Social media...is it the new philosophy for kids and teens?

Philosophy is about discussion, questioning and experimenting with ideas. Social media outlets let us and our kids join in discussions on topics that are of interest to them. With social media we are able to question others' thoughts and ideas. We are able to express our ideas and hear others' opinions of our ideas.

Now the question is, can we use this new social phenomenon to expand literacy and learning skills in kids and teens. I don't know a teen that doesn't use the Internet. And most are using some form of social media. They are expressing their ideas and therefore, in some form or another, developing philosophical skills that help, in turn, develop literacy skills.

With social media being a medium of free expression, we are bombarded with so much information and must use and therefore, build our information processing skills. When reading and writing, whether for pleasure or purpose, we use the same info processing skills. We then enquire, reason and creatively think of our own 'philosophy' on the topic.

So how can we integrate social media into teaching literacy, critical thinking and philosophy to kids and teens?

By Joanna Ferensowicz, President, STELLAA

Gaming and Literacy

“When people learn to play video games they are learning a new literacy.” - James Paul Gee, linguist and professor of literacy studies at Arizona State University

According to a recent article on the website MindShift, gaming should be considered the new essential literacy.

When kids play video games, they're not only having fun but they're also learning problem solving skills, trial and error, and that it takes practice to get good at anything. As the article points out, "a critical part of being literate in the digital age means being able to solve problems through simulations and collaboration."

Many parents dismiss video games as simple, mindless entertainment, which can lead to arguments and frustration. So what would happen if we were to change our way of thinking about gaming? Would our kids benefit if we were to shift our view to see gaming as a more productive pastime? If, as the article suggests, gaming teaches children important life lessons and skills, it might be something worth considering.

If you're interested in learning more about the connection between gaming and literacy, here are a few more articles on the topic:

How Games Can Influence Learning

Five Reasons Why Video Games Power Up Learning

The Literacy of Gaming: What Kids Learn from Playing