Seminar Feedback

Facebook and Reality TV: Challenging the Messages of Popular Culture

Over a hundred teachers from Penrith and Mamre Anglican Colleges spent a stimulating half-day last Friday participating in one of the Anglican Education Commission's new Development Seminars, called Facebook and Reality TV: Challenging the Messages of Popular Culture, it was presented by Dr Justine Toh, a researcher at the Centre for Public Chrisianity and lecturer in Cultural Studies at Macquarie University.

In her very engaging presentation, Justine described the Facebook phenomenon as the Self as Project, based on the contention that our lives are sites to be worked on.  This was no bagging out of contemporary social media but rather a measured analysis of the values on which this approach to contemporary living is based.

Her talk on Facebook was complemented by a lively analysis of Reality TV, and in particular the Makeover culture shows.  Through the use of film clips, discussion, robust debate and humour, Justine delivered a very thought provoking, life challenging series of messages most appropriate for teachers.

Headmaster, Barry Roots, was delighted with the outcomes of the seminar.  "It was one of the most engaging and helpful PD seminars we have ever had.  Justine is a remarkable presenter."

Asked whether they would recommend other schools invite Justine to deliver the seminar, 88% of staff responded in the affirmative.

Over a hundred teachers from Penrith and Mamre Anglican Colleges spent a stimulating half-day last Friday participating in one of the Anglican Education Commission's new Development Seminars, called Facebook and Reality TV: Challenging the Messages of Popular Culture, it was presented by Dr Justine Toh, a researcher at the Centre for Public Chrisianity and lecturer in Cultural Studies at Macquarie University.

In her very engaging presentation, Justine described the Facebook phenomenon as the Self as Project, based on the contention that our lives are sites to be worked on.  This was no bagging out of contemporary social media but rather a measured analysis of the values on which this approach to contemporary living is based.

Her talk on Facebook was complemented by a lively analysis of Reality TV, and in particular the Makeover culture shows.  Through the use of film clips, discussion, robust debate and humour, Justine delivered a very thought provoking, life challenging series of messages most appropriate for teachers.

Headmaster, Barry Roots, was delighted with the outcomes of the seminar.  "It was one of the most engaging and helpful PD seminars we have ever had.  Justine is a remarkable presenter."

Asked whether they would recommend other schools invite Justine to deliver the seminar, 88% of staff responded in the affirmative.