Week 4 - Show Me What You Learned Project

When I first began this course and saw that "I" had to create a blog...ugh, I panicked. I did not know what I know now. Not only is blogging fast and easy, it's fun! Yes, I said it... I had fun doing my homework, weird, I know. 

I always knew blogging was something that was constantly being talked about on TV and I have one friend that created her own blog because she was bored. But, I thought it was my friend just being her computer savvy self, I really did not realize that I too could be a "Blogger". Yes, me!, Melissa A. Clarke, a blogger! I would have to say that between learning to create my very own Podcast, Blogging is the next best thing. Or, maybe their equal... Nonetheless, I would have to say what I learned and will utilize the most is blogging and podcasting. I would have never thought in a million years, I would have the patience or "know-how" to actually learn to do these things. But now, I can't stop blogging or podcasting. Cool! :-D

My blog link is: http://constantclarke.blogspot.com

I have also added below one my podcasts that enjoyed creating the most :-)

Week 1 - Wimba "Are You Present?"- Session 1

I really loved the video syllabus! I found this to be helpful for both visual and auditory learners. Personally my preference was printing the calendar style deadlines and following along that way. It would have benefitted my to be present in this session due to the fact that I did not realize that the way to get credit was not to just be present for the Wimba Sessions but, to also participate in the written chat. Good thing that is the way I feel most comfortable participating in the Wimba Sessions versus the talking in front of everyone. Yes, I am a little shy... :-) 

Week 4 - Comment to http://jlhawkinson.wordpress.com/2009

My response to Jeanette's Blog titled "13 Things to do on Twitter besides tweet"

Comments»

1. Melissa Clarke - October 25, 2009

Wow I did not realize how much Twitter had evolved! The first time I heard of Twitter was during this program and now people have been in a ‘tweet’ frenzy. But, now we can actually share pictures and other things. I really believe Twitter is going to turn into the new facebook.

Reply

Week 4 - Small Group Stickam Session cont...

Next month's class...

From what I understand next month is said to be a bit intense and not necessarily the procrastinator's best friend. I am a bit anxious about this upcoming course. I see the finish line in near sight but, nervousness is clouding my vision. I want to do my best but, sometimes life, schedules, and my child does not allow for me to log-on the times that I set aside to do so. Anyone with some time management suggestions, when every minute of my day is accounted for? eeeeekkk I'm a bit nervous...  :-)

Week 4 - Small Group Stickam Session

Video 1: Shared Culture

The shared culture video provided information about a new found cite entitled "Creative Commons." It is my understanding that Creative Commons is a creation that allows the new technology culture to create and license your own work, while also using/finding already licensed work. It is said that this creation allows "creative impulses" to be shared in one area. I heard in this video that people can use Flickr photos to create their own masterpieces. But, this poses the question of privacy. Does this program allow for sharing without permission? Or do they actually contact every creator before their creation is used for another "creation." 

Video 2: Mayer and Bettle Explain Creative Commons

Let me start by saying I absolutely loved the animated video provided, this really broke down the use and reason for creation of Creative Commons. What I understood from this video is that you can only use the content that was originally licensed by Creative Commons so there is no real privacy issue because the creator uses this program knowingly granting permission for the content to be downloaded and possibly changed. Although this program seems to be a great fix to a piracy culture, does this include musical downloads that have already hit mainstream airwaves? hmmm... If not, does this really fix the problem? What about an artist being discovered through Creative Commons is the choice to share your creation reversible? Are you allowed to make money off your own creation? Maybe I should read the fine print :-)

Week 4-Art of Possibility

It is funny how Dr. Bustillos mentioned in this section the "eager " teachers and "rocking the boat" (especially with the veteran teachers). Reading these chapters reminded me of a day we have at my school during post-planning where teachers are to get together and share a visual presentation of the work we did towards our IPDP (our professional growth plan). The options for our presentations were a tri-fold or a powerpoint presentation. But, because I had just learned how to do a podcast (during the course of my EMDTMS program), I was eager to share my new found skills. So, I put together a podcast and had it looping at my presentation table. It was me being that "eager" teacher, and because I dared to be different I received a request of my presentation from my principal and complementing remarks from my colleagues. However, not everyone was complimentary, some were sarcastic and some felt as though as I was "showing them up". Here I am not thinking that I am doing anything over and beyond, and not intending to brown-nose, I was just excited to apply this new found technology to my profession and I received some unwelcoming looks and comments from veteran teachers.  Personally, I  feel that I could have done a way better job on my podcast if I dedicated more time to it. It amazes me how many educators are so resistant to change, even when they don't have to do anything to change it. 

