Do Youth See Politicians As Puppets?

As MyDebates.org gives kids a MySpace forum for Social Studies classrooms to attempt to instill a civic sense of  ‘how it all works’ with “Who won? Who lost?’ Who made the stronger case?” it makes me ponder if we're perhaps asking kids the wrong question entirely. I'm all for teaching kids how to watch a debate, and giving media literacy … [Read more...]

“My Gift Card’s Worthless? That’s So Unfair!” Cry Foul to the FTC

I don’t know about you, but with California schools on the skids, turning pockets inside out in a pathetic, penniless shrug, parents have been asked to contribute to fundraisers that also include purchasing ‘e-scrip’ and ‘gift cards.’ While it’s a seamless digital ‘give’ plugging in a school as a partner/affinity program, our … [Read more...]

Sensationalist Slop: “Dear Media, Please Do Your Job…”

Further to this week's article on ‘what sells’ in sensationalized media coverage, need we remind kids that the same thing applies to our upcoming election season? As children try to make sense of this adult world of dirty laundry flinging, sound bites and reality show gymnastics, we need to help kids connect the dots with both election media literacy and grounded … [Read more...]

150 Kids’ Virtual Worlds: 95 Live, 68 in R&D; How Many Are Worthy?

Seems everyone is in L.A. for the Virtual Worlds Expo except me right now, with e-mails and schmooze plans flinging back and forth like a gamer leader board. No, gang, I can’t make it to dinner, but yes, I DO wish someone would crosspost some of these fly-on-the-wall conversations on Utterz as I’m sure key connections will transpire and I want to track anyone … [Read more...]

Unilever Disrobed: Interview With Dove/Axe Mashup Artist

Update: 7-7-10 Added mashup video at the end Media transparency is more than a buzz word these days, as consumers connect the dots of who’s behind what, where money’s funneling from, and how we’re all being yanked around. Industry mavericks are giving consumers a bit of a nudge to see that elephant in the living room, but it’s NOT just me...Honest. Meet indie filmmaker … [Read more...]