Meeting Pattern
The class is comprised of acquiring information from a textbook, and websites with articles and videos.
Description
A discussion of the networked lives (academically and socially) of children and teens is found in the text, websites and videos which tell how students benefit from technology, but are prey to entrainment and influence.
“boyd’s new book is layered and smart . . . It’s Complicated will update your mind.”—Alissa Quart, New York Times Book Review
“A fascinating, well-researched and (mostly) reassuring look at how today's tech-savvy teenagers are using social media.”—People
“The briefest possible summary? The kids are all right, but society isn’t.”—Andrew Leonard, Salon
"What is new about how teenagers communicate through services such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Do social media affect the quality of teens’ lives? In this eye-opening book, youth culture and technology expert danah boyd uncovers some of the major myths regarding teens' use of social media. She explores tropes about identity, privacy, safety, danger, and bullying. Ultimately, boyd argues that society fails young people when paternalism and protectionism hinder teenagers’ ability to become informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens through their online interactions. Yet despite an environment of rampant fear-mongering, boyd finds that teens often find ways to engage and to develop a sense of identity.
Boyd’s conclusions are essential reading not only for parents, teachers, and others who work with teens but also for anyone interested in the impact of emerging technologies on society, culture, and commerce in years to come. Offering insights gleaned from more than a decade of original fieldwork interviewing teenagers across the United States, boyd concludes reassuringly that the kids are all right. At the same time, she acknowledges that coming to terms with life in a networked era is not easy or obvious. In a technologically mediated world, life is bound to be complicated."
Syllabus, Objectives, and Outcomes
Objectives:
By the end of this course, the student will:
- understand the development of the web, and how it is used for learning and socialization.
- have obtained insight into the lives of young people and children and the paradigm shift in education.
- will be aware of the rapidity of changes in young peoples’ lives.
Text:
Boyd, Danah. (2014). It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens. NY: McMillan https://www.danah.org A free online version of the work is made available under a Creative Commons license for use that is noncommercial. For a digital copy of the work - Web site for free textbook: https://archive.org/stream/ItsComplicatedSocialLivesOfNetworkedTeens/ItsComplicated_djvu.txt
The following assignments and projects are required for this course = 30 hrs. This course is self-paced however feel free to email the instructor anytime during the course if you have any questions or concerns.
- Read text including prologue (273 pages)
- Watch videos and read articles on web
- Write reflections (5) (1 page)
- Research articles reviews from the Internet (2) - (write a half page review)
- Essay - (overall what you have interacted with) (1 – 2 pages)
Course assignments and activities are designed to enhance students’ education and develop their skills in research, critical analysis, and academic writing.
**Registration Instructions**Online registration URL closes @ 5:00 p.m. on April 13, 2023.
Register