Introduction to Cultural Studies: An Invitation to the Larger Community

Over these next nine weeks, our Project 1:17 students with be taking a class with me entitled, Introduction to Cultural Studies. In this class, I have assigned for them to read two books on differing aspects of youth culture:

Walt Mueller's, Engaging the soul of youth culture: Bridging teen worldviews and Christian truth.

Scott Larson and Larry Brendtro's Reclaiming our prodigal sons and daughters: A practical approach to connecting with youth in conflict.

Each week I will be posting a place for reflection and discussion on that particular chapter. This will correlate with a presentation on an at-risk youth subculture that our students will be researching.

We would like to invite you to join in this discussion. You are welcome to purchase the books and read along with us if you'd like.

If you have any additional questions, please post these and I'll try best to respond.

Steve

Men Growing Up to Be Boys Who Skip Church

In cultural studies, there has been an ongoing debate about whether our concepts of childhood and adulthood are socially constructed. When you look at somebody like Michael Jackson, is he supposed to be a man or a boy? He's the quintessential 'Peter Pan syndrome' case.

However, recently it seems that our definitions between what a boy and what a man are seems to have been blurring. Now forty year olds are playing video games, rock climbing, and acting the fool with their friends; and boys are running businesses and looking older than ever...

In the Times recently offered an article on this subject in relation to a new show called 'Love Monkey' - which never made it past the first couple of weeks of airing.

Is this representative of a culture of male Peter Pans? Are guys not taking on a sense of responsibility these days?

We were discussing this in our office a couple of weeks ago, particularly in relation to a debate going on on why men hate church.. Part of me wonders whether or not there is a connection between this Peter Pan cultural phenomena and the growing absence of men who participate in the everyday life of the local Christian community?

What are your thoughts? Is this something you have experienced? Why do you think it is so? How do we change this?

Testing Game Theory

Check out this interesting report on Testing Game Theory from ABC News.

Is life a game? Can we think about what other people are thinking to solve impossible tasks/meet impossible challenges? Are "credible threats" the motivation for people to overcome tremendous odds?

Barry Nalebuff, from Yale's University School of Management comments in this report.

Representation of Evangelicals in the Media

Hi friends,

I am currently working on a research paper for a class on "Interpreting Popular Culture" at NYU. I am exploring the representation of evangelicals in the media. I think that this is a pertinent time to discuss this subject.

Cultural studies and film theorist, Richard Dyer suggests that a stereotype is "the reduction, exaggeration and simplification of specific characteristics." When a person's character and personality or culture are reduced to such a crystallized caricature, this would be referred to as "essentializing" that individual or culture.

I would like to explore whether there is an essentializing of the evangelical in mainstream media today, and whether or not this is a fair representation.

Is there such a thing as a single, evangelical entity, or is it comprised of a multiplicity of representations? Does difference exist in this sub-culture? Do we all look like Ned Flanders??? In doing so, have we reduced evangelicalism down to an oodely-doodely, mindless, uncritical, happy-go-lucky stereotype?

What are your thoughts?

In preparing this research, it would be helpful to have some qualitative research. While blogging would not necessarily qualify as 'qualitative research', I would love to hear any of your stories. You can either publish these in the comments section of this blog, or you can e-mail me if you would prefer for this to be more confidential. You don't have to be a Christian or an evangelical to comment on this. In fact, it would be beneficial to hear from all sides of the discourse.

I'll continue this idea with further thoughts in days to come.

Steve

TIVO KidZone: Parent-approved, fun for kids

As a person interested in new media and culture, I have been fascinated with the social repurcussions of TIVO on our culture for a while. This new 'safe place' for kids - TIVO KidZone - adds a new dimension to the parent/child relationship with television viewing. This might even be an interesting tool for youthworkers?

Steve

Saved: Reflections from the Film

Hi all,

Last week, we watched the film, Saved in class. It's a bit of a bitter-sweet film to watch as it caricaturizes evangelicals, and casts them in a negative light, but it also serves to awaken us to how we are being perceived by some.

