many “real” things young adolescents can do, to make a difference in the world.

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