Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Dec 10 --Using Film in the Classroom
After reading the Christel and Sullivan chapters that talked about using media and film in the classroom I am really excited to try out some of the great ideas mentioned.
I met with my cooperating teacher a couple weeks ago and found out I am going to be teaching Romeo and Juliet. In the readings I saw one lesson plan that had students create movie trailers around a particular theme of Romeo and Juliet. I really like the lesson plan outlined in the reading. Students look for quotes that pertain to their assigned theme and use imovie to add still images, live footage, music and other special effects to enhance the quotes they pick. Students then construct a “movie trailer.”
What I like most about this lesson is how the teacher planned to teach students how to use the technology they would be using. Instead of showing students how to do everything –upload images, videos, music, add transitions, etc –the teacher taught students how to do one thing each day. Day one was importing still images; day two was importing videos, and so on. This is a great way to keep students on track and also is a way to not overwhelm them. Since I am teaching Romeo and Juliet I’m looking for interesting lesson plans that engage students and I believe this would be a fun engaging project for students. This project would also support a constructivist learning environment. Students will be working in groups and coming to their own understandings of quotes and messages related to their theme.
There are so many other ways to use film in the classroom that excite me. Although the readings did not mention any lesson plans having to do with documentaries, I am so excited to teach them some day. For my final project in this class, Meredith and I are in the process of lesson planning a unit on documentaries. We found 7 types of documentaries and plan to teach one type each day, let students play around and create something using each type, consider exactly what a documentary is, who they are made by, their message or agenda, and so forth. Finally students will be creating their own documentary using imovie as a final project.
Students will need to write a 2 page paper addressing message, audience, type of documentary, and so on. This project is a way for students to think critically about what they are viewing, who they are getting information from, and why authors use the techniques they do.
I would also love to look at film adaptations and video poetry as well. I also read a lesson plan about teaching graphic novels, one being Art Speigelman’s Maus. I just recently read this book and one of my colleagues did a technology presentation with this novel using VoiceThread to analyze the graphic novels. Students were able to comment on their assigned theme and then listen to everyone’s comments—which included many themes. VoiceThread is a very effective tool for analyzing and commenting on images, and it worked very well with selected pages from Maus.
I met with my cooperating teacher a couple weeks ago and found out I am going to be teaching Romeo and Juliet. In the readings I saw one lesson plan that had students create movie trailers around a particular theme of Romeo and Juliet. I really like the lesson plan outlined in the reading. Students look for quotes that pertain to their assigned theme and use imovie to add still images, live footage, music and other special effects to enhance the quotes they pick. Students then construct a “movie trailer.”
What I like most about this lesson is how the teacher planned to teach students how to use the technology they would be using. Instead of showing students how to do everything –upload images, videos, music, add transitions, etc –the teacher taught students how to do one thing each day. Day one was importing still images; day two was importing videos, and so on. This is a great way to keep students on track and also is a way to not overwhelm them. Since I am teaching Romeo and Juliet I’m looking for interesting lesson plans that engage students and I believe this would be a fun engaging project for students. This project would also support a constructivist learning environment. Students will be working in groups and coming to their own understandings of quotes and messages related to their theme.
There are so many other ways to use film in the classroom that excite me. Although the readings did not mention any lesson plans having to do with documentaries, I am so excited to teach them some day. For my final project in this class, Meredith and I are in the process of lesson planning a unit on documentaries. We found 7 types of documentaries and plan to teach one type each day, let students play around and create something using each type, consider exactly what a documentary is, who they are made by, their message or agenda, and so forth. Finally students will be creating their own documentary using imovie as a final project.
Students will need to write a 2 page paper addressing message, audience, type of documentary, and so on. This project is a way for students to think critically about what they are viewing, who they are getting information from, and why authors use the techniques they do.
I would also love to look at film adaptations and video poetry as well. I also read a lesson plan about teaching graphic novels, one being Art Speigelman’s Maus. I just recently read this book and one of my colleagues did a technology presentation with this novel using VoiceThread to analyze the graphic novels. Students were able to comment on their assigned theme and then listen to everyone’s comments—which included many themes. VoiceThread is a very effective tool for analyzing and commenting on images, and it worked very well with selected pages from Maus.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Dec. 3 Music Post
It is so hard for me to pick one song or one genre of music that appeals most to me. Really, depending on my mood, I can listen to anything. I grew up listening mostly to classic rock, things that my parents like. As I got older, I was most influenced by my older sister who was into Boys2Men, Alanis Morrisette,and other Top 40 Hits.
Today, I listen to a variety of music. I enjoy listening to the radio in the car. My stations are set to Cities 97, KS95, 101.3 KDWB, Jack 104.1, The Current, and Kool 108--Quite the variety. Although I do enjoy listening to one particular artist while I am studying, I like the variety of the radio.