I am interested in hearing Christian and non-Christian reactions alike. So please feel free to leave your comments. Dialogue is really important on this issue.

Did you see the movie? Do you think this is a fair representation or not? Regardless of your answer, why?

I don't want to say too much about my opinion at this time. I don't want my opinion to steer the conversation yet. I'll add my two cents a little later.

I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say.

Steve

I'm Back!

Sorry all for the delay in postings. Things have been pretty busy for the last week and a half. We're about to start our 10-day campaign to Newark, New Jersey.

I'm looking forward to our ongoing discussions.

Steve

Corps Cadet War Council Roundtable

As many of you may already be aware, The Salvation Army in the USA is convening a War Council to discuss our teen discipleship program, Corps Cadets. In response to a request by one of the delegates, we have begun an open discussion on this absolutely important topic. Our hope is to hear from as many voices as possible in order to offer the best thoughts available to the effort.

To this end, we hosted an informal "roundtable" discussion to begin the conversation. Those involved were not told what they would be discussing, so they didn't have the benefit of much forethought. This did, however, help to bring honest and open opinions to the table.

Our hope is that you will join the conversation. The roundtable was recorded and uploaded as a Podcast to our website and all who are willing to listen are invited to offer their insights through our community web forum on the subject.

Discipleship of teens in The Salvation Army is far too important of a discussion to be ignored. This may also be one of the few opportunities for all of us to have a say in the future of this particular program. Please take the time to listen (about 20 minutes) and to offer your thoughts. Tech Note: The audio can sometimes be difficult to hear somewhat at the beginning, but it does improve as the recording progresses. To access the podcast, just click on the underlined word "podcast" above.

Learning with Nemo

Learning with nemo is a nicely animated adventure program, leveraging the setting and characters from the popular movie. In this adventure, the user is invited to help Nemo and Dory play a scavenger game, collecting periwinkles to gain points. Clicking on many of the other colorful underwater objects leads to simple learning points, or funny animated actions. After the periwinkles in a given location are all collected, the gang moves on to a learning game. These involve basic preschool skills, like object counting, shape recognition, pattern matching, and simple addition.

Learning with Nemo incorporates a collection of basic preschool learning exercises: color, shape, and pattern recognition; number and letter identification; counting skills; and simple math. These exercises provide practice opportunities for the young user, without the potential boredom-inducing repetition sometimes found in simple drill-only programs. However, this comes at the cost of less practice, and no real instruction.

Its test also shows abouth the results that the kids really like this software, the four and five year old ones were quite familiar with the characters and had some experience using a computer and similar click and explore types of programs. Kids who had no familarity with this program had to to be given more care giver guidence.

Learning with Nemo is a fun preschool skills practice program for four and five year-olds. Younger children may need additional support to use and enjoy the program.

The rating of this software through educational means is 3 out of 5 and in kids appeal it is 4 out of 5. So this happens to be a more likely suitable program for kids from ages of 2-5. This program is a game cum software where kids won't get bored and would love it, specially because of Nemo because it is one of the most appealing cartoon character in Kid's lives.

This particular software is for $19.99. The website where one can buy online is Disney Shopping
This software is very suitable for boys and girls.

Cool as a commodity?, or

After reading up on the cool hunt, it can only bring one to beleive that the wheels of an ever increasing matirial obsessed and culture driven society has no where to go but faster. The major theme I focused on is the constant need to fuel the fire that is cool and the attached ideas of today's culture. The newest fad or style that will fade into obscurity, and prehaps end up in a Salvation Army thrift store. Something I feel is real issue, and may pose a problem to youth ministry. Not a deadly problem, but a major distraction from God and something that is easy to get caught up in.

Should Christians Be Using Blogger?

I recently was involved in an e-mail debate with a good friend, Herb Rader who I had invited to join my blog. He e-mailed me to say he really like my blog, but when he clicked on the link which says "Next Blog" he got re-routed to a pornographic site. This doesn't always happen as it's a random link, but it does present an ethical issue - Is this something which could potentially expose participants to inappropriate material?

