This novel would work if it were paired with other literature that pertains to human relationships. The Uglies novels would work well with this too, because they also deal with this created world in which technology is ridiculous and human emotional connections are lacking. Plus, if you present one of them in class, like Uglies, then maybe it would intrigue some students to read the others on their own time.
Great books by the way!
If I were to use Feed in my class, I would definitely like to ask my students questions such as "Do you think America is becoming a 'dumb' society and an illiterate society because of technology?" (vocab lessened, not using language properly, etc...Similar to the question that we were asked in class...), "Can technology be a good thing? What is too much?" and "Does technology, in your life, prevent you from making personal, emotional connections with others?" I think that this book can be used to assist our students in assessing their personal lives.
Like I said in class, I would love to have my students be challenged to go one week without their phones, getting on Facebook, or not accessing whatever their "feed" is. I would ask them to journal their experience as they went through it, noting their feelings (panic, worry, weirdness, etc) to not having the particular technology accessible, write their challenges that may have arose from not having this, and how has it affected other's views of them (ex: Perhaps a text message was sent out inviting you to the latest party, but you didn't get the message, thus you didn't go, so now your group of really close friends that did go to this party think you're a total loser....Or perhaps something beneficial/ positive arose during this) or whatever vibes they get from others during this one week period because they don't have this technology.
I also like the idea of using some sort of performance with this book. I'm not sure where or how to do this, but I think it would be interesting to do some activity that is performance based... Maybe even just having my students draw out their interpretation of the world in the novel, or create scenarios that are not directly in the book but based off of the themes (crazy technology, lack of human emotions, etc) then have them act it out in groups? I don't know... it could be interesting. What are some ideas that you all have?
Your ideas are really good, like usual. I really like the question of getting the students to ponder about whether or not technology interferes with communication/emotions or if they think it better is because of the constant comunicating (texting,fb) even if it isn't face to face. I think it would beneficial for them to learn what its like to not have it but I also think that they should instead of just not having it, do some sort of activity that allows them to realize how much technology runs their lives and how it did not in their parents/grand parents lives. Some how do an activity that would allow them to experience this. My mom grew up on a farm, so her work was always hard labor and growing up she always tried to emphasis how good my life is because I wouldn't even want to do the dishes let alone imagining cleaning the horses stalls etc. I think it would beneficial for the students to learn about their family's past and do an assignment on what it would be like in their day in age to do the things that their parents did in their free time instead of occupying it on Fb, texting, searching the web. etc.
ReplyDeleteYea, excellent idea Amanda! Perhaps they could do some sort of interviewing activity. Maybe interview their relatives, which would personalize the assignment/ study of this topic. If the students wouldn't have the availibility of a relative, maybe some fellow teachers or class members could assist in helping others find a person to interview. Then maybe (I don't know how realistic this is) get in contact with a business, or someone in the community and go and DO something (like checking out farm). This emphasizes personal relationships and community, which can always be improved, no matter where the school is located.
ReplyDeleteGREAT idea Amanda!
Here's the thing about challenging kids not to have cell phones: anyone with any sort of responsibility literally can't do it. In high school, you'd have to tell your work that you don't have your cell, so they need to call you at home... not too big of a deal. But what about in college? Or in high school, but with active membership in clubs? For me, I wouldn't be able to get in contact with club members or work, and that's with me only being in 2 clubs and working regularly on campus. What about the people who are on call and are in 4 and 5 clubs? Facebook, on the other hand, is an easy one to go a week without, though high school students might not think so right away.
ReplyDeleteIt would be an interesting challenge to see what students discover after a week of no cellphone usage, whether their aim was to just to prove they could do it, or if they could actually find something meaningful out of the experience. I know for myself when I become reclusive, usually around finals time, I don't respond to phone calls or text messages, and people begin to worry about my well-being because I haven't got in touch for a couple of days. If this was a decade ago, I doubt nearly as many people would think much about it. But like Nate alluded to, today's society is reliant on technology, and we MUST be reliant on it, to some extent. Yeah, we could take away the cell phone, but many institutions out there have our cell phone for when they need to get in contact with us, so our reminders for when we have a dentist or doctor appointment may be missed, and several other potentially important events may be missed. Just the other day I noticed I had voicemails that pertained to me buying a product in the past, and this message was telling me that it has been recalled and I should return it for a refund, or when my doctor calls me to tell me they need my updated insurance information, or I need to pay the full amount for my visit. So we really begin to understand how much of a reliance there is on technology anymore to accomodate today's societal changes.
ReplyDeleteI've often thought about ditching my blackberry for a week or so just to see what life was like. I'd do it but my biggest concern is emergency calls for kids. Oh well. I do worry that my kids are too focused around TV and iPad, etc. When I grew up, I remember playing outside and at friends all the time. I don't remember watching too much TV. Reminds me to focus on this with my own kids.
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