Blog-worthy

This week in middle school we're studying Lesson 5: How MP3 Files Work. In theory, the textbook authors are brilliant. They've created a topic that will capture the interest of "today's youth". In practice, try teaching students who answer the question "How are you today" with "I'm 14 years old" about "downloading" "copyright" and "convert a file".

However, in reviewing the worksheets students used for a debate in class, I found a small gem that reminds me why teaching can be great.

The topic of the debate was: It is impossible to stop file sharing, so music and film industries should not try to do so.

The student said:

I agree with file sharing. Because there are two reasons. At first, it can help an access of people to the culture. Many people, especially the poor, can't access to the culture easily because they have to pay a lot. File sharing helps people to access to the the culture and improve their culture level.
Second, we cannot stop file sharing. There are billions of file sharing network. If we try to stop file sharing, it must be a waste of time. Instead, we should work hard to develop other forms of products that can compete with file sharing network.
In these reasons, I agree with file sharing. I know it's illegal but some people have to sacrifice for the more good.