Herb gave me permission to open up our debate on blogger so that we can hear from all of you.

Here's my personal take:

I personally find nothing wrong with blogger. It is what I would call a 'virtual space' - similar to physical space. If anyone were to suggest that we gather all Christians together and put them into a colony in order to keep them safe, I would have to conclude the person was mad - let alone theologically misinformed. Any solid ecclessiology would reject this perspective. I would argue that when we move into the virtual space, a similar approach is needed.

I think that a person's blog is very much like property which is owned by a person. Another helpful metaphor might be the blank canvas. It is what we put in our houses/canvas/virtual space which is the critical issue.

However, there is one issue which concerns me with these social networking spaces - Many times people will look at Blogger/My Space/Xanga like a personal diary. Often blogs will be written in the privacy of one's room/office/home. Writing in a personal diary and writing on a blog ARE NOT the same thing! It could be likened to photocopying your personal diary and posting it on every billboard in the world! While we write in private spaces, the moment we publish our posts, these become part of the PUBLIC DOMAIN. That means, anyone can read them.

So why do people blog? Two reasons come to mind:

1. Agency - Blogs allow for a person to speak their mind. To say something in a world where it seems so difficult to be heard. This can often take the form of venting. All that blogs do is AMPLIFY the message being communicated - similar to a megaphone. It is an extension of our voice, and therefore allows for people to feel they have agency - the ability to be a PRODUCER/PUBLISHER in a world which demands we only consume.

Remember the word of Uncle Ben in Spiderman though - "With great power comes great responsibility." As we develop new literacy skills for navigating these new media spaces, people will begin to get what is appropriate and what is not. Always remember, if you post something, Somebody is going to read it. Sometimes this is a good thing. Other times... not so good!

2. Collaboration - In media studies, we would say that this communications technology 'implodes space and time.' What I mean is that people being able to connect over ideas speeds up and is not limited to where you live anymore. People who live hundreds of miles apart can be united in seconds. Therefore, they can connect, collaborate, debate etc. without having to leave the actual physical space where they reside. In otherwords, it fosters COMMUNITY.

When it comes to debating issues, it speeds up the possibility of bringing together a critical mass of people who want to do something together. Again, whether this is good or bad all depends upon the people and what they are intending to do. Remember, the medium amplifies and accelerates what already exists in people.

New media often bring about revolutions. Look at the printing press and the rise of protestantism (and the emergence of the modern nation-state - and the development of the individual). Change is inevitable, it is a question of how we respond to it which determines whether we sink or swim.

Blogging isn't going away. Just look at the last elections and you'll see this is true. However, I don't think that this should be reason for Christians to get into their bunkers! This is a changing culture, but this is also reality - and this world (virtual included) is where we are called to live out our callings.

Thoughts anyone on this subject? (Christian and non-Christian alike)

Project 1:17 Specials on The Media Moment this Week!

Hi all,

Josh and Richard did their weekly podcast called The Media Moment at Project 1:17 this past week. Our students were their special guests! Click here to hear all of our students offering their pearls of wisdom! :)

By the way Fulton - we're now tied 2 for 2!

Steve

A Great Website for Internet-Safeguard Literacy for Kids

Check out this website called NetSmartzKids. I just received a recommendation from a member of Techmission's AC4 community (this community is well-worth joining). This illustrates an effective website that can be immediately utilized in after-school programs. It serves a purpose, and is cultivating media literacy skills.

I'd recommend this site to be used for kids around 5-9 years of age. There are interactive videos, games etc.

Steve

Dance Dance Revolution a Fitness-Frenzy for Teens?

Check out this article on fitness in youthwork I received from Group Magazine's Jr. High Ministry e-letter. What are your thoughts? Agree? Disagree?

