What media (print/ curricula, radio, television, cell phones, Internet, computers, talking dictionary) are available in your classrooms? How do you use them? What are the positive and negative effects of a mediated classroom, school, or society?
             I remember an incident two years ago when a student asked me what I do during my spare time. I replied that I barely have time for myself but when such opportunities arise, I read, swim, clean my apartment, or write in my journal. He further inquired, "Don't you watch TV?" To the surprise of the whole class, I answered that I do not own a television set for nearly two years already and rarely watch television. Oh they were simply amazed and responded that it's impossible for a person to survive without the tube. Then and there I realized how immersed modern society has become not only on technology but also on mass media. I personally could live the rest of my life without watching Oprah or Friends, but I don't see myself getting through the day without "punching" through the Internet.
             Mediated communication and mass media have been indispensable units of the modern society especially since the turn of the first half of the 20th century. Adler (2003) defines mediated communication as "the sharing of messages that are conveyed through any type of device or medium," which includes television, radio, newspapers, magazines, books, CD-ROM, DVD, personal computers, Internet, telephone, and others (p. 484). And as newer and more sophisticated gadgets are introduced every year, modern men are becoming more dependent on media and technology. The question is: Are media and technology really that indispensable or are they the ones "indoctrinating" us of their indispensability? Is it a form of supply-created demand? Do we use media devices because they are available in the market; because they are fresh, modern, hip, in, sophisticated, and cool?...