Using The Discussion Board

Using the discussion board. I think that it can be useful, people can leave comments and attachments in their own time and this can be communicated to many people. Unlike when sending an email you don't have to include the names of all the people you want to read it, meaning everyone can visit and more people than expected if they have the access. In this case, other than using and experiencing the discussion board, this activity seemed to make the task more complicated as in our groups we see each other everyday and could have discussed the task face to face which can make it easier to explain. In general I think this could be used well, I'm not 100% sure when I would use this in a school situation, but it is good to know about it and to have used it in case it does come up. It has been interesting to see some of the other issues this has been used for such as the use of mobile phones in classrooms etc. I found it very interesting as the conversation was open and anyone could read what had gone before and add a comment. It was good to see what other people thought especially from different groups. (Image is a "snap shot" of the discussion board in use, easy to see who initiated the topic and when etc)

Confused (without the dot com!)

We understand how important inclusion is for all. In one lecture we were advised to include ethnic names when we write maths problems etc to promote inclusion. I read an article recently about Gillian Gibbons (right) a teacher in Khartoum. The children in her class chose a name for the class teddy. One child…whose name is Muhammad liked his name so much that they decided they wanted to name the teddy after him. And then all hell let loose. A parent complained to the authorities about Ms Gibbons who has now been arrested, but not currently charged.

Having read the article in the education section of BBC news online I understand why they have taken this case of blasphemy so seriously. Although it does seem extreme. The main case against Ms Gibbons seems to be that she has named a class teddy in a Christian school the name of the Islam’s Prophet, and thus giving the Prophet an image, which they consider insulting. But how can they say that Muhammad cannot have an image yet children can be named Muhammad? Why can’t the same principles apply to the teddy? The naming of the teddy was down to the children and they chose a name they liked, no insult was intended.

Gordon Brown is asking for her release, Britain and the Sudan (left) have a good relationship which has the potential to be damaged depending on the outcome of this investigation. I think one of the most concerning details is the possible punishment if she is convicted. For naming a teddy Muhammad the 54-year-old teacher may be subjected to six months in prison, 40 lashes or fine….does this scare anyone else? If I have a class toy it will be named Bob and that will be the end of it.

I understand that they take their religion seriously and that they have strict beliefs about the Prophet Muhammad not having an image or form, but as I mentioned above I don’t see how you can name your children Muhammad and that be ok. I think this case is being blown out of proportion and will be interested to see the outcome.

The photos are from the BBC website http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7114439.stm

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