Journal #10

Cyber Humanities: Rigor and Relevance Through Video Conferencing
by Lynn Sueoka

As Virtual School systems grow throughout our nation, the more diverse our nation becomes. This article discusses how video conferencing makes learning much more interesting and meaningful, especially when it is incorporated in the subject of humanities. According to this article, "Cyber Humanities is an ongoing series of video conferencing projects involving Moanalua High School (Hawaii) and Osaka Gakuin University (Japan)". The cyber humanities includes project in which students collaborate studies of similar topics, such as the effects of war through different types of art or media. Through video conferences, websites, online discussion forums, the students were able to understand the effects of war through examples of protest music and other artistic propaganda. As Sueoka studied this type of distance learning, she came to the conclusion that "these studies provide a strong theoretical framework in which to pursue further investigation into videoconferencing...[it] will provide student engagement and academic rigor within the high school academic curriculum".

How effective is cyber humanities compared to a regular classroom?
Rather than through lectures/discussions and textbook work in the classroom, students will use a variety of resources to learn the subject at hand. Because many people have different learning styles, cyber humanities enhances those learning styles through effective communication through internet; and gives students the opportunity to explore their abilities and learning styles.

Would you use cyber humanities in your future classroom?
Most definitely! This is another great learning tool for high school students or any student now a days. This type of learning tool is a great motivation for students to finish school and stay in school.