[Discuss] Participate in the new MacArthur Foundation Initiative

[Janet Staiger]

On behalf of the MacArthur Foundation initiative on digital media and
learning, we invite you, your colleagues, and your students to join us
in three online forums which will run from Monday, October 23 through
Friday, Nov. 3rd.

The MacArthur Foundation seeks to create networks of interested scholars
and practitioners as they move toward a substantial investment in the
area of digital media and learning. Our specific working group is
identifying consequences of digital media use that might be
unanticipated or unexpected, which we will examine in-depth in a book of
essays to be completed next year.

We are undertaking three online discussions over the next two weeks.
The first seeks to explore the possibilities and limits of using digital
media in the K-12 classroom by engaging with teachers who face such
questions every day, particularly since this group is a significant
stakeholder in the issue of digital media and learning.

The second forum is designed to encourage youth to respond to ideas
being formulated by our researchers.  If possible, we'd love to hear
from your students, particularly high school students and college students.

The third forum will address the question "(How) Can digital media be
controlled?" and will feature Yochai Benkler, Geoff Bowker, danah boyd,
Wendy Chun, Seth Finkelstein, Robert Heverly, Gus (Ian) Hosein, Sonia
Livingstone, Henry Lowood, Eben Moglen, Christain Sandvig, among others.

Responses generated through these forums will enrich our research and
may be included in our published volume and in other MacArthur materials.

To join us, please go to one of our online discussion forums at:
http://community.macfound.org/openforum?go=z1082177
<http://community.macfound.org/openforum?go=z1082180>
The first time you visit the site, you'll need to create a user name and
password (simply click on "Join"); once you register, you'll be directed
to a page that 'houses' all three forums.  Just click on the folder of
the forum you're interested in participating in or peruse all 3.

Further background:  The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
recently announced plans to build the emerging field of digital media
and learning, committing $50 million over five years to the effort.  The
Foundation will fund research and innovative projects focused on
understanding the impact of the widespread use of digital media on our
youth and how they learn.  See www.macfound.org/digital
<http://www.macfound.org/digital> for more information.

Please circulate and/or blog this information as you see fit, with
apologies for any cross-postings, and don't hesitate to contact me
should you have questions.

All best,
Tara McPherson
Editor, volume on Innovative Uses & Unexpected Consequences
Associate Professor, USC School of Cinematic Arts