Journal # 2

Journal # 2 -  Using Podcasts to Develop a Global Perspective

Maguth Elliot, BM., & Elliot, J. (2010). Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective. ISTE, 34. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25244&DirectListComboInd=D

Globalization is described in part by Wikipedia as “an ongoing process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through a globe-spanning network of communication and trade”.  In short, the world is metaphorically becoming smaller and literally becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent.  This was illustrated in a high school in Columbus Ohio when students put together a mock “Meet the Press” discussion.  The students would pick major players in the  debate on climate change, research their opinions and use what they learned to argue their points.  Some of these players included Gore, Ahmadinejad, and the CEO of Exxon Mobile.  Not only was their topic, global warming, relevant to developing a global perspective, but also the means by that their discussion and information was disseminated illustrated how global we have become.  In the words of one of the students, "We need to turn in good work because people all over the world could see this."

How would you use what you learned in the article as a teacher?

I do think the above quote by the student was very telling.  If I could engage my students and make them enthusiastic about having a global perspective by using podcasts or other forms of technology I would be very excited.  I think using not just podcasts, but all forms of technologies to make students gain a global awareness is a pathway to gaining understanding of other cultures and helping to create a consensus of complex issues.

Is there an inherent danger in furthering the divide between the “haves” and “have nots” by teaching new technologies to students?

Probably.  Education does not occur in a vacuum.  There are a lot of socio economic conditions that create a divide, and one further division would be teaching students how to make podcasts.  Of course teaching kids how to read and write also would technically create a divide.  There are larger structural problems in society that create this divide, and one could argue that perhaps teaching students how to use technologies could help to bridge these divides by leveling the playing field.