DL 346

Chaos Surfing

Welcome back all! Here's Digitally Literate, issue #346.

🔖 Key Takeaways

• Digital Citizenship: A conversation on literacy and digital responsibility.
• Chaos Surfing: Strategies for thriving in uncertain times.
• Indigenous Perspectives: Reflecting on the complexities of Columbus Day vs. Indigenous Peoples Day.

📚 This Week’s Highlights

1. What’s with Columbus Day?

A look at the controversy surrounding Columbus Day and its shift to Indigenous Peoples Day. The day highlights the ongoing impact of colonization on Native American communities and the importance of acknowledging historical truths.

2. The Kaleidoscope: Tracking Young People’s Relationships with News

A study exploring how younger audiences engage with news reveals diverse behaviors and preferences, including skepticism toward information sources and selective consumption.
Why this matters: Understanding these behaviors can help shape more relevant and accessible news delivery.

3. Chaos Surfing: From Surviving to Thriving in Chaotic Times

Living systems respond to chaos by restoring stability, but when traditional solutions fail, adaptive strategies like these can help:

• Make a pact with yourself.
• Create an anchor ritual.
• Practice metacognition.
• Don’t navigate chaos alone.

4. Toxic Male Influencers and Their Impact

Examining how “alpha male” influencers exploit real issues to propagate harmful ideologies under the guise of self-help.
Why this matters: Understanding the mechanisms behind this phenomenon can help mitigate its impact.

5. Computer Science Is Growing in K-12 Schools, but Access Doesn’t Equal Participation

The 2022 State of Computer Science Education report highlights disparities in access and participation in computer science courses despite increased availability.
Why this matters: Efforts must go beyond access to ensure equity in participation and outcomes.

6. Alex Jones Ordered to Pay Nearly $1 Billion for Defamation

The landmark judgment against Alex Jones for spreading falsehoods about the Sandy Hook shooting serves as a turning point in addressing disinformation.
Why this matters: The case underscores the consequences of unchecked conspiracy theories in media.

🛠️ DO: Discover Who Lived on the Land Before You

Explore the heritage and culture of the land you live on with the Native Land tool. Search your area to learn about the indigenous peoples who originally inhabited it.

🌟 Closing Reflection

“The ultimate, hidden truth of the world, is that it is something that we make, and could just as easily make differently.”
— David Graeber

Reflect and Engage

• How can educators improve equity in computer science education? Share your thoughts in Computer Science in Schools.
• What strategies have helped you thrive during chaotic times? Reflect in Chaos Surfing Strategies.
• How can we better honor Indigenous perspectives in our communities? Explore more in Indigenous Peoples Day Reflections.

Thank you for reading Digitally Literate. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions. Connect with me at hello@digitallyliterate.net or explore Newsletter Index for all past issues.