Friday, November 28, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Weekly reading 12
Infusing Media Literacy Across the Curriculum
My motivations for Digital and Media Literacy
1. to strengthen discrimination skills in distinguishing between high-quality and low-quality messages.
2. to increase student motivation and engagement in the classroom
3. to build students' ability to be active, thoughtful "readers" or interpreters of the media messages in their cultural environment.
4. to promote creativity and self-expression
5. to modernize the curriculum and make it more relevant to students.
"There is no one-size-fits-all recipe for success." This is so true as I am becoming better with online classrooms and having my students turn in assignments online. I might try one way with one grade and a different way for another grade. I may not succeed in keeping up with online posts but I can create a test online and have the pc grade it for me.
"Leadership and vision are critical components of the process of bringing digital and media literacy to secondary education." School leaders can inspire teachers by helping them make large and small steps towards embracing ideas.
"A deep commitment to student voice is at the heart of digital and media literacy." Our expectations of students as thinkers and making them a part of the learning experience will make their learning experience elevated. When students are permitted to have a say in what they are studying and reading they will more likely be engaged.
My motivations for Digital and Media Literacy
1. to strengthen discrimination skills in distinguishing between high-quality and low-quality messages.
2. to increase student motivation and engagement in the classroom
3. to build students' ability to be active, thoughtful "readers" or interpreters of the media messages in their cultural environment.
4. to promote creativity and self-expression
5. to modernize the curriculum and make it more relevant to students.
"There is no one-size-fits-all recipe for success." This is so true as I am becoming better with online classrooms and having my students turn in assignments online. I might try one way with one grade and a different way for another grade. I may not succeed in keeping up with online posts but I can create a test online and have the pc grade it for me.
"Leadership and vision are critical components of the process of bringing digital and media literacy to secondary education." School leaders can inspire teachers by helping them make large and small steps towards embracing ideas.
"A deep commitment to student voice is at the heart of digital and media literacy." Our expectations of students as thinkers and making them a part of the learning experience will make their learning experience elevated. When students are permitted to have a say in what they are studying and reading they will more likely be engaged.
reading 11
Authentic learning is what I feel is an ideal classroom and what I wanted to accomplish when I began teaching. However, during my first year I have struggled in creating this environment. I have already given too many "book made" tests. I teach them from somewhat boring textbooks and I feel behind in curriculum goals. There have been a few successes and I will continue to work on making the classroom experience better. I know there is a balance somewhere in all of the "stuff" I have to teach and the world in which we need to guide them to live in and someday run. Wait, that puts everything into perspective, someday these students will be running the day to day and the government, and schools. As educators we hope to guide our students in the ability to seek answers for themselves. We hope to help them learn where to find answers to questions and problems. Most importantly, I teach them to always question, don't just accept because that is the way it has always been done. We have to create our own path to the truth. Bridging the gap between technology, media and curriculum is key to reaching this generation. Because of technology our students can make a much bigger impact then ever before if we first allow them, guide them in the process, and let go of some of the control we think we have and let the process occur.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
PSA Final
I am currently working on a unit with my 8th grade students in Health that deals with how we treat our Earth. My focus for this video was to have students ask themselves what Earth do you want to inherit? What can we do to take care of it now? I think most of my students are aware of the problems we have but we do not "live" in reality enough for it to bother us. Most of us are so isolated in our own neighborhoods that we dismiss there are real issues happening in our world. We recently had a guest speaker come and talk about clean water. When our students are thirsty they can go to their kitchen and turn a knob a few degrees and drinkable water comes out and they are no longer thirsty. My students listened to missionaries that travel to third world countries where women walk up to 3 hours one way to the nearest water source which is usually a river where the animals use. My students learned that every 15 seconds a child dies in a third world country because they do not have clean water. This was eye opening to them. We have to teach our students about real current situations that they will one day have to face. We have to guide them to want to find answers, we have to facilitate the process in which they can find solutions to real life situations. Most importantly, we have to ignite a passion within our students hearts to want to learn and seek answers instead of spoon feeding them information just so they can answer questions on a paper and pencil test.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Life Online
"It's difficult to find a balance between students' right to free expression and school leaders' need to create an environment conducive to learning."
Principals face a legal minefield when they use suspensions and other disciplinary actions in inappropriate ways. Courts have stated that students should have the right to freedom of speech when the school day ends. We have to speak with students honestly about the problematic situations that may occur when they post online or when sending messages.
