Letter to Austin School Board

June 22, 2006

Austin School Board
401 Third Avenue NW
Austin, MN 55912




Dear Austin School Board:

I understand that there is increased concern about introducing even more media into the learning environment. I would like to present some justification for not only introducing but encouraging more media studies in the school setting.
Before I start, it must be acknowledged that media in the classroom has gotten a bad reputation because it has been so misused in the past. Teachers (as well as parents) notoriously use videos as a babysitter, students abuse their internet privileges, and we have all seen the spaced-out look on the faces of youngsters watching TV or listening to their CD players or iPods. It’s no wonder there is opposition to bringing in additional media when so many people feel that is used to buy or waste time.

In spite of the hesitancy there is to replace some of the more traditional ways of teaching by utilizing film and other media sources into the classroom, we have to address the fact that media plays a huge role in the lives of not only today’s students, but nearly every American. If so much of our society is submersed in media, how can we ignore it? If we bring media education into the classroom, we open up opportunity to guide the way media is perceived and used.

Our Language Arts Department is currently using film and the internet as part of its curriculum. Film is felt by so many of us here, including the students, to be an important resource for their learning as it helps them to respond critically not only about the literature that they're reading, but about how it is adapted and interpreted by those in history as well as our contemporary filmmakers. I have been excited about the discussions that have taken place in my classroom when we've analyzed films and other forms of media, because these mediums excite the students and, in turn, make for lively discussions. In no way, however, will I allow my English classroom turn into a theater or an Internet cafe--we will certainly continue to read many of the great classics, but by exploring film adaptations of those texts and creating our own texts and responses through careful use of the internet and video, I feel that it is in the best interest of the students to continue to allow these tools in their education.

Sincerely,



April Kristine