K Bechtel

So what can reading a study on distribution tell us about learners?  First of all, I think it tells us that learners have access to literally millions of views and opinions via the web.  Students are able to search for what they want, decide if that’s really what they wanted, and search some more.  Just as I am writing right now on this topic, someone else may be doing the same.  I am able to see what my classmates think of this topic and decide if I too think that way or if I disagree.  Learners are bombarded with resources.  They must know how to sift their way through these resources and decide if they are credible sources of information, sources of truth or opinion, and real. 

As a teacher, I really need to teach kids now more than ever how to think.  They must be able to filter through everything available and formulate their own opinions on topics, not just reiterate what they’ve read on the Internet.  My fifth grade students believe everything they read on the Internet.  I must teach them that like my blog, many items on the Internet are NOT scientific or research based.  They’re just someone’s two cents. 

Distribution in my day meant textbooks.  I can recall discussion about certain texts not being adopted because of the questionable content contained within their pages, i.e., the idea of evolution in a science book, sex education in health texts, and the history of Jews in history books.  I also am reminded of what the Solomon text has said on the history of Native Americans being left out of textbooks.  If I was a Native American, the social studies book that ignores my cultural background would totally devalue my people.  Likewise, the resources found on the web may or may not be complete, accurate, or even researched.  Distribution today means there are millions of versions of the truth circulating out there on the www.  Learners are searching to create their own truths.