Authentic experiences, risky pedagogies?
Abstract: New media literacies, digital literacies, information literacies… while there has been much debate over the precise definitions of these terms, there is at least a general consensus that these skills and competencies are essential for meaningful participation in a networked society. In this presentation, I will describe the use of alt.media to create meaningful and authentic learning experiences for the development of new media literacies. Exploring themes around identity, creativity and curiosity, I will highlight a series of projects which centre on open educational practices where formal education and informal learning practices collide, subverting traditional methods through folk creativity, identity play, and ‘living the meme’. Through highlighting learning experiences that are intentionally authentic, spontaneous and (somewhat) chaotic, I will explore ‘risky pedagogies’ and the shifting relationships between learners, educators and institutions in a networked world.