Steve

Walk This Way
Those of you in the state of West Virginia may see a reduction in the size of your youth group—pants size, that is. All of the 157 middle schools in the state will be getting Xbox consoles and copies of the video game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). The game features a special mat with arrows, and players attempt to follow the on-screen instructions by stomping on the appropriate arrow. This is all accompanied by a soundtrack featuring techno, Latin, and ’80s dance music. I’ve seen this played in an arcade setting, and people really work up a sweat doing this. The game isn’t intended to replace P.E. and health classes, but rather to provide more options for a generation of kids more comfortable playing video games than soccer games. West Virginia consistently ranks as one of the top three most-obese states, so they’re going on the offensive. So will this spark a Revolution among the country’s “growing” youth?...

Make sure you’re occasionally playing games that have the kids run around like maniacs. I know, a roomful of sweaty junior highers smells like a locker room, but you knew the dangers when you signed up for this. Statistics from the American Obesity Association and the American Heart Association show that one out of every three kids is considered overweight or obese. That’s staggering and scary. So think twice before taking the “easiest” route when it comes to food.

Using Corel in a Ministerial Setting

I was having a bit of trouble finding some mysterious piece of software that would amaze and awe-inspire the world but then I realized... why should I be looking for something new and upcoming? Why not look at something that's already produced and just look for ways to utilize it within a ministry setting. Drawing on my own background I decided to take a look at something graphic related that I think would be beneficial to youth in high risk categories and would also be something realistic and cost effective. The solution that I came up with is CorelDraw and their new version, X3.

I know this probably sounds quite bizarre to anyone who's not 'graphically inclined' or even for those who are but my reasoning is as follows:

One of the things that I think is crucial, especially in an after-school type setting, is to give the kids something that is worthwhile and not just something that will occupy them for an hour while they are there. Something such as Corel offers these kids a myriad of benefits. Although it may not be the simplest program to just pick up and run with, any child who can manage their way through Windows should be able to pick up the basics of Corel quickly and with a minimal amount of instruction. Once they are comfortable with the program they can use it for several things. It can become an outlet for creativity, it can be a trade teaching tool because it is, unknown to some, an industry standard for many graphic designers. Corel can also be used for ministry specific items such as creating posters, pamphlets, cards, and any other publications that are needed. I am not sure about X3 but I know that previous versions also included programs for creating 3D models, flash animations, and webpage design.

As for the realism and cost effectiveness of CorelDraw X3, I was very surprised to see just how realistic it could be. Corel is good enough to offer licensing discounts and, even better, discounts for educational and non-profit purposes. If used in an after-school setting or perhaps a community (Kroc) center, it would fall under several categories - educational, non-profit, and religious organizations. The price under these categories amazed me as it comes in at a mere $99. It's a large discount from the otherwise $399 and a far cry from its closest competitor which is $1,599! Again, I think that CorelDraw X3 would be a great way to teach kids skills which could be used outside of the learning atmosphere and would be marketable when looking for employment and it also provides a great tool to allow them to simply be creative and produce fun things.

Steinberg Cubase SE/ Computer Software to Record Music

Based on the renowned Cubase SX, Steinberg Cubase SE is ideal for anyone who keeps a sharp eye on their finances but does't want to do without professional technologies in their home recording, project, or pre-production studio.This special edition of Cubase offers functions that won't leave you wanting, including 48 audio tracks, an unlimited number of MIDI tracks, sequencing and hard disk recording features as well as professional 24-bit/96kHz resolution. Cubase SE also offers a wealth of audio and MIDI recording features with comprehensive editing and effects. And with Cubase SE you're using a system that you can upgrade whenever you choose to the higher Cubase SX/SL versions that are used by audio and music professionals worldwide.

Steinberg Cubase SE Features:
48 audio tracks and unlimited MIDI tracksProfessional 24-bit/96 kHz audio resolution
Supports up to 16 VST instruments5 insert effects and 8 send effects per channel
VST System Link and ReWire 2 compatible
Includes complete set of audio and MIDI effect plug-ins
Same advanced user interface and functionality as Cubase SL/SXFully upwards compatible
Upgradable to SL/SXNative audio - no additional DSP hardware requiredPlayback 48 audio tracks simultaneously
Unlimited number of MIDI tracks16 VST instrument slotsAutomation modes: touch fader
Single undo offline process historyApogee UV22 ditheringCD audio grapping
Full MP3 Fraunhofer Encoding available as update