When I got to college I started exploring more music, music that wasn't really being played on the radio. One artist in particular that I fell in love with was Mason Jennings. What first prompted me to explore Mason Jennings was the fact that he is a local artist, from Minnesota. I like his references to Minnesota. One of his songs is called Duluth.
If I had to pick one song by Mason Jennings it would be "Big Sur." This song has some emotional ties to me. I remember listening to this song during final, the first semester of my freshman year. I was sitting in my dorm at Middlebrook Hall, eating M&Ms and feeling great. I knew I had to take this final, but I was happy. Happy with where I was in my life, and where I was going.
All of Mason Jenning's music calms me down. I like to listen to it as I'm walking outside or trying to relax. I really like his simple style, with his guitar. His albums sound very similar to his live performances. (I haven't seen Mason Jennings live, I would love to!) Here is a video of Mason Jennings' song Big Sur. The video is of a live performance.
Again, because I like such a variety of music, it is hard for me to pick one song or genre, but ocerall, Mason Jennings is one of my favorites.
Today, I listen to a variety of music. I enjoy listening to the radio in the car. My stations are set to Cities 97, KS95, 101.3 KDWB, Jack 104.1, The Current, and Kool 108--Quite the variety. Although I do enjoy listening to one particular artist while I am studying, I like the variety of the radio.
When I got to college I started exploring more music, music that wasn't really being played on the radio. One artist in particular that I fell in love with was Mason Jennings. What first prompted me to explore Mason Jennings was the fact that he is a local artist, from Minnesota. I like his references to Minnesota. One of his songs is called Duluth.
If I had to pick one song by Mason Jennings it would be "Big Sur." This song has some emotional ties to me. I remember listening to this song during final, the first semester of my freshman year. I was sitting in my dorm at Middlebrook Hall, eating M&Ms and feeling great. I knew I had to take this final, but I was happy. Happy with where I was in my life, and where I was going.
All of Mason Jenning's music calms me down. I like to listen to it as I'm walking outside or trying to relax. I really like his simple style, with his guitar. His albums sound very similar to his live performances. (I haven't seen Mason Jennings live, I would love to!) Here is a video of Mason Jennings' song Big Sur. The video is of a live performance.
Again, because I like such a variety of music, it is hard for me to pick one song or genre, but ocerall, Mason Jennings is one of my favorites.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Nov. 19 Blog Post: Documentary
Just yesterday I called up my niece. She told me that she got the ToysRus catalog in the mail and had started picking out what she wants for Christmas, so when I came across a documentary looking at working conditions in toy factories I had to watch it.
I watched a documentary on Free Documentaries Online called "Santa's Workshop." This documentary looked into toy making factories in China and showed some of the working conditions inside the factories and how inhumane they were. They interviewed many people such as factory workers, factory management, toy companies, human rights activists, and European consumers.
I was shocked to see how the factory management viewed working conditions for their employees. We learned that although the management shows authorities records of wages and time cards, they are not accurate. Workers are paid to lie about the number of hours they work as well as how much they get paid. Management also says that the factory has a union the workers can join, bu they are fired if they join.
Workers in the factory they filmed in were not allowed to speak to the cameras, so they were forced to find other factory workers to interview.
The documentary also spoke with European toy companies and got their perspective on the issue. Both toy companies that were interviewed blamed the low cost of toys on the consumers. They said that consumers were not willing to pay enough for their companies to pay more for toys. They also claimed they were unaware of the working conditions in factories in China.
The video also touched on the fact that other countries, such as Thailand were now having trouble competing with the companies in China. Although they fight for better wages, their toys are not being bought because they cost more than the toys made in China.
The last person interviewed was an environmentalist who discussed the huge amount of mercury that is being deposited into China's water supply and the dangers this is causeing for the community.
This film had a clear purpose: to inform consumers as well as toy companies of the working conditions of toy factories in China. In the beginning of the film they ask consumers if they know where the toys are made, and they know they are made in another country, but do they know why the prices are low? Do they know what working conditions are like for people who make these toys? The interviews seemed to be valid and made me think twice about things.
As I start doing my Christmas shopping this year, this film will make me think twice about what I buy and what I am willing to pay for something. The treatment of these workers is not acceptable, but consumers are making it acceptable. This documentary had a clear goal to inform people about how toys we buy are made. Although we heard from European toy companies, who claim they have not seen such a problem, as well as factory management who claims to care about their workers, the film presents them as looking stupid and not caring. We hear them, but only through questions that are meant to make them sound unbelievable.
