Skip to main content

Crowdsourcing Woes

 sos

I decided to post my example for my produsage assignment on Facebook. I made the post in my ELA Middle School Facebook Group. I posted it in several other spaces, but here it is in case you missed it. 


I wanted some feedback and to see if anyone had suggestions or thoughts. Now I know we know that crowdsourcing is hit or miss. There's always that person. But I was surprised by the really strong adverse reactions that a few people had it terms of this assignment. Their issue was that students would be teased or stereotyped based on their song choices. 


I have to be honest, I am a music chameleon. I like all kinds of music and I don't pay much attention to genre (my real spotify playlist is a hot mess of awesome.) Also, I am also a firm believer in providing a safe space in the classroom. We don't tease each other or make fun of one another for our choices. Now I wonder if I need to reevaluate. 

The suggestion was made to come up with an alternative assignment for those who did not feel comfortable with this one. Should I do that? My thinking is that every assignment has a student who would rather do something else. But, is this one that bad. Do I need an alternate?

I also had a few people ask about students who don't "listen" to music. Now I wouldn't consider myself an avid music listener. I hear songs in the car,  in the grocery store, and from the students who I work with. I don't actively seek out music, or attend concerts. Don't we all interact with music in some capacity? I thought maybe I could clarify by adding that the music could come from a variety of sources (video games, movies, television shows, relatives, etc.). Is this enough of a modification or should I add something more? So here I am crowdsourcing once more, but with a much more specific group of experts who I trust more than the blind Facebook masses. Please let me know your thoughts on these thoughts. 




 


 


Comments

  1. LeelocinJuly 20, 2022 at 8:30 AM

    Divine Ms. D, i absolutely ADORE this assignment.... but also, I was a person that had severe music anxiety in elementary school (I was so anxious I would burst into tears and I had a written excuse from my parents...) I think an alternative assignment is a great idea, but this is a good opportunity to educate students on values of non-judgement, open-mindedness, and music appreciation (mindful listening)!!!!

    Your project is such a great idea, I'm re-evaluating my project, I want an extra boost!! Maybe we could DM and might you bounce some of your tiredteacher ideas onto me?!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rachel WellmanJuly 23, 2022 at 1:43 PM

    TT, I can't wait to see what direction you went with your project, and I really appreciate you sharing the feedback you received on it.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What the H*** is Happening

  Please excuse my thinly veiled attempt to cover my cursing. I realize that I should use my words better, but to be honest in this case the word is the most appropriate one I could think of this morning. This morning I woke up to this article. https://bookriot.com/florida-teachers-remove-classroom-libraries/ The article discusses how teachers in Brevard Public Schools have been told that they cannot use their classroom libraries this year until they have been vetted by an expert.  I thought teachers were the experts! I mean we did go to school for just such an occasion, but I digress. Let's get back to the real issue.  I would be remiss if I just read one article, so I went a googling. Here are the other headlines that popped up.  https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2022/05/12/florida-schools-stirred-up-over-library-books-textbooks/ https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/04/15/brevard-schools-discuss-district-wide-library-book-policy-prepare-for-review-pro...
3 comments
Read more

You Get A Badge! You Get A Badge! Everyone Gets a Badge

  This was iconic right! Most of us remember Oprah giving away a plethora of free stuff each year during her favorite things episode. As the show evolved she used this episode as a way to highlight people who had gone above and beyond. One episode was full of expectant mothers, another was full of teachers. Not once did the world say wait a minute, what did each teacher do to deserve that car. They were just excited! When it comes to the idea of awarding digital badges many people see it through the "everyone gets a trophy" lens. I personally don't have a problem with everyone getting a trophy. For me it is about socioemotional health. The idea of recognizing all students is one that appeals to me. In today's education system, there are a large number of students who go through the day unnoticed. They do what you ask, when you ask, within the parameters that you have set. Digital badges will allow educators to acknowledge the accomplishments of those students. Why sho...
1 comment
Read more

Preventing Cyberbullying Among Middle Schoolers

  Online bullying and harassment is a very real problem, especially for young people. According to the United States government almost twenty percent of teens report being the target of some sort of online harassment or bullying. The graphic below outlines some of the issues that can result from online harassment. These issues have prompted law enforcement agencies, educational policymakers and parents to explore avenues that will help to prevent cyberbullying. Here are a few ways that adults help to ensure that cyberbullying doesn't happen. Raise Awareness One way to prevent cyberbullying amongst young people is by simply raising awareness about the issue. We often assume that students already have the tools that the need to successfully navigate online spaces. This is often a fallacy. Students need to be explicitly taught about online bullying and harassment. Educators and parents need to work together to ensure that students understand what is considered online bullying. Care sh...
Post a Comment
Read more