Great idea, but...
Oct. 3rd, 2009 09:37 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mbarkerOne of the news shows recently had a segment covering the "Pink Ribbon" campaign somewhere here in Japan. Apparently an exhibit and so forth focusing on breast cancer. And they made a point of showing us one of the displays.
Basically, it was two pairs of breasts, side by side. Fairly natural skin tones. Very weird, because it looked as if someone had cut the front off a pair of twins and pasted it on the wall. And the people at the exhibit were fondling the breasts!
The newscaster then explained that these are plastic, and they are constructed so that one pair feels like normal breasts, while the other pair has the nodules that one should be looking for in a self-examination. So this is an educational simulation, intended to help women, in particular, know by experience what they should be looking for in self-examinations.
Frankly, I think it's a brilliant concept. I mean, how do you know what kind of lump should make you concerned? Well, with these plastic training breasts, you can find out what it feels like.
Of course, that doesn't really explain why that was the focus of the short segment on the news... but it's still a good idea. Made me wonder what other learning experiences would be simplified with a little tactile simulation. Maybe instead of show and tell, we need to urge students to touch and feel?
Basically, it was two pairs of breasts, side by side. Fairly natural skin tones. Very weird, because it looked as if someone had cut the front off a pair of twins and pasted it on the wall. And the people at the exhibit were fondling the breasts!
The newscaster then explained that these are plastic, and they are constructed so that one pair feels like normal breasts, while the other pair has the nodules that one should be looking for in a self-examination. So this is an educational simulation, intended to help women, in particular, know by experience what they should be looking for in self-examinations.
Frankly, I think it's a brilliant concept. I mean, how do you know what kind of lump should make you concerned? Well, with these plastic training breasts, you can find out what it feels like.
Of course, that doesn't really explain why that was the focus of the short segment on the news... but it's still a good idea. Made me wonder what other learning experiences would be simplified with a little tactile simulation. Maybe instead of show and tell, we need to urge students to touch and feel?