Teaching students about working conditions in other countries is a great way for students to become aware of their role as a consumer. Many clothing brands are made in other countries and produced in factories that have very similar conditions to the toy factories I saw in the documentary I watched. It would be interesting to have students see where their clothes are produced and read articles about certain companies and how they get their clothing. We could look at popular clothing stores such as the Gap, Banana Republic, Forever 21, etc. I think students would find it very interesting to see how what they pay for something impacts individuals who produce their clothing. This would help students think critically and also help them see their role as a consumer in society.
I watched a documentary on Free Documentaries Online called "Santa's Workshop." This documentary looked into toy making factories in China and showed some of the working conditions inside the factories and how inhumane they were. They interviewed many people such as factory workers, factory management, toy companies, human rights activists, and European consumers.
I was shocked to see how the factory management viewed working conditions for their employees. We learned that although the management shows authorities records of wages and time cards, they are not accurate. Workers are paid to lie about the number of hours they work as well as how much they get paid. Management also says that the factory has a union the workers can join, bu they are fired if they join.
Workers in the factory they filmed in were not allowed to speak to the cameras, so they were forced to find other factory workers to interview.
The documentary also spoke with European toy companies and got their perspective on the issue. Both toy companies that were interviewed blamed the low cost of toys on the consumers. They said that consumers were not willing to pay enough for their companies to pay more for toys. They also claimed they were unaware of the working conditions in factories in China.
The video also touched on the fact that other countries, such as Thailand were now having trouble competing with the companies in China. Although they fight for better wages, their toys are not being bought because they cost more than the toys made in China.
The last person interviewed was an environmentalist who discussed the huge amount of mercury that is being deposited into China's water supply and the dangers this is causeing for the community.
This film had a clear purpose: to inform consumers as well as toy companies of the working conditions of toy factories in China. In the beginning of the film they ask consumers if they know where the toys are made, and they know they are made in another country, but do they know why the prices are low? Do they know what working conditions are like for people who make these toys? The interviews seemed to be valid and made me think twice about things.
As I start doing my Christmas shopping this year, this film will make me think twice about what I buy and what I am willing to pay for something. The treatment of these workers is not acceptable, but consumers are making it acceptable. This documentary had a clear goal to inform people about how toys we buy are made. Although we heard from European toy companies, who claim they have not seen such a problem, as well as factory management who claims to care about their workers, the film presents them as looking stupid and not caring. We hear them, but only through questions that are meant to make them sound unbelievable.
Teaching students about working conditions in other countries is a great way for students to become aware of their role as a consumer. Many clothing brands are made in other countries and produced in factories that have very similar conditions to the toy factories I saw in the documentary I watched. It would be interesting to have students see where their clothes are produced and read articles about certain companies and how they get their clothing. We could look at popular clothing stores such as the Gap, Banana Republic, Forever 21, etc. I think students would find it very interesting to see how what they pay for something impacts individuals who produce their clothing. This would help students think critically and also help them see their role as a consumer in society.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Nov. 12 Blog Post: News
I watched WCCO Channel 4 News at 5pm on Wednesday evening. WCCO is a local news station of the Mpls/St.Paul area that is owned by the CBS Corporation. CBS is a publicly owned corporation owned by its share holders. While the company is owned by the shareholders, it is run by the board of directors and officers. A statement from CBS' website states, "CBS Corporation is a mass media company with constituent parts that reach back to the beginnings of the broadcast industry, as well as newer businesses that operate on the leading edge of the media industry."
While watching WCCO local news, I noticed many things in particular. The news started with a 3 main headline stories: a car crash in Eagan, MN, Vetrans who didn't have health insurance, and a preview of the new Northstar Rail that is starting to operate on Monday.
The first story that was talked about was a story in relation to a car crash in Eagan, MN/ The man who was involved in the crash was being interviewed in the hospital. This story lasted about 2 minutes.
Next was a story about Veterans' Day, that lead into the story about Veterans who did not have health insurance. This story lasted about 3 minutes. There was also a segment of a local elementary school celebrating Veteran's Day.
Next they talked about a Somalian man who was put on the "Do Not Fly" list and did not know why. This story was very short.
They also did short stories regarding a United Airline pilot who was accused of flying while drunk, a Gopher basketball player who is accused of stealing, and Oprah who interviewed staff from Fort Hood. Of course, they squeezed in some weather and then went on to the Light Rail story. After this they talked about the first public H1N1 vaccine, and went on to weather again. Then they turned to sports and ended the newscast with a story about a 60 year old man who is currently on a college football team.
