New Uses of Literacy - Popular Culture in the Learning Society (Paperback)

The main aim of this book is to explore links between mass culture and contemporary forms of life-long learning, as well as wider political social and economic change. Authors question whether is it too simplistic to state that the role of television should be to 'inform, educate and entertain'. Some educators understand the relevance of new technological forms to educational practise and the possibility for more flexible delivery of curricular materials. But few have sought to engage with the cultural products of the new media, denigrating aspects of mass popular culture as part of the 'dumbing-down' of society. This book argues that adult educators must engage with mass popular culture to be able to engage with the live experience of working-class life and so establish the basis for an educative relationship.