Chapter 5-Hobbs

The television-- a mind-numbing tube that does what for us, right? Well, in chapter 5 the most interesting fact I realized is how the television can be productive for students. In the English classroom, teachers can take how certain things are represented and use it in lessons.For example, in James Doneski's classroom he had his students discuss the topic of gender representation. Boys had to watch a show that targeted women and girls had to watch a show that targeted men. After these students read short readings, did their research, and analyzed the shows, they were able to discuss, "what they had learned about the changing patterns of gender representation in shows from TV history" (73).

Mainly my point is how now, year 2007, the English classroom no longer means reading Romeo & Juliet and learning the dry elements of theme, plot, setting, etc. In the English classroom, students can learn about 'life'--what the real, outside world is all about. Technology is clearly a fine tool to use in executing this task. Media Literacy comes down to creating a new way of thinking and going about getting our students to open up their minds as well.

In all honesty, this might be my favorite chapter. A housemate of mine is a communications major and I expressed what I learned about while reading this chapter because seeing her type of work, this seemed right up her alley. Just interesting that a communicators major found interest in one of my main books for an English class.