The news broadcast was only 30 minutes, and one thing that I noticed was the commercial time. I timed the commercials and found that the commercials took up about 11-12 minutes of the broadcast. I also noticed that much of the newscast was spent talking about the new light rail. A reporter was aloud to go on a test run and interviewed many people that were involved with the light rail. The news channel also had people write in to get their opinions on the light rail. I also noticed that they had mentioned the light rail story right in the beginning of the newscast and did not mention it until about 20 minutes into the show. I also thought it took them a while to get to the weather, which is something that a lot of people actually do want to hear. I'm sure they don't tell viewers pressing information unti later to get them to keep watching. I also noticed the tone of the reporters themselves. Frank and Amelia, the main newscasters, are married. Also, all of them joke with one another and appear to have a fun relationship. I also noticed that Chris Schaeffer, while reporting the weather, pointed to his grandma's town and said "Hi Grandma!" The reporters try to connect with the viewers.
I don't watch much TV, but I do watch the Office which is owned 80% by General Electric (which is a publicly owned company) and 20% Vivendi (which is also also publicly owned company.
Some Newspapers that I frequently check for news are The Drudge Report, which is owned by a man named Matt Drudge. I think the site has a bit of a conservative twist to it. I also check New York Times, which is owned by the New York Times Company. They are a public company...in a way, but the publicly traded shares have no voting rights and shareholders can not control the company in any way. Some websites I use on a daily basis are: Google, which is public, and I often check my Facebook, which is a private company that is owned by Mark Zuckerberg.
It is very interesting to look at who owns what and what spin the medium has based on its owners. I think with news in particular, it is useful for students to realize that news stations usually have political motivation behind them. For example, Fox News, is a more conservative view point. Students could compare news channels in order to see what kinds of stories they cover and the tone in which they tell their stories. If students do not realize the motivations behind companies, they are subject to falling into traps in their perceptions of events and viewpoints.
While watching WCCO local news, I noticed many things in particular. The news started with a 3 main headline stories: a car crash in Eagan, MN, Vetrans who didn't have health insurance, and a preview of the new Northstar Rail that is starting to operate on Monday.
The first story that was talked about was a story in relation to a car crash in Eagan, MN/ The man who was involved in the crash was being interviewed in the hospital. This story lasted about 2 minutes.
Next was a story about Veterans' Day, that lead into the story about Veterans who did not have health insurance. This story lasted about 3 minutes. There was also a segment of a local elementary school celebrating Veteran's Day.
Next they talked about a Somalian man who was put on the "Do Not Fly" list and did not know why. This story was very short.
They also did short stories regarding a United Airline pilot who was accused of flying while drunk, a Gopher basketball player who is accused of stealing, and Oprah who interviewed staff from Fort Hood. Of course, they squeezed in some weather and then went on to the Light Rail story. After this they talked about the first public H1N1 vaccine, and went on to weather again. Then they turned to sports and ended the newscast with a story about a 60 year old man who is currently on a college football team.
The news broadcast was only 30 minutes, and one thing that I noticed was the commercial time. I timed the commercials and found that the commercials took up about 11-12 minutes of the broadcast. I also noticed that much of the newscast was spent talking about the new light rail. A reporter was aloud to go on a test run and interviewed many people that were involved with the light rail. The news channel also had people write in to get their opinions on the light rail. I also noticed that they had mentioned the light rail story right in the beginning of the newscast and did not mention it until about 20 minutes into the show. I also thought it took them a while to get to the weather, which is something that a lot of people actually do want to hear. I'm sure they don't tell viewers pressing information unti later to get them to keep watching. I also noticed the tone of the reporters themselves. Frank and Amelia, the main newscasters, are married. Also, all of them joke with one another and appear to have a fun relationship. I also noticed that Chris Schaeffer, while reporting the weather, pointed to his grandma's town and said "Hi Grandma!" The reporters try to connect with the viewers.
I don't watch much TV, but I do watch the Office which is owned 80% by General Electric (which is a publicly owned company) and 20% Vivendi (which is also also publicly owned company.
Some Newspapers that I frequently check for news are The Drudge Report, which is owned by a man named Matt Drudge. I think the site has a bit of a conservative twist to it. I also check New York Times, which is owned by the New York Times Company. They are a public company...in a way, but the publicly traded shares have no voting rights and shareholders can not control the company in any way. Some websites I use on a daily basis are: Google, which is public, and I often check my Facebook, which is a private company that is owned by Mark Zuckerberg.
It is very interesting to look at who owns what and what spin the medium has based on its owners. I think with news in particular, it is useful for students to realize that news stations usually have political motivation behind them. For example, Fox News, is a more conservative view point. Students could compare news channels in order to see what kinds of stories they cover and the tone in which they tell their stories. If students do not realize the motivations behind companies, they are subject to falling into traps in their perceptions of events and viewpoints.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Ad I Created...
Tanning beds...more like death beds.