"Many parents and teachers feel like children and young people are the experts when it comes to online media." Because of this adults sometimes feel it is difficult to begin a conversation about its content. As a parent, I have had to have many honest conversation with my boys about what they may be seeing without asking for it. They are also aware of predators that may be in the gaming world.
"Every young person will, at one time or another, fail to anticipate the consequences of his or her communication behavior." How many copyright laws have my own children broken? Scary thought as I think about those pictures that were printed without giving credit. It is a large responsibility to teach our children and students to make sure they give credit where it is deserved. There have been many times when I have heard my students admitting to downloading a movie or had given out private information online.
Principals face a legal minefield when they use suspensions and other disciplinary actions in inappropriate ways. Courts have stated that students should have the right to freedom of speech when the school day ends. We have to speak with students honestly about the problematic situations that may occur when they post online or when sending messages.
"Many parents and teachers feel like children and young people are the experts when it comes to online media." Because of this adults sometimes feel it is difficult to begin a conversation about its content. As a parent, I have had to have many honest conversation with my boys about what they may be seeing without asking for it. They are also aware of predators that may be in the gaming world.
"Every young person will, at one time or another, fail to anticipate the consequences of his or her communication behavior." How many copyright laws have my own children broken? Scary thought as I think about those pictures that were printed without giving credit. It is a large responsibility to teach our children and students to make sure they give credit where it is deserved. There have been many times when I have heard my students admitting to downloading a movie or had given out private information online.
Week 11- PSA Idea
For my PSA I would like to do something about the environment and encouraging students to be aware of environmental events they may face in their future. Three facts or statistics I will focus on are water sanitation, waste disposal, and food production. 
Water, sanitation and hygiene has the potential to prevent at least 9.1% of the global disease burden and 6.3% of all deaths 1.The impact of clean water technologies on public health in the U.S. is estimated to have had a rate of return of 23 to 1 for investments in water filtration and chlorination during the first half of the 20th century 5.
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/wash_statistics.html
Are we over run with garbage? What changes can we make to make a difference?
"In its new report, Growing a Better Future, Oxfam says current trends indicate that the world's population will reach 9 billion by mid-century; meanwhile, the average growth rate in agricultural yields has almost halved since 1990. Left unchecked, the gap between food demand and supply willcontinue to widen.
"The food system must be transformed. By 2050, there will be 9 billion people on the planet and demand for food will have increased by 70 percent. This demand must be met despite flatlining yields, increasing water scarcity, and growing competition over land. And agriculture must rapidly adapt to a changing climate and slash its carbon footprint," wrote Robert Bailey, Oxfam's senior climate advisor, in the report.
Climate change has already driven up food prices in many areas by causing drought and desertification, Oxfam reports, and of all the factors contributing to rising food prices, it will create the most serious impact of all in the coming decades." http://twitter.com/#%21/nattyover
http://www.livescience.com/33311-food-prices-global-hunger-skyrocket-2030-oxfam-warns.html
Water, sanitation and hygiene has the potential to prevent at least 9.1% of the global disease burden and 6.3% of all deaths 1.The impact of clean water technologies on public health in the U.S. is estimated to have had a rate of return of 23 to 1 for investments in water filtration and chlorination during the first half of the 20th century 5.
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/wash_statistics.html
Are we over run with garbage? What changes can we make to make a difference?"In its new report, Growing a Better Future, Oxfam says current trends indicate that the world's population will reach 9 billion by mid-century; meanwhile, the average growth rate in agricultural yields has almost halved since 1990. Left unchecked, the gap between food demand and supply will
"The food system must be transformed. By 2050, there will be 9 billion people on the planet and demand for food will have increased by 70 percent. This demand must be met despite flatlining yields, increasing water scarcity, and growing competition over land. And agriculture must rapidly adapt to a changing climate and slash its carbon footprint," wrote Robert Bailey, Oxfam's senior climate advisor, in the report.
Climate change has already driven up food prices in many areas by causing drought and desertification, Oxfam reports, and of all the factors contributing to rising food prices, it will create the most serious impact of all in the coming decades." http://twitter.com/#%21/nattyover
http://www.livescience.com/33311-food-prices-global-hunger-skyrocket-2030-oxfam-warns.html
Monday, November 3, 2014
Media Deconstruction
I think that the deconstruction of the ad is correct but in saying that I feel most advertising is an appeal to the audience and its better sense of judgement. This happens with most companies who I may add making a profit is the biggest concern for them. I am not saying this makes it right but let's face it, that is what most companies are trying to do. That is why they are in business and why they pay advertising lots of money to create an image to the public that will help bring them customers. It is out responsibility as consumers to do our own homework and make decisions based on the knowledge we gain.
