-NiE ,
INTERMEDIATE Technology in today’s world
3 MAY 2017
9
Know what’s acceptable
SOCIAL media is a pervasive presence in modern life. Almost everyone has heard of it, and most people use at least one social media platform on a daily basis. Due to its popularity and interactive manner, substantial changes have been made on the way we communicate with each other, be it between businesses, organisations, communities or individuals.
NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason
● Measure
Social media is a platform for many to express their views without exposing their real identities. In the news report below, netizens weighed in on North Korea’s action of banning all Malaysians from leaving its country. The action was a result of the diplomatic spat between Malaysia and North Korea following the assassination of Kim Jong-nam at KLIA 2 last February.
Netizens express outrage on social media Creative thinking
● Image ● Brainstorm
● Connect
Problem solving ● Question
● Present
Communicating ● Oral ● Written
● Aural
Collaborating ● Listen ● Contribute
respectfully
● Compromise ● Attain goal
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians took to social media to express outrage at North Korea’s ban to prevent their countrymen from leaving the republic. Calling it tantamount to an act of war, they said it was time for all Malaysians to stand united against oppression of any kind. Facebook user John Lim said that while such a move was expected from a rogue nation, Malaysia needed to stand firm on international norms and laws. “(North Korea) violates UN (United Nations) sanctions. What our nation needs to do is not to succumb to their bullying. As for all Malaysians, stop blaming and pointing fingers and stand united,” he wrote. While some are calling for the government to resolve the matter
Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason
● Measure
Creative thinking ● Image ● Brainstorm
● Connect
Problem solving ● Question
● Present
Communicating ● Oral ● Non-verbal
● Aural
Collaborating ● Listen ● Contribute
respectfully
● Compromise ● Attain goal
(The Star, March 8, 2017)
In a group of four, discuss the questions below. 1. 2. 3.
NiE Activity 2
amicably, some even vowed to defend the country and Malaysians stranded in Pyongyang. “To the North Korean government, you have no right doing so. Your action is deemed an act of war. Hurt a single soul and we will go all out,” said Kenny Yeap Lin Chung. “Both countries still have diplomatic ties and North Korea is worse off if this is broken. So, let both governments use the back door channels to negotiate,” wrote Facebook user Khairul Abdul Karim. Steven Chee said it was not worth fighting against North Korea, which was armed with missiles and nuclear weapons. “We don’t need a nuclear missile pointing at us. The safety of our trapped nationals there should be our priority,” he said.
Do you agree with the views expressed by the netizens in the news report? Why or why not? How important and effective is it for one to air one’s views on social media? You may cite other examples. Have you taken to social media to express your views on
Read this letter to the editor published in The Star on March 8, 2017.
Obsessed with taking videos for social media With reference to the article “Nude woman wanders near shoplots” (The Star, Mar 7), it is very disheartening to read that a brief video of the woman was shared on WhatsApp. Have we humans lost a sense of compassion for another who is clearly not in the right frame of mind to be wandering around sans clothes that she was just filmed to be passed around on WhatsApp? There are many reasons why a person wandered in the nude and was incoherent, ranging from psychiatric conditions to side effects of substances. None of us really know what was wrong with her but the most important fact is no one had her consent to film her and circulate her video to be a hot topic of discussion. She is surely someone’s daughter or possibly someone’s wife or mother. Most importantly, she is a human being who deserves to be respected and helped in such a situation. I feel it’s high time the country came up with laws to charge those who circulate such videos online. Even during accidents, everyone is in a frenzy to take videos of the victims, more than offering actual help. There seems to be a total loss of human values. Even the animal kingdom protects its own kind but sadly humans have lost even that instinct. DR RENUKA KARTHIKAYAN Subang Jaya
4. 5.
current affairs, and social and political issues? Why or why not? Other than through social media, what are some of the ways one can express one’s views effectively? What do you think would happen if people did not have the opportunity to air their views in public?
Now, as a class, go through the questions again and present the points obtained from your group discussion. At the end of this activity, reflect on what you have gained from the discussion. Write down your reflection in 150 words, in your exercise book. For example, what were your views before the activity? Have they changed after the activity?
Imagine that this case has been presented in a special court for judgement. There are a few parties involved: the judge, a panel of jury (between six and 12 members), the complainant (the woman filmed), the lawyer representing the complainant, the defendant (the person who filmed and circulated the video), the defence lawyer (who defends the defendant’s actions), and two witnesses each for the complainant and the defendant. As a class, decide on whom you want to appoint to take on these roles. Then, have all appointees come before the class to act out the “court proceeding”. Give at least five minutes for the actors to get ready for their roles and discuss how they want to sequence the events in the trial. (The complainant and the defendant should also discuss how they want to act out their parts with their lawyers and witnesses.) The judge has to present the jury’s verdict at the end of the activity. Note to teacher: please act as the moderator here, to make sure that the students complete the task accordingly. For students who are not given any roles, ask them if they are satisfied with the verdict, and get them to comment on their friends’ roles.