As a melanoma survivor myself, it drives me CRAZY to see people using tanning booths. More needs to be done to show people that melanoma is a serious form of cancer that is just as deadly as many other cancers. People often times think that skin cancer is far less dangerous than other types of cancer, but it is not true. I strongly believe that people need to be proactive about their health and do what they can to protect their bodies. Wear SPF, limit your time in the sun, check your moles on a regular basis, and most importantly, stay OUT of tanning booths. Ok, now I will jump off my soap box :)
As a melanoma survivor myself, it drives me CRAZY to see people using tanning booths. More needs to be done to show people that melanoma is a serious form of cancer that is just as deadly as many other cancers. People often times think that skin cancer is far less dangerous than other types of cancer, but it is not true. I strongly believe that people need to be proactive about their health and do what they can to protect their bodies. Wear SPF, limit your time in the sun, check your moles on a regular basis, and most importantly, stay OUT of tanning booths. Ok, now I will jump off my soap box :)
Analysis of an Ad
Santa bringing...cigarettes...for Christmas???
This ad is a really old camel cigarette ad. It's kinda of funny, but disturbing at the same time. Obviously, the ad is pushing for people to give cigarettes and chewing tobacco as a Christmas present. Santa, who is a beloved childhood character of many of us, is even condoning smoking. I think it's important to remember that people at this time might not have known the negative effects of tobacco (like cancer). When most people think of getting gifts from Santa things like dolls and socks come into mind...not smokes. Santa seems to bring a sense of innocence to the quality of smoking or chewing tobacco. This add also ties in the idea of the "Christmas Spirit." In order to celebrate Christmas and be in the holiday mood, one should light up.
Audience: This add could even be directed at children. Santa is in the ad and the cigarettes are wrapped up like a present. Children see Santa as a "good guy" bringing fun gifts, not cigarettes. Santa also says, that you can say "Merry Christmas" by also saying "pleasant smoking." This ad could also be aimed at older adults, wondering what to get their husbands or wives for Christmas.
Images: Santa, holidays, presents,happiness, a "Christmas Morning!" feel.
This ad caught my attention right away. It makes me wonder how far some companies will go...come on...Santa?? Really???
How To Teach?
Analyzing ads is worthwhile for students. I think having them either do a Voice Thread, or a simple collage, like we did in class would be effective for students. Not only would they get to look at ads that they see everyday, they would also get to look at them critically. I think looking at images with a critical lens is important in order to understand what our society is focused on. Advertising is such a huge part of our world, we are influenced by it everyday. Looking at advertising with a critical eye is crucial. I think students would really enjoy analyzing ads.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Reality TV Power Point
Here is a link to Jane and my Power Point on reality TV.
Our TV Guide Blurb and paragraph on teaching reality TV is included in the Power Point.
Our TV Guide Blurb and paragraph on teaching reality TV is included in the Power Point.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Ethnography on "Soaps"
Soap operas dominate daytime TV Monday through Friday. They usually feature scandalous plot lines involving death, sex, and betrayal and the stories are often unbelievable. They cover everything from cheating, lying and dating family members to death of family members or friends, divorce, and psychological problems. I often wonder, who actually watches these programs?
Unfortunately, I know the answer to my own question. My mom is an avid watcher of the “soap” The Young and the Restless. She has watched it ever since I can remember. I asked her how long she has been watching the show and she replied, “Well, before you were born.” My mom records every episode of the show, just in case she is not home to watch it. Before she retired, she remembers sitting in the break room at her work with about ten other middle aged women eating lunch and watching The Young and the Restless. She took her lunch at 11 0’clock so she could watch the show and chat about it with coworkers.
I also wonder why people are so interested in soap operas. My mom comments on understanding the “unrealistic” aspects of the show. “I know they are stupid, it’s not like I think life is actually like this.” This makes me think that most viewers of soap operas enjoy the escape from their “boring” lives and love to see drama playing out full fledge in someone else’s life. My mom also comments on how the shows are almost addicting. “They never get through things quick. They can spend a month hyping something up, and you have to keep watching to see what actually happens, you have to.”
Soap operas have become a topic in social situations as well. My mom has a few girlfriends who also watch The Young and the Restless and when they get together they often ask if everyone is caught up on the show. “We talk about the characters, what stupid things they have done and mostly how Victor (the star character on the show who has been around forever) is such a prick!”
Soap operas are not only watched by middle aged women. I have some friends that also watch soaps and I hate to say this, but I know my 84 year old grandpa will watch one every once in a while as well. I guess I have a hard time understanding the appeal to these shows, but there obviously is one. I think as long as people understand these shows are not replicas of the real world there is really no danger in watching them.
