Reading and Discussion #2

Digital Storytelling is new to me and I feel rather old saying that. However, thanks to friends and professors I have been shown the wisdom in using them. Thankfully, most technology is user friendly and if I can do it, ANYONE can! One of my new favorite apps is iMovie- I can not wait to let my students use this app to create a trailer about themselves or whatever topic they choose. My step-son creates youtube videos all the time with his friends. There are just so many venues and their generation communicates this way all the time. My son sends pictures to his friends using instagram and facebook. These digital stories and images gives them a voice in a sense. I did not even know about Reel Works until this assignment.... no I take that back we watched "A Girl Like Me" while in class. This videos are filmed in such a way that the viewer is self-reflective while watching. At least the ones that I watched had a deeper meaning than I first thought when I clicked on them.
One of my favorite videos so far is...
Temporary Home


This video is sad but awakening to another world we don't always see...or want to see. I think the creator was brave for sharing her journey of living in a shelter with her mom and her sister. She was conflicted in her emotions about blaming her mom but also being understanding. She explained that living in a shelter did make her grow up earlier than most and that she treasured everything she had. Isn't this different than what we live everyday. I am often thankful for what I have but do I treasure everything? Doubtful, most of the time, I am growling under my breath that I have so much "stuff" that I have to organize and clean around. How selfish of me to not treasure each thing in my life. One of the more interesting quotes in the video to me was when she stated that one day she hoped to have a better life- and went on to say that she would not say she would have a good life someday because that will never happen. But it could be better. While I liked her somewhat positive statement it made me sad that she already put that boundary around her possibilities.

Module One Discussion and Reading

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tzPUw2-aTw_LJxn-iElXvGvoB1VVITMyurwPfCnqZro/edit?usp=sharing






To what extent do you agree with Neil Postman?
I agree completely with Neil Postman- in that we are always being thrown into a deep pile of information and visuals and we have to sift our way through it.

Neil Postman delivered this speech in 1969. How do you think he might feel about "the art of crap-detection" now given recent advancements in digital technologies?
He would feel this even more so. I think he would need to give this speech times ten. That is just to get the kids attention.

What did the video make you think about or feel?
When she first came out I wondered what the catch was. I love TED videos and knew it must have an amazing message. I completely agree that we judge everyone by how they dress and what they look like.

How does it support Neil Postman's concerns about "crap-detection".
It comes down to the saying that I grew up knowing- never judge a book by its cover. I am also glad I have boys.

Then, tell us how this video effects your understanding of why it is important to teach CRITICAL media literacy and not just MEDIA literacy in-and-out of school. Put your response with three quotes from the reading.

We need to judge by content not looks. "A website can look wonderful and legit but may have false or blown up data. It takes a comprehensive approach that would teach critical skills and how to use media as instruments of social communication and change. The technologies of communication are becoming more and more accessible to young people and ordinary citizens, and can be used to promote education, democratic self- expression, and social progress. Technologies that could help produce the end of participatory democracy, by transforming politics into media spectacles and the
battle of images and by turning spectators into passive consumers, could also be used to help invigorate democratic debate and participation."(pg. 373, Kellner & Share).

A Little About Me

A Little About Me

Why is teaching media literacy important? Teaching media literacy is important because this generation and those to come are so reliant on this type of information source. What do you want to learn about teaching media literacy? I want to be more knowledgeable for my students- although they are always quick to help me and understanding. I also want them to understand how to find quality sources of information. What concerns do you have about teaching media literacy? I want to help create a balance between books and media. When are assignments do in this course? On the due date assigned. What are the rules for late assignments? You must contact the instructor within 24 hours of missing a due date for an assignment. She will provide you with an opportunity to receive partial credit for a late assignment as long as you communicate with her in a timely manner. If you DO NOT contact her within 24 hours you NOT receive points for that assignment. What is the best way to contact me? Through gmail (dllb123@gmail.com), You may also call cell phone 304-319-3777. Should you work ahead? Check with professor before working ahead. She tends to change readings and detail of assignments based on the needs of student in the class.