The use of new media like television, movies and the Internet is a growing trend in elementary and high school classrooms. Teachers can engage students in new ways by utilizing innovations in media, but must be careful of their implementation. While students generally react well to new media in the classroom, there must be a balance between traditional learning methods and new media projects to ensure kids are still getting a useful education.
Pro---Media Literacy
The Internet is a global conduit through which people work and socialize. Any child that does not have an understanding of the Internet and use it is going to be at a disadvantage in both college and the professional world. The same can be said of computers. Children must be able to master these devices to have a fighting chance in the workforce. Using new media in the classroom provides kids with hands-on time to learn about computers and the web.
Pro---Student Engagement
Keeping students engaged is one of the most challenging aspects of being an educator. Movies and television can provide children with a much-needed break from the rigors of traditional academic life, and can often serve as launching points for class projects or discussions. Films that are age-appropriate and relevant to a lesson can help students apply the things they're learning to real-life situations and provide them with a relaxing but engaging way to absorb a lesson.
Con---Traditional Literacy
Students who spend a majority of time engaging with visual media like television, movies and video games will have a decreased proficiency in traditional language arts skills. Reading and writing are core elements of the educational experience and every child needs these abilities to get into college and land a job. Focusing too much on new media can have a negative impact on the traditional literacy skills of children, which can then hurt their grades and employment opportunities.
Con---Control
Bringing the Internet into your classroom is an excellent way to expose children to the world that exists outside their neighborhood, but it is also an excellent way to lose control of your classroom. The Internet is full of distractions, obscene and inappropriate material, and unrelated information that can grind your curriculum to a halt and possibly land you in trouble with parents. If the web is to be used as part of a lesson, it must be carefully monitored at all times.
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