Popular culture is becoming increasingly adopted to
enhance children’s learning, in the primary classroom (Palfrey and Gasser,
2008). I have conducted a recent survey on two parents, in order to attain a
wider in sight on how the parents feel about the issue, and the effect popular
culture has in the home environment; an link which Marsh (2005) feels is not
made explicit by many schools. I have purposely selected parents from different
social backgrounds, in order to discover if there is a divide of opinions on
the matter.
The results indicated that both parents appreciated
the positive effect, of the interactive whiteboard, on their children’s
learning and were in agreement that it enhances the lessons through new fun and
exciting ways. Similarly, both parents had strong concerns about the safety of
their child, when given access to the internet through a laptop or Ipad. McQuade,
Colt and Meyer (2009) provides further explanation that although the use of
popular culture has a range of benefits, including skills for later life,
children should not be subject to such inexplicitness that can be found on the
internet.
In contrast, the parents had different views on the
availability of Ipads in the classroom. The parent from the more privileged
background, was open to his child having access to new technologies in the
classroom, and further commented that his daughter has her own Ipad at home,
and therefor would appreciate her expanding on those skills at school. On the
other hand, the parent from the less advantaged background felt that Ipads
would limit the amount of help she could offer her daughter, as they do not
have such technologies at home. Plowman, Stephen and McPake
(2010) expand that this may be because parents feel like natives
on their children’s land, when the discussion of new technologies arise, and
therefore feel secluded from their child’s interests. Fiske (2010) is in
agreement that popular culture causes parents to feel pressured into buying
their children the latest accessories, which is difficult for parents on a
lower income.
In conclusion, although both parents have different
views, it is clear they appreciate the benefits of popular culture on their
children’s learning in the primary classroom.
Bibliography
Palfrey, J. and Gasser, U. (2008) Born digital:
understanding the first generation of digital natives. New York: Basic books.
Marsh, J. (2005) Popular culture, new media and
digital literacy in early childhood. Oxon: Routledge.
Plowman, L. Stephen, C. and McPake,
J. (2010) Growing up with technology: Young children in a digital world. Oxon:
Routledge.
Fiske, J. (2010) Understanding popular culture.
Oxon: Routledge.
McQuade, S. Colt, J. and Meyer, N. (2009) Cyber
bullying: Protecting kids and adults from online bullying. USA: Routledge.
I think it's interesting that you have two contrasted opinions here and think I'd agree with the opinion that the new technologies available within the classroom have a positive approach on teaching and learning.
ReplyDeleteI think Fiske's statement about parents feeling pressured to buy their children the latest things is very true, and new technologies are very expensive therefore I can appreciate the pressure parent's must feel and with popular culture having more of a place within the classroom that may add to this pressure.
You have raised a question for me that, should teachers limit the amount of popular culture in the classroom, because of pressure on parents? I feel there will be pressure on parents to buy the latest gadgets even if they are absent from the classroom, possibly due to advertising or social influences. It may be interesting to find out if parents feel pressured because of advertising or technology in the classroom.
DeleteAs a student teacher it is interesting to see the parents concerns over the internet. I believe new technology in the classroom is important for children. So parents need to be informed of the protection the school has put in place so children are safe to use the internet. I was interested how the parent felt concerned of not being able to help the child with new technology, as I had not thought about this.
ReplyDeleteI agree that parents should be informed of the safety policies of the school. However, when reading the literature, I was shocked to see how easy it is for children to become subject to harsh and explicit content due to widening technology available. Therefore, would you agree it would be more useful to have central regulations in place, so that all children are internet safe?
DeleteI agree with you, Annabelle, it is interesting to see this perspective. We must encourage parents to become involved and if not already become 'native immigrants'.
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be an overall agreement, that parents should become more involved with their children's technological involvement. This may not only encourage children to participate but also improve the 'native immigrants' knowledge and confidence with technology. Surely bridging this gap in generations would be more effective than separating them further?
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