Steinberg Cubase SE Specifications:PC system requirements:
Processor: Pentium III 500 MHz or AMD K7 (Pentium III / Athlon 1 GHz or faster recommended)
RAM: 256 MB (512 MB recommended)
Operating System: Windows 2000, Windows XP Home or XP Professional
Sound Card: Windows MME compatible audio hardware (ASIO compatible audio hardware recommended)
Hard Disk: 1GB of free disk space

Mac system requirements:
Processor: Power Mac G4 450 MHzRAM: 256 MB (512 MB recommended)
Operating System: OS X Version 10.2 or higher
Sound Card: CoreAudio compatible audio hardware
Hard Disk: 1GB of free disk space

Ok so this is a great program, it is cheap to and it is worth the buy. At about $100 you can buy the program and then you can buy things to make it better mic, stands,mixers etc.This program allows you to Produce your own music and make up beats and things like that as well.For the teens at your corps that are really in top music you can take this and allow them to start a small production comp.They can make CD's for there bands and it would cost thousands less than what it would cost at another place.It would be great and give them skills to make the sounds better at your corps.

Worship Him Presentation Software

When recently web searching, I found this little known program called Worship Him.

It is simlilar to Media Shout, but is specifically designed with churches and worship centers in mind. Such features include automatic CCLI usage tracking and report compilation, generate messages and reminders without interupting the flow of worship, and many others. The best feature of all is the price, which averages around $200 USD.

Please note that this is not to minimize Media Shout, it's creators or assosiated parties. But to simply offer a more economical alternative.

Visual Communicator 2

Publisher's Description:

"Visual Communicator enables anyone to easily create video presentations in minutes. Unlike other video creation tools, Visual Communicator doesn't require special equipment or training to use. It works at a desk with any webcam or camcorder and is based on a simple wizard with dozens of templates that completely eliminate time-consuming video editing. With news-style graphics, a built-in teleprompter, and green screen effects for background replacement, users create video projects that look as if they were made inside a network television studio. When videos are completed, they can quickly be published to share via websites, email, and CDs/DVDs. Version 2 introduces flexible recording and real-time editing to enhance the ease of the video creation process."

Let me just say, this looks awesome. it seems like a great package to use either in the corps, or at big events (youth concils), or retreats, graduations, worship videos, training videos, sermons. there are a lot of options and possibilities for its use. each package has a different cost and capabilities. starting at $189.95 for the visual communicator 2 web (comes with green screen, mic, etc, drawback is only output to web or cd). next at $289.95 is the visual communicator 2 pro package, then the visual communicator 2 studio at $489.95. each of which has even more features. to see more specifics go to www.seriousmagic.com

You can download a free trial, but there will be a watermark on the images. other than, seems like a cool new program. they also make ovation, the ppt oompher.

Review: Cool Math for Kids

Cool Math For Kids .COM

Rating out of 10: 7 (lowered due to aethestic reasons)

Price: Absolutely free! Just do not block their sponsors’ ads

Where to find it: http://www.coolmath-games.com/

Type: Math Games

Description: This site was engineered to create a fun way to get kids involved in math and its usage. Through games such as Mahjongg, Under Pressure, Lemonade Stand, etc. kids use math in fun and exciting ways that they would not normally think of doing. Lemonade Stand actually allows the player to buy ingredients, supplies, set prices, and then see how well they would do sales-wise during different weather situations, different times of day, etc.

The targeted Demographic would have to be middle school age children, and their teachers.

Benefits: Math skills can become second nature. Players can see that math really is a necessary skill in the “real world.” Also, there are sections for parents and teachers that provide more resources.

Pitfalls: The site looks a little on the low-end side. Some games are difficult to figure out, and not all games are given detailed instructions. Also, some games require a certain type of internet window (ie. Netscape versus Internet Explorer)

Sorry, but I am finding it difficult to get pictures of the site (I am not 100% sure how to take an image of the site.)