As to the Alltel commercial- unfortunately this is all too common and we are to "used" to seeing this kind of culture depicted within media so we don't question: we accept or laugh uncomfortably. I think the main problem with this is that our society doesn't do anything about it but has made a way for us to just accept it and move on. This ad is too stereotypical and was not a good choice of advertising in my opinion.
The Quest commercial tries to score points with being on your level- they show themselves as an extension of the middle class. They are trying very hard to say we understand you and what you want from our company. Alltel used humor to say to Americans our phones are our most valuable possessions. I think this is sad but true to a degree. I see too many of my students 4th-8th that would do anything to be on their phone all day. What kind of society are we becoming?
As to the Alltel commercial- unfortunately this is all too common and we are to "used" to seeing this kind of culture depicted within media so we don't question: we accept or laugh uncomfortably. I think the main problem with this is that our society doesn't do anything about it but has made a way for us to just accept it and move on. This ad is too stereotypical and was not a good choice of advertising in my opinion.
The Quest commercial tries to score points with being on your level- they show themselves as an extension of the middle class. They are trying very hard to say we understand you and what you want from our company. Alltel used humor to say to Americans our phones are our most valuable possessions. I think this is sad but true to a degree. I see too many of my students 4th-8th that would do anything to be on their phone all day. What kind of society are we becoming?
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Magazine Cover
I chose the title of the magazine Next Generation to go along not only with the new standards but also the new horizons space themed cover. I wanted to keep the cover simple and to the point. The picture is eye catching and will hopefully entice the reader to look more closely.
The title of the article asks the question- Will Common Core Take Students to a New Horizon?
I did not want the article to show any favor on either side of the question as I am unsure of my own opinion of the common core. To me, there is not a difference because I did not teach in the previous standards. There wasn't a "great" change in teaching as this is what we were taught and so this is how I try to teach. I do feel there are times with curriculum and texts do not sync with common core and I have to be flexible and patient with fellow educators.
Weekly Reading 9 and Discussion
Chapter 6 Protection and Empowerment
Before diving into this chapter I first want to say that I am sometimes thankful that I do not have any girls in my home that I have to compete with the media with for self- worth. However, I do see my sons struggle at times and try to have a sense of what they feel is important.
"Researchers don't yet understand exactly why and how young people use media as a type of superpeer." There are times when I myself have asked this question. What is the draw? I think it is the magic of popularity, mass media, and lack of communication. There are many celebrities out there that ARE good role models. However, I think it our fascination with what is really right and wrong where we find ourselves in a place of varying opinion.
"As a parent, I am a proud protectionist." This is true for me as well and there are so many times when I have failed in this. I wish I could always monitor and make them watch and view media that would not take away their innocence. I think when they were young I did a fair amount of this. As my boys have grown up, it has gotten so much harder. As our youngest is 6, I fear he may have been exposed to much more than those before him. His older brothers watch violent movies and even the cartoons have so much violence it is hard to tell him to go somewhere else. I was always told wait to you hear what your children learn on the bus. I guess there is point to this- however, I did try to be proactive and equip my children with the truth and then had to let go of the reigns and give them the freedom to make the right choice. Of course there are limits that we set. My biggest fear is not equipping them enough and they learn untruths from their friends.
This chapter describes critical autonomy being a critical component of digital and media education. This concept explains that it is critical for teachers to "develop in pupils enough self-confidence and critical maturity to be able to apply critical judgements to media texts which they will encounter in the future." Its focus is on meaning making and respect for diverse interpretations. WOW- I love this and agree that as our students are relying so much on media sources we have to give them the tools to find truth and understanding.
Before diving into this chapter I first want to say that I am sometimes thankful that I do not have any girls in my home that I have to compete with the media with for self- worth. However, I do see my sons struggle at times and try to have a sense of what they feel is important.
"Researchers don't yet understand exactly why and how young people use media as a type of superpeer." There are times when I myself have asked this question. What is the draw? I think it is the magic of popularity, mass media, and lack of communication. There are many celebrities out there that ARE good role models. However, I think it our fascination with what is really right and wrong where we find ourselves in a place of varying opinion.