Unfortunately, I have attempted to upload my podcast for you to view but, this cite was dealing with technical difficulties. I also attempted to include a picture of my data used in the podcast however, that too would not upload :( ...

Week 3 - "Rule Number 6"

I absolutely loved this chapter! This "Rule Number 6" is so applicable to every profession. How many times have we seen teachers with seniority in our lovely administrative meetings that are questioning, complaining, and even fighting change. Most of the complaints are "there is not enough time to learn", "why do we have to implement this?", or "They (the implementors) have nothing better to do, but give us more work".  This also ties into what Ron Smith was saying in his interview with Holly Ludgate, how it is hard to convince teachers that the preparation invested in their lesson planning makes it easier for them in the long run.

There are so many teachers at the school that I teach that resist change and take themselves so seriously, that they forgot the real purpose of our jobs and that is to teach. And, just like the students change over time, so do their learning styles, therefore so should our teaching styles (or approaches). I would really consider sharing this chapter with my CRT (Curriculum Resource Teacher) and possibly implement "Rule Number 6" at my school. :-) 

Source of Photo: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.reply-mc.com/wp-content/Number_Six.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.reply-mc.com/2007/12/06/always-remember-rule-number-6/&usg=__Q8l9N3LPldIP1f3cCA729u-dEeI=&h=723&w=511&sz=19&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=Qfnh3kRNkNl1sM:&tbnh=140&tbnw=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3DRule%2BNumber%2B6%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den

Week 3 - "Giving an A"

The author of the book, "The Art of Possibility" made a statement that "not just in tis case, but in most cases, grades say little about the work done." This statement could not be more true. The first thing I thought about when reading this chapter is the meetings that I have sat in with administrators that have implied students should earn nothing less than a 50% and that is if they even fail. Today, we are educators, which work in a data driven education system where the author's statement of this book could not be more applicable. Grades today do not reflect the work or worth of a student for the simple fact that, like Southern California, there are so many other places that are driven by political, or administrative, holds to influence their "data" and/or "funding". 

source of picture: http://books.google.com/books?id=qLz0SmPL-qgC&dq=The+art+of+possibility&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=6rfbSraAFNOo8AbvhLm3BQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CB8Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Week 3 - Comment to Jeanette Hawkinson's Blog

Comment to JHawkinson's "WordPress for the Blackberry and the iPod Touch"

Comments»

1. Melissa Clarke - October 18, 2009

This weekend I just learned how to download apps on my blackberry from my friend. I was absolutely flabbergasted with what my phone could do! Now, like you, I have been in an app craze. I haven’t yet figured out how to do the apps on iPod Touch but I’m sure someone will show me.

That is an awesome idea teaching a middle school class from home… can’t wait!… By the way (btw), thank you for informing me about the wordpress app, I am planning to try it out. 

Reply

Week 3- Ron Smith Interview Interactive Questions & Answers

Questions:

1. What type of Media do students like the most?

2. What can Flash Animation be converted into?

3. Name 3 things Ron Smith uses to keep students engaged in class.

4. Who does Ron Smith think is part of the technology problem?

5. What does "front loaded" mean?

6. How much does "open source" software cost?

7. What is "Sketch-Up"?

8. Who make "Sketch-Up"?

9. What is one of the things you can make with Sketch-Up?

10. Name one trend in education.

Answers:

1. Flash Animation

2. Video

3.  Movies, Sound, Websites

4. Teachers

5. There's a lot of work at the beginning to get things up and running

6. Free

7. 3D Modeling

8. Google

9. Interactive Movie

10. Online Learning

source of video: Fullsail University Online, YouTube http://online.fullsail.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=assignment.main&itemId=82238

Week 2- Comment to Lasharn's Blog

1 Comment 

Melissa Clarke

Thank you so much for providing links to help with copyright lessons. I teach 7th grade and definitely need some resources to aid me in stressing the importance of this topic to students. 
I too never realized how detailed copyright laws can be, it wasn't until after our Wimba session that I realized how the smallest reference or usage of someone else's idea can be copyright infringement.

