Like the song from The Sound of Music, I am leaving my quest to understand and discuss issues involving student freedom of speech and press on an optimistic note. Although I have found many disappointing examples of schools overreacting and inhibiting students’ first amendment rights, I think that there is also a lot to be said for our schools today. There is an overwhelming amount of negativity in the news, but everyday unsung heroes teach the “leaders of tomorrow” and inspire students with a love of learning. In the same thread, there are administrators like the one I discussed earlier from Conneticut, who handle censoring issues in their schools with tact and understanding, not spite. I have to hope that these sort of administrators and teachers will only increase, and that there are a lot of them who simply do not make the news.
On another note, my Eng 310 experience is also coming to an end. I must say that I have in fact learned a lot, including how to manage a blog – a though that terrified me a mere semester ago! Granted, I am still not very comfortable with this, I really do not think that I am a technology kind of girl. That doesn’t mean that I won’t make use of technology when it can improve my classroom and my students’ learning. This excursion into the world of RSS blogs was a useful if painful experience. At least now, even if I never use another blog my whole life, I know what they have to offer and can keep them in mind for possible classroom use. You never know. Stranger things have happened than me changing my mind about something.
I feel sorry I just now got to clicking on your blog. I’m a huge proprietor for free speech, and totally got a kick out of your entire blog. I guess I really don’t have much of a comment, more of a question. Do you think that RSS blogs in a classroom can be a huge help to students ability to speak out, or do you think that the “man” will just crack down on stuff like this eventually and inhibit the students creativity? I’m sure you answered the question in your blog…but it’s long and I’m honestly tired (not to mention that this is my last comment). Glad to hear you found the topic useful for the future though!
Dan
Comment by thedarksideofdan — April 17, 2007 @ 4:15 am
[...] Comments (310) So I TOTALLY lost my first post on the comments and have to do it again! Linking this stuff is for the birds, let me tell you! Comment 1 Comment 2 Comment 3 Comment 4 Comment 5 Comment 6 Comment 7 Comment 8 Comment 9 Comment 10 [...]
Pingback by Comments (310) « That Dark Space Between When You Wake Up — April 17, 2007 @ 4:23 am
Bethany,
Thank you for writing a blog that matters. Your topic connects really well to this class and it is informative to read. There is a lot of negativity in the news like you say and you are right not much of the good is written about. I think that many school feel as though they have no choice but to take the actions they do. While I do agree that students should be allowed to express themselves in the ways you talk about to point I think that parents and teachers need to start making them understand what accountability is and the repurcusion of things they say, write, and express. While I believe you shouldn’t be limited in these area I also believe you should retain your right to be judged, percieved, and criticized in ways that have long term effects. Just ask Imus.
I enjoyed reading all your posts and I felt as though you were an important part of our class and discussions. Thank you.
Wade
Comment by waldrup49 — April 18, 2007 @ 8:36 pm