It’s funny to look at the socio economic status of the characters on soap operas. They are always beautiful people who seem to have a lot of power. They also, almost always, are rich. They wear fashionable clothing, have perfect bodies, adorable children, and of course, housekeepers. I think I would be more interested to watch a soap opera that reflected the real world, instead of this representation of really rich powerful people.
After looking around at some websites it was easy to see that people love soaps. I did a Google search and found many websites dedicated to soap operas. One in particular was called Soap Central. This particular website featured daily summaries of what is going on in the soap each day. If fans miss an episode, they can surely catch up here. This website also has a Young and the Restless Fan Club. The fan club costs $18.00, and for that price you receive color pictures of the cast, a lunch tote, a deal on events involving the show and a “special surprise from the cast on your birthday” (I can’t imagine what that might be).
I also found it interesting that CBS, which is the channel the show airs on, features full episodes that fans can watch online. Because of the popularity of soap operas is so high, CBS offers them online to viewers. Does CBS really want to show these kinds programs instead of something more valuable, such as news programs?
Overall, I found that soap operas are popular. They have many fans who are regular followers of the shows. My mom is a prime example of someone who has been "hooked" by the show and I know there are many others just like her. I have to admit, I have watched a few episodes and they did leave me hanging, wondering, what will happen next?!
Unfortunately, I know the answer to my own question. My mom is an avid watcher of the “soap” The Young and the Restless. She has watched it ever since I can remember. I asked her how long she has been watching the show and she replied, “Well, before you were born.” My mom records every episode of the show, just in case she is not home to watch it. Before she retired, she remembers sitting in the break room at her work with about ten other middle aged women eating lunch and watching The Young and the Restless. She took her lunch at 11 0’clock so she could watch the show and chat about it with coworkers.
I also wonder why people are so interested in soap operas. My mom comments on understanding the “unrealistic” aspects of the show. “I know they are stupid, it’s not like I think life is actually like this.” This makes me think that most viewers of soap operas enjoy the escape from their “boring” lives and love to see drama playing out full fledge in someone else’s life. My mom also comments on how the shows are almost addicting. “They never get through things quick. They can spend a month hyping something up, and you have to keep watching to see what actually happens, you have to.”
Soap operas have become a topic in social situations as well. My mom has a few girlfriends who also watch The Young and the Restless and when they get together they often ask if everyone is caught up on the show. “We talk about the characters, what stupid things they have done and mostly how Victor (the star character on the show who has been around forever) is such a prick!”
Soap operas are not only watched by middle aged women. I have some friends that also watch soaps and I hate to say this, but I know my 84 year old grandpa will watch one every once in a while as well. I guess I have a hard time understanding the appeal to these shows, but there obviously is one. I think as long as people understand these shows are not replicas of the real world there is really no danger in watching them.
It’s funny to look at the socio economic status of the characters on soap operas. They are always beautiful people who seem to have a lot of power. They also, almost always, are rich. They wear fashionable clothing, have perfect bodies, adorable children, and of course, housekeepers. I think I would be more interested to watch a soap opera that reflected the real world, instead of this representation of really rich powerful people.
After looking around at some websites it was easy to see that people love soaps. I did a Google search and found many websites dedicated to soap operas. One in particular was called Soap Central. This particular website featured daily summaries of what is going on in the soap each day. If fans miss an episode, they can surely catch up here. This website also has a Young and the Restless Fan Club. The fan club costs $18.00, and for that price you receive color pictures of the cast, a lunch tote, a deal on events involving the show and a “special surprise from the cast on your birthday” (I can’t imagine what that might be).
I also found it interesting that CBS, which is the channel the show airs on, features full episodes that fans can watch online. Because of the popularity of soap operas is so high, CBS offers them online to viewers. Does CBS really want to show these kinds programs instead of something more valuable, such as news programs?
Overall, I found that soap operas are popular. They have many fans who are regular followers of the shows. My mom is a prime example of someone who has been "hooked" by the show and I know there are many others just like her. I have to admit, I have watched a few episodes and they did leave me hanging, wondering, what will happen next?!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
My voice Thread
I chose to critique the advertisement of the popular and classic soft drink, Coke. My voice thread looks at some Coke advertisements and towards the end I look at the problem of obesity in our society.
I really love the Voice Thread website and I think it is a great way to have students discuss images, or even explain an interesting trip or idea. Very cool tool, and even cooler that it is FREE!! I also really like the idea of how other people can comment on the voice thread as well. People can comment in many ways--text, webcam, microphone, etc. The variety associated with this tool is great. What I first noticed about this program was how user friendly it is. I was a little worried about getting it going, but it was actually very easy to get started. I think some people shy away from using technology because it can be so hard to use sometimes. Voice Thread does a great job of being very easy to use, which is great for teachers, as well as students. I hope to use Voice Thread in my classroom one day.
