Text Mex

A recently published article in Interactive Learning Environments entitled 'Use of Instant Messaging in Online Learning Environments' [14 (3), 205-218] suggests that Instant Messaging is even better for students than face to face communication. The authors, Juan Contreras-Castrillo et al, give a Mexican perspective on the use of this technology, and eulogise about how good it is, at least for their sample of 43 students and 4 teachers.

It seems that remote students gave the teacher a 'virtual apple' in the form of welcoming messages, which the authors claim helped to establish a 'better social presence'. Students tended to use IM for low level stuff like superfluous chatting rather than about the course. It's a kind of passing paper messages around type of use by the sounds of it. The authors conclude by claiming that the use of IM 'increases students's satisfaction by providing continuous opportunities for interaction with the teacher and classmates'.

Not on weekends it doesn't (I hope). Sounds like a flaming nightmare for teachers who enjoy a little time off from the trials and tribs of the classroom, virtual or otherwise....

Taking the Wii

Well it's official. Video games are better for your kids than watching TV. A recent report in The Psychologist [20 (1), pp 26-29] by Kevin Durkin (University of Strathclyde) entitled 'Myers, Media and Modern Times' tells us that although video games have been given bad press in the past, there may be hope.

Video gaming has been held responsible for a number of negative effects including addiction, impairment of family life and peer relations, damage to school performance and even obesity and aggressive behaviour.

Now, says Durkin, a study of over 1000 American 16 year olds has shown that low and high players of video games show less substance abuse than 'never players'. Low and high players of video games also reported higher levels of family closeness and attachment to school than did 'never players'. There must be something in this lark then. 1000 American kids can't be wrong. I'm on to Amazon right away to buy the new Nintendo Wii for each of my kids.

PS: Actually folks, all joking aside, it's an informative article - get hold of it and read it if you are interested in media effects on young people.

The Podfather (Part 1)

A well-known scene from the film 'The Podfather' (Part 1)...Dedicated to a friend who was recently 'hit'. No names, no packdrill.

DON PODLEONE: Nanosera, we know each other for years, but this is the first time you come to me for help. I don't remember the last time you invited me to your blogspot ... even though our wives text each other.
NANOSERA: What do you want of me? I'll give you anything you want, but do what I ask!
DON PODLEONE: And what is that Nanosera?
(Nanosara whispers into the Don's ear.)
DON PODLEONE: No. You ask for too much!
NANOSERA: I ask only for protection!
DON PODLEONE: Your software gave you protection.
NANOSERA: An i for an i...!
DON PODLEONE: But your daughter is still online.
NANOSERA: Then make the spammers suffer as she suffers. How much shall I pay you?
DON PODLEONE: You never think to protect yourself with a firewall. You think it's enough to have McAfee. All right, McAfee protects you, so you don't need a friend like me. But now you come to me and say Don Podleone, you must give me protection. And you don't ask in respect or friendship. And you don't think to call me Podfather. Instead you come to my house on the day I go phishing and you ask me to protect you ...from spammers.
NANOSERA: McAfee has been good to me...
DON PODLEONE: Then install Spamkiller 5.0 with your firewall, the Stinger with the Freescan, Nanosera. But if you come to me with your friendship, your loyalty, then your enemies become my enemies, and then, believe me, they would fear to attack you...
(Slowly, Nanosera bows his head and murmurs.)
NANOSERA: Be my e-pal.
DON PODLEONE: Good. From me you'll get protection.
NANOSERA: Podfather.
DON PODLEONE: Some day, and that day may never come, I would like to call upon you to do me a service in return.
(Don Podleone sits back in his chair and gives a hacking cough)