My student James Fine brought the video "Disconnect to Connect" to my attention. What do you make of it, especially given the fact that it appears to be sponsored by Thailand's second-biggest cell phone provider?
Also worth viewing, on only a slightly different topic, Cisco's video starring Ellen Page (image to the right) contrasting the seeming joys of virtual field trip to China with the horrors of a real-world field trip (who knew cows could be so scary?)
(Also, note how Ellen is ACTUALLY in the classroom--she is not virtual.)
Could someone please explain these two videos to me and what they say about our current age of digital distraction?
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I LOVE the Disconnect to Connect video! It's beautifully done and is very effective at delivering its message, which is extremely important in a world so overexposed to and dependent on social technology.
ReplyDeleteThe technology offered by Cisco is cool, and it opens possibilities for students to connect with others around the world; however I don't really agree with the Cisco commercial's attempt at putting down "old-fashioned" field trips. That said, I think that being able to connect students world-wide (especially with the option of a new-and-improved pen pal system) is very exciting and provides wonderful experiences for children.
I really don't think that the two ads are mutually exclusive in their messages. One emphasizes a decrease in dependence on social media technology in one's life while the other is providing a technology that can offer vast opportunities, if used correctly.