How distant is suffering?

Both pictures are from Syria. The first picture above is from this Al Jazeera article from 23rd November 2011. The second image below is from this BBC article on the 20th of November 2011. While both images use the same mode to portray "distant others", how distant are you from the first image compared to the second?

Ken Robinson on creativity in education

This TED talk is from a while ago, but I thought it was interesting in lieu of our seminar conversation on globalization recently.



Considering that the process of education is becoming increasingly standardized, what does that say about globalization? Do schools that account for a cosmopolitan approach - that is, infusing modules on religion, global economics and ethics - have the potential to encourage creativity?

Ground Rules from Week 2

Hi all,

here are the ground rules we agreed on in last week's session:

Students:

Bring things to discuss – do a bit of prep – practical examples

Develop an understanding/opinion on text

Work in groups on projects or presentations

Teacher/facilitator:

Students ideas might not be perfect, help draw attention to critiques, other interpretations

Vary different activities – group discussions, open discussions

Highlight key ideas – focus in on key parts of readings

Give guides to recommended readings – is there middle ground, talk through the readings

Create discussion space on Moodle or similar

All:

Create an environment where everyone can share ideas – feel comfortable/confident sharing ideas (nothing is too minor to ask!)

Be aware of cross cultural communication, respect everyone

Dialogue, express opinions

Critique theories

Bring in life experiences – case studies of different forms of media

Creative activity

Activity for Week 3

Activity for Week 3 - the Public Sphere

Next week we will be holding a mock-trial based on the readings on the public sphere.

The charge is:

THE INTERNET DOES NOT CREATE A PUBLIC SPHERE

1.  In the comments section please add links to articles/blogs/social networks/anything that you think demonstrates either that:
a. the internet DOES create a public sphere
or
b. the internet DOES not create a public sphere

2. make sure you leave a one-sentence/word comment saying whether you think your example is positive or negative

I'll leave a sample comment showing you what I mean

Please come to next week's session prepared to discuss!

Welcome!

Group 13, this is your space...