Check it out: My Voice Thread
I really love the Voice Thread website and I think it is a great way to have students discuss images, or even explain an interesting trip or idea. Very cool tool, and even cooler that it is FREE!! I also really like the idea of how other people can comment on the voice thread as well. People can comment in many ways--text, webcam, microphone, etc. The variety associated with this tool is great. What I first noticed about this program was how user friendly it is. I was a little worried about getting it going, but it was actually very easy to get started. I think some people shy away from using technology because it can be so hard to use sometimes. Voice Thread does a great job of being very easy to use, which is great for teachers, as well as students. I hope to use Voice Thread in my classroom one day.
Check it out: My Voice Thread
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Critical Analysis: How to use it in the classroom
I think looking at video clips and commercials in a great way to introduce students to the idea of using theory. There are so many good examples of many of the theories. Doing this activity was fun for me, and I think students would enjoy bringing in their favorite movies and discussing them. Doing different types of analysis sheds light to new perspectives of a text that can be overlooked. Using critical lenses helps students look deep, past the surface level and critique what they are watching and seeing. They also must think of how it relates to their own life as well. Critical analysis helps students think about the world in different ways and from different perspectives. Students are able make some pretty engaging comments about society, as Deb Appleman talked about yesterday in her presentation in our class on Tuesday. Some of the ideas students come up with after using critical lenses are really great and show that learning has taken place. I think after apply theory to film, students would be pretty well set up to dive into theory in books as well. I enjoyed this assignment and I think students will too.
Critical Analysis: Race in The Jerk
A scene from The Jerk
The Jerk is one of my favorite movies. I noticed in the very beginning, it makes a few comments on race. Although this clip is not the best and doesn’t really show what happens in the beginning, I will try to describe it. This clip however, shows Steve Martin or Navin, a white man dancing on the porch with his black family. Navin was adopted by African American farmers, but is too innocent to realize that he was adopted. Navin is the only white child in the family and very obviously looks out of place. The house they live in is somewhat ratty and not very fancy, possibly suggesting African Americans are often times poor. The family is singing and dancing and acting very stereotypical of African Americans. They are all clapping and stomping their feet. In the beginning of the movie we learn that Steve Martin has no sense of rhythm, like the rest of his African American family. This suggests that all African Americans have rhythm. I really like this movie, but the Hollywood version of African Americans and the stereotypes they use to define them are troubling. I think they were aware of these stereotypes when they were making the movie though. Maybe they are just also commenting on them??
The Jerk is one of my favorite movies. I noticed in the very beginning, it makes a few comments on race. Although this clip is not the best and doesn’t really show what happens in the beginning, I will try to describe it. This clip however, shows Steve Martin or Navin, a white man dancing on the porch with his black family. Navin was adopted by African American farmers, but is too innocent to realize that he was adopted. Navin is the only white child in the family and very obviously looks out of place. The house they live in is somewhat ratty and not very fancy, possibly suggesting African Americans are often times poor. The family is singing and dancing and acting very stereotypical of African Americans. They are all clapping and stomping their feet. In the beginning of the movie we learn that Steve Martin has no sense of rhythm, like the rest of his African American family. This suggests that all African Americans have rhythm. I really like this movie, but the Hollywood version of African Americans and the stereotypes they use to define them are troubling. I think they were aware of these stereotypes when they were making the movie though. Maybe they are just also commenting on them??
Critical Analysis: Feminist and Class/Power Critique of a Dove Commercial
This Dove commercial is very disturbing. It first shows a close up of a little girl. At such a young age in her life, she is shaped by what she sees and thinks. Suddenly, we see all of the thoughts and images running through her mind on what she thinks women should be, which is shaped by the media.
In the flashes that we see, women are seen as objects that are imperfect. They all are obsessed with dieting, mutilating their bodies, and are never seen eating. This commercial is making a comment on what it means to be a woman. Women are defined by what is wrong with them. This commercial points out that these pre-conceived notions of what women are supposed to be are influencing today’s young girls. They are bombarded with images and ideas of what women are and what they should be. This affects how women today see themselves.
I like this commercial and feel that it empowers women and makes them aware that media has a huge impact on their self image and what they think of themselves as women. The commercial stresses that women are beautiful just the way they are, they don’t needs diets, face creams, and plastic surgery. The little girl looks beautiful in the sun during the close up shot, and someday, with all of the media showcasing what women “should be” she might feel ugly.
I am guessing that a woman made this commercial, keeping in mind society’s view of women and the danger the media can have on womens' lives. There are also no men in the video, which I thought was interesting. Usually a man's perception of what is beautiful affects a woman.
As a woman myself, I enjoy this commercial and feel good knowing that people can see beyond the media. Women should be able to be who they are and not feel like they have to look a certain way to be beautiful.
