Memes are defined by Sharon Serano as “a
cultural element or system of behavior that is passed from one individual to
another” (2018). More specifically, a meme is a popular image that someone can
add text to in order to convey meaning. They are meant to be funny; and they
are meant to be shared. The internet (specifically social media) is filled with
memes. In the fast-paced digital world, a meme becomes popular in matter of
hours. Within a few days, a new meme takes center stage, and so on. While memes
are generally a fun way to share relatable or comical messages, they can also
be used in a more educational setting. Here, I have created three memes that I
could use in my future classroom.
Example
1 – Identify the Novel
This meme is a reference to Shakespeare’s
most famous play, Hamlet. This would
be a very funny and engaging way to teach students about Hamlet’s priorities in
the play. His affection for Ophelia becomes overshadowed by his obsession with
avenging his father’s death. This eventually leads to Ophelia going insane
(possibly) and eventually drowning (possibly by suicide). When Shakespeare’s
language is difficult to understand and the seriousness of the plot feels too
heavy, this meme can ease the tension a bit. It will remind students that
anything can be simplified and literature should be fun.
Example
2 – Create Class Rules
This meme is meant to convey a
condescending attitude. The sarcasm is evident by the facial expression of
Willy Wonka. One of my posted class rules will be: “If you are tardy without a
note from a teacher or parent, you will lose classwork points.” I could print
out this meme and post it next to the rule in my room. This way, students pay
more attention to my rules and are more likely to remember them. If a student
comes in without a note but tries to give me some sort of silly excuse, I can
just point at the meme on the wall and tell them to find their seat.
Example
3 – Emphasize a Historical Event
The Mocking Spongebob meme is meant to be
read as if another person says the top text, then you repeat that statement in
a mocking tone. My meme will spark discussion about incorrect historical facts.
Robinson Crusoe has long been
considered the first full-length novel to have been written in the modern
English language. Recently, however, scholars have discovered that a female
author (Aphra Behn) wrote a novel called Oroonoko
almost a decade earlier than Daniel Defoe wrote his novel. Since Behn was a
woman, and her novel starred an African prince, her works and accomplishments
were disregarded by the white, male-dominated society of the 17 and 1800s. This
meme actually serves 2 purposes. It can also serve as an icebreaker for
discussion. It is my genuine reaction whenever I see or hear someone call Robinson Crusoe the first English novel.
The memes I have chosen for this
assignment prove Serano’s point: “Memes are a great educational device for
teachers and students alike to promote clarity, pedagogy and humor” (2018).
Serano, S. (2018). 5 Ways to Use Memes With Students. Edtech for the K-12 Classroom. Portland, OR: ISTE.
Serano, S. (2018). 5 Ways to Use Memes With Students. Edtech for the K-12 Classroom. Portland, OR: ISTE.
