Best of the Web: Let’s rethink Year 12, and more…

(Pearl Subban, LENS, Monash University)

The school year has begun, and Year 12s have returned to the classroom. Education is face-to-face, rather that the virtual experience of the Class of 2020.

But, challenges the author, should school really resume as normal? ‘Surely we can – or perhaps should – do it differently?’

The article looks at the benefits of remote learning in 2020. Many students flourished. For example, they enjoyed the self-paced, electronic delivery of their education, that ‘cut out the bothersome clamour of classrooms and their boisterous peers’.

It advocates for taking the best of the 2020 learning experience for Year 12s, such as scheduling a day or two a week for remote learning.

(Liz Giuffre, The Conversation)

As the article notes, Bluey is easily the most successful Australian television show of the past decade.

The reasons include beautiful animation, nuanced storytelling, and insightful reflections of family life. But, says the author, an integral element but not spoken about enough is the show’s music

This fascinating article explains just why the music works, and several musical signatures to listen for. ‘The music, like the visuals, provides hooks to keep audiences of all ages engaged.’

(Natassia Chrysanthos, The Age)

This is a must-read article for parents, detailing a report of the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant that surveyed children aged between 12 and 17 years about their online experiences during the pandemic.

The survey of young people revealed 40 per cent have had at least one negative experience, including unwanted contact, cyberbullying and harassment.

Deeply concerning are the reports from eSafety investigators about coercive child sex abuse material, which involves children being urged to perform sexual acts for the camera. Often, parents are having a conversation just metres away.

‘Our investigators can hear the parents’ voices in the next room,’ said Ms Inman Grant. ‘This is happening under parents’ noses, in the home.’