This video can also be seen viewed with a class/power critical lens. Most of the women in th video are using money to change their bodies--buying face cream, paying for plastic surgery. Also, the women dancing in the music video are very dressed up and look expensive. All of the women in the clip are dressed well and look to be of a high socio-economic class. Young girls may associate money and power with beauty.
The music in the video lyrics, "here it comes, here it comes" suggests that the naturally beautiful little girl will be shaped by today's media of what she ought to look like one day--if she hasn't already been.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I love snow. Call me crazy, but I really do love snow! Ever since I was little I have been a cross country skier. I was the captain of my high school team and have skied many races. One that I hope to ski is the Birkebeiner. The "Birkie" takes place in Hayward and Cable WI. The whole Birkie is 58 Kilometers!! It takes some people all day to ski that far, while other top skiers finish it in about 3 hours. I have never skied the Birkie, but I have done the "Kortie" which is partly on the same trail, but is only 23k. My dad is about to ski his 20th real, long Birkie. I really want to try and ski my first real Birkie with him on his 20th....we'll see!! It is a life goal, to get 20 Birkies in before I croak.
Anyway, now that I have talked about why I love snow, I will share with you the vlog I ended up checking out. I just watched the Headsoff Vlog. I watched the entry about snow in Portland. Okay, not only did the snow in the video make me wish it was winter, it also made me think about how snow can affect a city. So Portland does not prepare for snow. I learned they don't even have plows!! What?! When it snows in Portland, the girl basically said the city shuts down. They had been out of school and work for a week! It had only snowed about 6 inches. This definitely brought me back to long car and bus rides up to Giants Ridge in snowstorms. My coaches and teammates were crazy. When it started to snow, we got in our cars and found somewhere to go skiiing. We braved the snow. I just think it is funny that I am so comfortable with snow. I don;t see it as a nuisance at all. Snow fall actually puts me in a great mood!!
As far as the logistics of the vlog, I think the audience was intended for people who haven't really ever experienced snow. Although the vlog was fun for me, it didn't surprise me at all. Someone who didn't know how much snow could hold and coup up, might really get a kick out of it. When the girl talked about people cross-country skiing on the roads it immediately brought me back to my childhood when my dad would bundle me up, and we would ski around before the plows came around. The blog really spoke to me. Some video techniques that I noticed included showing snow on trees and the viewer could hear the crisp wind. The video made me a little chilly just thinking about it.
I really liked this blog and felt I could relate to what she was experiencing in some ways. I feel like I could have made a similar vlog in my past. The girl mentions that she feels like the snow is following her. She moved west to get away from the snow. Tell her to move to MN, right?!
BRING ON THE SNOW!! (Nov. isn't too far away, which is ussually the first snowfall)
Check it out here !
Anyway, now that I have talked about why I love snow, I will share with you the vlog I ended up checking out. I just watched the Headsoff Vlog. I watched the entry about snow in Portland. Okay, not only did the snow in the video make me wish it was winter, it also made me think about how snow can affect a city. So Portland does not prepare for snow. I learned they don't even have plows!! What?! When it snows in Portland, the girl basically said the city shuts down. They had been out of school and work for a week! It had only snowed about 6 inches. This definitely brought me back to long car and bus rides up to Giants Ridge in snowstorms. My coaches and teammates were crazy. When it started to snow, we got in our cars and found somewhere to go skiiing. We braved the snow. I just think it is funny that I am so comfortable with snow. I don;t see it as a nuisance at all. Snow fall actually puts me in a great mood!!
As far as the logistics of the vlog, I think the audience was intended for people who haven't really ever experienced snow. Although the vlog was fun for me, it didn't surprise me at all. Someone who didn't know how much snow could hold and coup up, might really get a kick out of it. When the girl talked about people cross-country skiing on the roads it immediately brought me back to my childhood when my dad would bundle me up, and we would ski around before the plows came around. The blog really spoke to me. Some video techniques that I noticed included showing snow on trees and the viewer could hear the crisp wind. The video made me a little chilly just thinking about it.
I really liked this blog and felt I could relate to what she was experiencing in some ways. I feel like I could have made a similar vlog in my past. The girl mentions that she feels like the snow is following her. She moved west to get away from the snow. Tell her to move to MN, right?!
BRING ON THE SNOW!! (Nov. isn't too far away, which is ussually the first snowfall)
Check it out here !
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Hello! My name is Lindsey and I am a member of the English Cohort at the University of Minnesota. I am very excited to begin my teaching journey and I am also looking forward to this class. I hope to learn more about how to use technology in my classroom. I have a feeling this year is going to fly by, so I hope this blog will help me remember all I have learned and experienced :)
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