Learning Media in New Environments

Dr. Wesch's culture shock experience in Papua New Guinea for the first time made me think of the first time I stepped foot in my homeland Samoa. Like Papua New Guinea, not much emphasis was placed on the media in Samoa at the time that I visited, which was in the year 1998. I have visited Samoa a few times since then and just was amazed at how things have changed drastically, but for the better. At the time when I thought Samoa was outdated in terms of the media, I can now say that they much rather are updated. As a result of the influence of the media, the infrastructure of Samoa has totally changed as well. Indeed, I believe some people struggle with the change, however, as Dr. Wesch puts it, the change serves as a vehicle for the development of a new future.Thinking about the positive changes the media contributes to a society made me think of how our world will look like one hundred, even thousands, of years from now. As a person, the message of the video made me think of my position as the "visitor" in the web world. I see the Internet as a tool, something there to fit my needs, however, I am slowly, but surely, realizing that it's not just a "tool" but "mediates relationships". I am making gradual changes to becoming a "resident". As an educator, the message of the video resonated with me in so many ways in terms of meeting the learning demands of my 21st Century Learners. "We need people to be more open, caring, daring , creative, collaborative, self-motivated and vivacious as learners." Educators are life long learners. In order to understand our students and deliver the knowledge they need, we must avoid the "authority figure" persona and promote collaboration. As a leader, collaboration determines how great of a leader you are. We as educators need to promote learning in a way that students become "knowledge-able rather than knowledgeable."

Welcome to Miss Leniu's CSUSM EDU Blog!

Hello Everyone,


My name is Lauren. I am currently on my last semester at California State University San Marcos. I received my B.A. in Literature and Writing Studies at CSUSM in 2008 and returned to the College of Education to obtain my teaching credential. It has been a long journey and I am extremely excited for my career in education as an English teacher.