Big Thinkers: Henry Jenkins on New Media and Implications for Learning and Teaching

In essence, Henry Jenkins discussed the numerous advantages of using digital media in the classroom.  He also discussed the fact that, by limiting the use of these tools, schools are failing the students in the sense that these kids are being “de-tooled the minute they walk into the classroom”.  According to Mr. Jenkins, shutting down access to creative tools impairs the potential learning experience for the students, especially those who do not have access to digital tools at home.  This creates what is called a participation gap.  Today’s technology allows students to develop communication skills, social skills, cooperation skills.  It gives them a sense of empowerment and entitlement.  Mr. Jenkins feels that instead of limiting access to digital technology, teachers should pull back, adopt an open-minded perspective and be willing to explore.  During the interview, Mr. Jenkins discusses several reasons why teachers may be unwilling to incorporate digital media in the classroom.  Mr. Jenkins also highlights the importance of collective intelligence, social networking, responsible information sharing and ethics.

Although schools may believe they are protecting children by blocking certain web sites, it seems that they are in fact "de-tooling" the students by limiting thier access to digital tools.  Many of the blocked web sites could prove very useful for research and learning purposes.  Limiting physical access to computers is also a problem.  Availability of the digital media/technologies is another issue.

I do see this participation gap in certain communities. Many schools do not possess the necessary equipment to encourage the use of digital media, which is often costly.  Budgetary constraints are a big part of the problem.  Some students do not have access to technology at home.  This impairs their learning experience if and when they do have the opportunity to work in the classroom as they do not know as much as other students and may require extra help.  This in turn may harm their chances of enjoying the digital media experience and everything it has to offer.

There are many ways to develop a learning community.  Various tools are available online: blogs, wikis, etc.  The creation of a supportive, meaningful learning environment shared by other schools may also be something to consider.  The main ingredient in creating shared learning opportunities is collaboration.  This collaboration can be done with other teachers, other members of the education community, students, parents, etc.  Establishing communication with students from other countries could be interesting as well.  The advantages are numerous: meaningful collaboration, collective intelligence, contribution from various experts, knowledge and information sharing, etc.  Teachers and students can greatly benefit from the use of digital media in the classroom.

As mentioned by Henry Jenkins, teachers are often afraid of saying the wrong things, doing the wrong things, or teaching the wrong things.  This not only boxes in gifted teachers, but adds an unnecessary feeling of anxiety.  In order to incorporate digital media in the classroom, teachers need support from fellow teachers, the school principal as well as the parents.

Authorship is linked to copyright in the sense that not everything available on the Internet may be copied without listing the source.  Students need to learn about copyright, plagiarism, ownership, etc. in order to fully understand the concepts and therefore use information responsibly.  This will in turn help them reflect on their use of information and it will guide them on how to appropriately use the information they discover through the use of digital tools.