Personal Note: I have personally seen this used in an after-school program, and the students took to it very well. They could not wait to get on the site, and start playing! The biggest hit was the Lemonade Stand. Some kids were able to earn hundreds of virtual dollars selling virtual lemonade! Others were not so skilled, but there are other games for them. I am a big fan of the Mahjongg game! I also recommend Gem Game, Infectious, and Simon Says. Beware of Tower of Hanoi! It stumps me every time!

Thanks for listening to my two cents!

Mel

BrainGames

There is a product developed by NASA that that they use as a training aid to their pilots. It's basically a Neurofeedback device; meaning, it sorta displays brain waves. EEG Neurofeedback training uses a computer assisted EEG (Electroencephalogram) which accurately measures Brainwave activity through sensors, safely placed on the surface of the head. This brainwave activity can then be monitored visually and auditorally.
Through this sophisticated feedback system, individuals are taught to effectively exercise their brain, leading to increased awareness and differentiation of mental states.
Researchers are trying to team this product up with video games which will give it a more appealing front. It is geared especially towards helping kids with ADHD. Here's a video that gives a bit more detail.

It will probably still be a few years till this gadget is something kids would feel comfortable or "cool" with. I say that simply because it's not really known and recognized yet by mainstream America and it's really kinda dorky looking having all that equipment on your head and all. I think it's something we should keep a close eye on though. We could develop little labs with these hardware available to help kids develop their brain. (Sorry if that last line sounded a bit creepy)

Title: SmartBrainGames
Rating: 7.5 (Just because it's a work in progress)
Cost: $584 for complete set (Buy Now)
Resource Description: Video Game and Video Game support system
Demographic: It can work for a large age group simply because it is compatible with multiple games.
Benefits: Helps kids with ADHD and to help with brain development
Pitfalls: It's kinda expensive right now so that's not such a great thing. It's really dorky looking as I said above so kids might not be ready and willing to get into it. Also I don't really have much information on the setting up and putting together of the equipment so I don't know how hard that'll be.

Serious Games: Games that Educate, Train, and Inform

I wanted to recommend a book I picked up recently at my local Barnes and Noble. It's called Serious Games: Games that Educate, Train, and Inform. This is a great conceptual document to highlight the potential of games for social change, but also illustrates how games are being used in the military, government, educational institutions, coportations, healthcare, religious institutions, and in the artworld.

The book is based on a movement of game-designers, social workers, military folk etc. who are tapping into, and maximizing the potential of this new medium. Check out the Serious Games Summit in Washington D.C.

Also, check out the book Developing Serious Games. This looks great.

I still am convinced that this is something that community-based youthworkers NEED to get into. I see so much redemptive possibility in this new medium.

I recognize that video games are often perceived of as 'mindless entertainment', and something that fuels moral panics... and this type of technophobia prompts us to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I also recognize that there are many technophiles out there who think that video games should be uncritically embraced. I am not arguing (or supporting) this point of view either. I am rather arguing for a critical approach similar to what these 'serious game developers' are talking about.

What are your thoughts?

Creative Infusion Conference May 18-19, 2006

I just read about the Creative Infusion Conference being hosted by Daybreak Church this spring. It looks really good for people interested in using media in churches.

It's described as "A window to a world of creativity, emerging technology and modern ministry. Your creative soul will be energized and prepared for another year of ministry as you experience provoking ideas and innovations."

Check it out.

Steve

Integrating New Media in Youthwork: February 27 - 28, 2005

Schedule

Monday, February 27 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Overview of Different Multimedia

Tuesday, February 28, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Podcasting

Animation

Web-design basics

Putting it all Together

Richard Brown shot his first movie footage at the age of 6, and got his first computer, an Apple II+, as a senior in high school. Since then, he's worked as a multi-image technician, a video editor for a summer camp, organized the first three-camera video setup for a youth councils, designed and put together a complete video studio, produced and programmed multimedia for DC/LA and Youth Specialties conferences, and designed and developed the multimedia presentation software known as MediaShout. He currently serves as the consultant to the Multimedia Team at the Western Territorial Headquarters of the Salvation Army, and is especially proud of his most recent title, dad.

