Caring, Daring and Sharing: Learning in New Media Environments

In the TED talk above, Cultural Anthropologist, Dr. Mike White opens with his experience in Papua New Guinea observing the introduction of books and censuses in a remote area and the dramatic impact on the culture. This rapid change is used as an analogy for social media and its impact on our culture. With opportunities as well as challenges in this new environment, Dr. White declares we need more open, caring, daring, creative, collaborative, self-motivated and voracious learners.

In order to do this, he suggests that we utilize new media to empower students and promote collaboration. Students need to become participants in the learning process and traditional models of instruction that treat students as empty vessels need to change. The current state of education is highlighted in the viral video, A Vision of Students Today, that Dr. White created with his 200 cultural anthropology students. There are many powerful new media tools that exist that allow students to be active participants in learning and impact others outside the classroom. To promote this educational shift as an instructor and a leader, I must strive to be an open, caring, daring, creative, collaborative, self-motivated, and voracious learner.