Turkle & Wesch

What is the relationship between Turkle and Wesch? Do you see them as allies or opponents in this discussion of new media and technology?

Turkle believes that the use of technology can be a powerful tool as we can control how we present our self-identity. When we can stop, think. edit and delete what we say we allow others to see us the way we want them too. Although this may seem like a positive, she argues that when we lose conversation, we become disconnected with ourselves. We lose the opportunity to self-reflect on social conversations. It is within social conversations that we find meaning between interactions.

We expect more from technology and less from each other. -Turkle

Wesch discusses the change from school is for teaching to school is for learning. He describes the transformation of the educational agenda when we begin to show students how to search for their meaningful narrative.The use of technology is welcomed in his classroom, as those are tools and resources for the rich conversations he facilities. But what is interesting is how he strives to go beyond that, to give the students the power to become their own voice in their learning journey.

The narrative must become pervasive in the learning environment. - Wesch

I see Turkle and Wesch as allies in the discussion of media and technology. I think they both agree on the importance of face to face relationships and the power of conversation. Wesch takes the concept and applies it even at the higher level of education. He recognizes that students need to be face to face and uses that to deliver the content. I think Turkle appreciates the use of technology in communication more than Wesch, but both see the importance of interpersonal interactions.