Sunday, October 11, 2009 - 07:57 PM

Below is the link to Lasharn's blog that I commented on.

http://web.me.com/lrenee7/Simply_Lasharn/Week2/Entries/2009/9/27_Truck_stop_mayhem.html#

Week 2- Chapter 6- Photoshop for Democracy

It is because of the Internet and new media that institutions are able to create a greater understanding with their degrees, by providing hands-on assignments that enable learner to be interactive. Not only are institutions lessons changing with the Internet times but, the Institutions as a whole are being innovated and created because of the internet. Universities such as, the University of Central Florida are now offering online classes that in just about every degree area, which offers the working students more ways to be academically successful. 

Also, Institutions such has our own Full Sail University are highly dependent on internet learning and innovation. If it was for the "media culture" I would not be able to earn my Master's degree while being a single mother, a full-time 7th grade teacher, and a director of the Central Florida YMCA. I guess one could say that the Internet and new media has enabled a way for students to not only be extreme multi-taskers but, also enabled us to collaborate with other people across State and International boundaries. 

The Internet and new media has made education more interesting and informative than ever before. The world is really at our fingertips! go figure...

Week 2- Chapter 5-Media Literacy and Harry Potter Wars

Harry Potter prompted a dynamic cultural change. It taught its fans to do, to be creative, to be steadfast, and to effect change. Before reading this chapter and watching "We are Wizards-Trailer" I did not realize the size of the population that has been impacted by a story in a book, or a movie on a screen. What I have realized is books, movies, and television have a lot more emotional appeal (ethos) than I ever thought. Maybe that's why Chapter 5 starts off explaining how producers today are focusing more and more on "emotional capital" or "lovemarks" to ensure media success. Why is this? Why is now audience interaction, or appeal more important than ever?

I can not say there have ever been a movie or even a fictional book that has caused me to do something I would not have done, or create something I would not have otherwise created. But, if I could refer to a television show I would say that "Design on a Dime" inspired me to save money when it came to decorating. One day this summer I went to a yard sale and bought what is now my t.v. stand and end table in my room. I paid $7.00 for two pieces of furniture that I refinished and painted to match perfectly and decorated. I will admit that it was quite therapeutic and I could not be prouder of my creative project. Although my furniture may not be the same thing as creating a "Wizard Rock" genre, I believe the comparison serves a purpose. 

I have attached my creative projects for your viewing pleasure :-)

Week 2 - Chapter4-Grassroots Creativity Meet the Media Industry

Have you ever watched a movie that was great all the way up until the ending... and you wished the ending was different? What this chapter talks about is mostly fan culture and its evolution over time. This chapter starts off talking about the Star Wars followers and their choice to change the legacy. Although I have never been a Star Wars follower I did understand an important point the author wanted to portray.

Fans in this technology era have gone from taking what they have been given to changing what they have been given to fit their ideas. At the beginning of this post I posed a question, the reason for the question is to get you to understand the difference between just not liking the ending of a movie, to deciding to remake that movie to fit your own idea because you did not like the ending. That is what Star Wars fans today are doing, and it all began with a Star Wars fan film contest, now fans are hosting amateur movie websites. 

The problem with these amateur movie sites is not only the possible violation of copyright (stay tuned to my next post), but fans in this technology era are not just trying to be creative but, some are actually trying to use their posts and sites as a way to enter the entertainment industry themselves. It used to be that skills were taught and presented simply for entertainment purposes (folk culture) but, now the skills of individuals are being posted on  sites to gain exposure not just information (mass culture). Once the exposure is received it is the individuals that run out and purchase or subscribe to these innovative songs and movie remakes because it reminds the audience of their own fond memories (popular culture).

This reminds me of the individuals that use facebook and myspace as a marketing tool. Aspiring artists that have the hopes of being discovered through the internet. Included is an example of an aspiring artist using these site to help market his album. The question is will fan participation on these sites pose a threat to the artists and producers?

 

Week1 Comment on Classmate Post

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Week 1 Blog 2 - Spoiling Reality TV Shows

I am currently reading Henry Jenkins book entitled Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. I am enjoying reading about how the popular reality TV show Survivor has a massive group of people that try to figure out the show before it even airs. I have witnessed psychotic Survivor followers that religiously follow the show, but I did not know that there were a group of "spoilers" lurking! The fact that people are using satellite data to determine where Survivor is currently being filmed seems above and beyond. I find this group of people fascinating. I use the word "fascinating" mostly because I don't understand why they spend so much time trying to figure out a reality TV show.