Josh Cowing graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Communications and a minor in Cinema/Television Production. After a few jobs in unrelated fields, including at a children's hospital and as an assistant to columnist and political pundit Arianna Huffington, he finally landed his dream job as an assistant to a major motion picture producer in 1999. When the luster of Hollywood faded, however, Josh began to look for other avenues to put his visual and written communications background to good use. In 2003 he found just that, and currently works as the Multimedia Project Director at the Western Territorial Headquarters of the Salvation Army as part of the Multimedia Team.

monkeypunk.com

the media moment podcast

For more information, please call Project 1:17 @ 845-368-7242

Reviewing Software/Websites Resources for Youthwork

I would like to invite participants to post reviews of software and websites which they think might be useful in after-school programming/youthwork. This can be games, homework tools, social networking sites etc.

The reason why I am doing this is because I would like to have a space where we can draw on the distributed experience of youthworkers who have tried and tested (or think it would be good to test) these games/sites. This would also help to create a working-list of new software and games that we could submit to be approved to be used in Salvation Army after-school settings.

Don't post these reviews in this comments section, rather create a post - putting "Review: (Name of site/software) in the title. When someone has posted a new review, additional discussion on that particular review can take place in the comments section.

I would also suggest the following format:

1. Title (add a hyperlink to this).
2. Rating out of 10 (this would help for quick evaluation)
3. Identify the cost (even if free)
4. Add a link to where this could be purchased (if software) e.g. Best Buy, Amazon etc.
5. What type of resource this is (e.g. game, MMO, homework aid, literacy device, resource site etc.)
6. Offer a short description of what the site is about
7. Which demographic you think this would appeal to (age, gender, ethnicity - this might not be applicable with all sites/games/MMOs, but only if it is specifically targeting a particular group).
8. Benefits. In what ways does the site/game promote positive social and/or cognitive a/o emotional a/o moral a/o spiritual change/possibilities in at-risk youth?
9. Pitfalls. What concerns/weaknesses does the site/game present?
10. Add couple of photos (to illustrate how it looks)

You don't have to be a youthworker to do this, just someone who is interested in sharing ideas/materials that would be useful to helping at-risk children/teens through new media (Particularly computers with internet connections).

If you are not a contributing member of my blog, e-mail me and I'll send you an invite.

Steve

Discussion on Bullying in MUVEs and Milbrey McLaughlin's "Community Counts"

One of the hot topics which have come out of the exploration into a MUVE for at-risk teens is the issue of bullying.

On an earlier posting, Melissa was commenting on the fear of bullying. This emerged out of a mini-debate we had in class about whether or not bullying in a virtual environment could be likened to bullying in a real environment (e.g. school playground etc.)

This discussion was part of a larger discussion of whether or not a virtual environment can be a 'safe space.'

With all of the fears and paranoia about internet predators, why would a person want to use a virtual game environment as medium for working with at-risk youth?

This is where the distinction between a Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) and a Multi User Virtual Environment (MUVE) is important to distinguish. I don't think it would be wise to have anybody going online with teens from our afterschool programs. This would be like saying that anybody can come into a community center; or that any kids can play basketball - Of course we don't do this!

Milbrey McLaughlin's seminal report called Community Counts: How Youth Organizations Matter for Youth Development (ANYBODY in youthwork needs to read this doc.) illustrates this clearly. She says, "Urban youth, especially, put security at the top of the list of requirements for a community-based youth organization they would attend with confidence. Adult leaders of the urban youth organizations we studied understand that the 'boundaries' most significant to their members are not census tracks or attendance areas but gang boundaries. They take special care to ensure the safety of their members." (Mclaughlin, 15)

I think that it is possible to create a secure space which helps to ensure safety without regimenting the activities which take place in the virtual space. I think that it is important that this game design be structured in a way that it encourages youth to play out their moral decisions so that they can experience the full consequence of the decisions which they make in life.

What do you think?