Experiences and insights
While checking some of my frequently visited media sites, I began to realize that there is a common theme. I had not realized how filtered my media consumption is. Moreover, I am not even sure if it was ever any different. Recently, I have become more interested in topics that connect with my career as an educator. There is one topic that is meaningful in many ways.
Homework for Young Learners
The topic of homework for young learners is incredibly important and I am finding that my views are not the most popular in today’s technologically immersed educational systems. I came across many challenges when I looked for information outlets that gave current views and updated information about the discussion of homework for young learners. There were loads of videos, podcasts, journal articles, etc. written about five years ago when the topic was ablaze across the nation. Now, it seems that the topic is still noteworthy but not newsworthy. However, there is one organization that has remained vigilant on this and the topic of education in general. With a variety of content across You Tube, newsletters, and blog pages, Edutopia has provided me with a current and constant connection to my topics of interest.
The Edutopia organization
The Edutopia organization has given me a very good reason to add them to my media consumption lists. The topics keep me informed and engaged. They provide me with the latest developments in the field of education. Articles, videos, and newsletters include information from diverse points of view. Moreover, I think this media source does a great job at “popping” (stopping) potential filter bubbles.
On Filter Bubbles
In a TED video, Eli Pariser talks about a dangerous unintended consequence of filter bubbles. Personalization of information has evolved into the internet showing people what It thinks they want to see. I remember a point in time when search engines began rolling out versions of this feature. I thought it was a great idea (at the time). I thought I would no longer be inundated with sifting through items of information that I wasn’t interested in reading. I could never have foreseen the problems we face today from the implementation of algorithmic filters. As Eli Pariser put it, “Instead of a balanced information diet, you can end up with information junk food.” (TED, 2011, 5:53)
Sources
Leetaru, K. (2017, December 18). Why 2017 was the year of the filter bubble?. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2017/12/18/why-was-2017-the-year-of-the-filter-bubble/#18f2926f746b
TED. (2011, February). Beware online “filter bubbles” | Eli Pariser. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.ted.com/talks/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles/transcript
MinuteVideos. (2016, December 28). Filter Bubbles and Echo Chambers. . Youtube. https://youtu.be/Zk1o2BpC79g?si=VKND8OO4FGJMnVhX