I personally am not sucked into many reality TV shows. In fact after the first American Idol I have avoided reality TV shows because they can become time consuming (and I choose to spend my spare time completing graduate school homework). I wonder if the people who are avid reality TV show watchers and spoilers have a common predisposition to liking this type of entertainment. It is obvious that these people love solving problems since they invest an exorbitant amount of time into this "hobby." Could these types of people use their skills in other ways?

As a teacher, I wonder how I could use students' natural inquiry to solve real science dilemmas. Could the government, businesses, and scientists harness this problem-solving ability of reality TV loving groups to help them solve problems too? I think this is something to seriously think about.

Resources:

Jenkins, H. (2006).Convergence culture: Where old and new media collide. New York: New York University Press.

Photo Credits:

K. Hirt, Utila, Honduras, 2007

Sources

Jenkins, H. (2006).Convergence culture: Where old and new media collide. New York: New York University Press.

Week1 Show Me What You Know Project

Week1 Reading-Chapter 2

Chapter two of "Convergence Culture" is titled "Buying into American Idol". Within this chapter takes a look at one of the most popular reality shows in our history that has shaped the way consumers watch TV. According to Jenkins, producers used to believe that viewers just wanted to watch TV and not be bothered with the interaction of logging-on to participate in polls. However, when American Idol started that theory was proven incorrect. It was due to the reality show that texting became an new way to collaborate instantly. American Idol started what I call "The Circle of Multimedia Life". It is do to the new way consumers watch TV, that a circle of profit begins. For example American Idol started text voting, which in return made the phone companies profit from the texting craze. Not only did phone companies profit from the convergence but, according to Jenkins, reality TV episodes are shorter lived than a typical television episode which result in the increase of sales of DVDs to the die-hard fans. Below is a photo taken from http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/american-idol/100036?rss=breakingnews&partnerid=worldnow&profileid=01

Week1 Reading-Chapter 1

Chapter One of the book Convergence Culture is titled "Spoiling Survivor". Within this chapter, a terminology was introduced to me called "spoiling". Spoiling is where consumers gather information collaboratively to find out the answer/results to the unknown, hence kind of "spoiling" the ending of a reality show. The entire "spoiling" process began with the East Coast and West Coast time differences, TV shows would come on at different times but, before the internet evolved everyone had that "first-time" experience when watching the show. However, now due to "Collective Intelligences" viewers that overcome with the reality show outcomes, such as Survivor, become so involved with the show they try to find out the outcome of the competition before the show has even completed its season. The author of Convergence Culture, Henry Jenkins, state "no one watches television alone anymore.

A prime example of the truth behind Jenkins' theory is how my friends and I watch one of our favorite reality shows "Real Housewives of Atlanta". We don't just watch the show alone but we interactively watch the show through collaboration online (facebook), through text messaging, and sometimes even watch parties. Some of the women in our watch party group are so wrapped up in the show that research information online trying to find out what is happening next and what is happening in the lives of each person on the show. This example is very similar to what Jenkins is referring to in this chapter.

However, with "Spoiling Survivor" there are a group of individuals that go as far as using the satellite tracking to find out the location of the show in order to keep track of the happenings before the show even airs.

I have included at picture at one of our "Collaborative Viewing Parties"

We have evolved from an era that used to just "tune next week" to an interactive community that wants to know more.

Week1 Reading-Intro

At first seeing the title of this book I was a little confused on how this would tie in media and technology; however, after reading the introduction I gained a greater understanding as to how "Convergence Culture" is a suitable title for this book.
I learned that no longer are the consumers and the producers seperate entities. In today's media we are working together whether we like it or not. The introduction gave an example of how a student in his bedroom made an online posting for his entertainment and within a short time span this posting became an international controversy. Today more than any other time in the past information travels faster and further than we as consumers could ever expect. As a result producers are no longer dealing with a consumer that will buy into anything they are trying to sell. We are now informed consumers through "Collective Intelligence". The author of this book could not have chosen a more adequate title. According to the book, Convergence Culture, convergence does not take place due to the evolution of appliances but, through the people and their interaction. Convergence is also defined by how consumers process the information and if they choose to participate, which causes the producers to longer be its seperate entity but, a working part of convergence engine that requires the input of the consumers to succeed.
After reading this chapter I remebered a YouTube video I saw that a friend of mine recommend me watching. While watching the YouTube video titled, "Where's the chapstick" I remember asking my friend "who even thinks to look up something this silly". I thought that this kid made this video not even realizing how quickly this video would be shared amongst people he would probably never meet. I have attached this video for you viewing pleasure. :-)