"As a parent, I am a proud protectionist." This is true for me as well and there are so many times when I have failed in this. I wish I could always monitor and make them watch and view media that would not take away their innocence. I think when they were young I did a fair amount of this. As my boys have grown up, it has gotten so much harder. As our youngest is 6, I fear he may have been exposed to much more than those before him. His older brothers watch violent movies and even the cartoons have so much violence it is hard to tell him to go somewhere else. I was always told wait to you hear what your children learn on the bus. I guess there is point to this- however, I did try to be proactive and equip my children with the truth and then had to let go of the reigns and give them the freedom to make the right choice. Of course there are limits that we set. My biggest fear is not equipping them enough and they learn untruths from their friends.
This chapter describes critical autonomy being a critical component of digital and media education. This concept explains that it is critical for teachers to "develop in pupils enough self-confidence and critical maturity to be able to apply critical judgements to media texts which they will encounter in the future." Its focus is on meaning making and respect for diverse interpretations. WOW- I love this and agree that as our students are relying so much on media sources we have to give them the tools to find truth and understanding.
Weekly Reading 8 and Discussion
Chapter 5 was a wonderful read that I enjoyed very much. It provided wisdom that I can incorporate into my teaching.
"Today, every teacher needs to be a media composition teacher." I completely agree with this quote as teachers need to offer the power of being an author back to students. This helps students put knowledge into practice. There are so many tools available for students as well. When students are given the opportunity to be the authors, they also have the authority. Media composition also helps practice intellectual curiosity- thankfully I have always loved learning as well. I find when I am excited about a topic my students are excited too. When we come to a chapter I am not as interested in- the enthusiasm lacks from them as well.
" The cycle of romance, precision, and generalization is at the heart of the creative process in science." As a first year science teacher that has struggled some- this is point that I realized early on. When the romance bond is strong and students are fully engaged in a topic, they are eager to delve into the precision aspect. Without the romance, it can be very difficult for students to go into the precision learning. They will be bored and perform like robots, just memorizing the facts to get by.
When students do have the freedom to create they will often mimic pop culture or what they have been watching which can make the teacher question them and where their thoughts are coming from. "Writing and art teachers experience this problem frequently because they invite students to reveal their hearts, minds, and imaginations." The difficult part of this is when a student depicts a dark side or exhibits violence within their creativity. What is a teacher supposed to do at this point? I can resonate with this due my own sons struggles. When he drew a picture in school that was violent he was kicked out for 10 days.... but they did not actually talk to him about the picture. When did we stop communicating with students? If we would just talk to our students I think most of the these "possible" problems would not really be issues. We would start understanding their minds and mostly their hearts. Unfortunately, most of the time, there is no time, or we fear that we will somehow be found liable and lose our jobs. So, we react, judge, and pass it off to someone higher and hope for the best while our students realize they can no longer trust those adults they spend every day with.
"Today, every teacher needs to be a media composition teacher." I completely agree with this quote as teachers need to offer the power of being an author back to students. This helps students put knowledge into practice. There are so many tools available for students as well. When students are given the opportunity to be the authors, they also have the authority. Media composition also helps practice intellectual curiosity- thankfully I have always loved learning as well. I find when I am excited about a topic my students are excited too. When we come to a chapter I am not as interested in- the enthusiasm lacks from them as well.
" The cycle of romance, precision, and generalization is at the heart of the creative process in science." As a first year science teacher that has struggled some- this is point that I realized early on. When the romance bond is strong and students are fully engaged in a topic, they are eager to delve into the precision aspect. Without the romance, it can be very difficult for students to go into the precision learning. They will be bored and perform like robots, just memorizing the facts to get by.
When students do have the freedom to create they will often mimic pop culture or what they have been watching which can make the teacher question them and where their thoughts are coming from. "Writing and art teachers experience this problem frequently because they invite students to reveal their hearts, minds, and imaginations." The difficult part of this is when a student depicts a dark side or exhibits violence within their creativity. What is a teacher supposed to do at this point? I can resonate with this due my own sons struggles. When he drew a picture in school that was violent he was kicked out for 10 days.... but they did not actually talk to him about the picture. When did we stop communicating with students? If we would just talk to our students I think most of the these "possible" problems would not really be issues. We would start understanding their minds and mostly their hearts. Unfortunately, most of the time, there is no time, or we fear that we will somehow be found liable and lose our jobs. So, we react, judge, and pass it off to someone higher and hope for the best while our students realize they can no longer trust those adults they spend every day with.
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