Although I do love movies, I'll admit I felt this reading assignment was very dry. The first chapter was the hardest for me to get through. This is because so many movies, such as The Innocents, on page 11 were discussed. I have not seen many movies from that time period, so I was lost through a lot of the examples.
Although it is untrue, I did find Alain Resnais' comment comparing a reheated meal to a movie based a book funny (page10). The basis of the first chapter was to compare movies to books and explain how movies can sometimes be better. There was an emphasis on using a book for a movie, but also adding new elements to make a good movie.
Chapter two was like taking linguistics class all over again. The terms signified, signifier, and sign were heavily discussed in movie terms.
I was most interested in the first section of the second chapter. It stated, "How do we learn that when the image of an eye fills the screen, it means we're watching a close-up rather than a giant eyeball? How do we learn that when the screen gradually grows black, a scene has ended? When do we learn that when a row of houses glides across the screen, what is really moving is the camera, not the houses?" (page 16). I found this to be interesting because I always have taken for granted my knowledge of film. This is something that I have learned over time. There are examples later in the book that describe people from Iran who thought a close-in on a bug represented its actual size. Now, wouldn't that be scary?!?
Chapter three went over what is involved in making a film. I found the pages on sound to be the most interesting. It is cool to know that many different sounds are used at one time in the movies in order to give viewers the feel of really being where the actors are (page 31). I also learned about the 4 stages major movies go through::: development, preproduction, production, and postproduction (creative names huh?) on pages 33 to 39.
This week in my Media, Power, and Culture class we learned about the history of filmmaking. Chapter four was a complete review of the quiz I just took on the material. I think there were a lot of interesting things the chapter left out, such as why filmmakers moved to California.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Dr. Pytash (Chapter Six)
This chapter gave me many ideas for handouts and worksheets while teaching a text in class.
One statement that bothered me from the book was when Jago discussed that many new teachers only know about teaching from what they have been shown while they were in school. Well... duh!
I know many things that I believe about teaching now will change when I actually get into a classroom. What does Jago expect? Most new teachers have been in school all of their lives. What other options do we really have to grasp the concepts of teaching?
Luckily, I will have gone through the process of student teaching before entering my own classroom. But, the majority of what I know will still be what I have learned from my previous teachers. Is this bad?
Jago took advantage of her opportunities to be involved with the Writing Project. Here, she learned from elder teachers and passed on the tips she learned. I greatly appreciate getting any sort of teaching tips I can find!
Jago went into depth about her lesson plans for teaching The Odyssey. She said that her plans change every year, but gave her most recent plan for her readers to use and enjoy.
I found many of the things she did to be helpful. Character lists, Venn diagrams, a "What's Important?" page, and the "Odysseus' Open Mind" page would all be very useful for students working with the text.
I would like to be able to provide students with the same types of guides to help keep them focused and able to understand what is going on throughout their reading.
I feel that it is crucial to use group work, which Jago does with her students and has groups put on a presentation for each chapter. She scaffolds her students by teaching the first half of the book, but then backs off to have the students learn the material, use reading strategies, and work with their classmates to uncover the text.
One statement that bothered me from the book was when Jago discussed that many new teachers only know about teaching from what they have been shown while they were in school. Well... duh!
I know many things that I believe about teaching now will change when I actually get into a classroom. What does Jago expect? Most new teachers have been in school all of their lives. What other options do we really have to grasp the concepts of teaching?
Luckily, I will have gone through the process of student teaching before entering my own classroom. But, the majority of what I know will still be what I have learned from my previous teachers. Is this bad?
Jago took advantage of her opportunities to be involved with the Writing Project. Here, she learned from elder teachers and passed on the tips she learned. I greatly appreciate getting any sort of teaching tips I can find!
Jago went into depth about her lesson plans for teaching The Odyssey. She said that her plans change every year, but gave her most recent plan for her readers to use and enjoy.
I found many of the things she did to be helpful. Character lists, Venn diagrams, a "What's Important?" page, and the "Odysseus' Open Mind" page would all be very useful for students working with the text.
I would like to be able to provide students with the same types of guides to help keep them focused and able to understand what is going on throughout their reading.
I feel that it is crucial to use group work, which Jago does with her students and has groups put on a presentation for each chapter. She scaffolds her students by teaching the first half of the book, but then backs off to have the students learn the material, use reading strategies, and work with their classmates to uncover the text.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A Socially Networked Classroom
In chapter 4 Dr. Kist discusses student access to sites such as blogger. Many teachers are trying to get more freedom in the world of censorship for their students. These sites are blocked for obvious reasons. I feel there may be more educational disadvantages for students not being exposed to the "blogosphere" than there are advantages for students not being able to view inappropraite material online.
On page 72 in the chapter, I learned about Technoati. This is a website used for searching specifically through blogs. I checked out the site myself to see how it worked. You can type in any subject and blogs pertaining to that issue will come up. It works just like Google, but it only looks through blogs.
Page 72 also discussed the need for teachers to learn how to blog themselves. It is an exciting world to get into and I am glad I was given the opportunity in this class.
One thing I always wanted to do in a classroom are journals. If something is not personal or private, why not blog about it? I may have my students do both.
One downfall I see to blogging is if students do not have access to a computer at home. If the school is blocking the site, students may not have other access to do their assignment.
On page 72 in the chapter, I learned about Technoati. This is a website used for searching specifically through blogs. I checked out the site myself to see how it worked. You can type in any subject and blogs pertaining to that issue will come up. It works just like Google, but it only looks through blogs.
Page 72 also discussed the need for teachers to learn how to blog themselves. It is an exciting world to get into and I am glad I was given the opportunity in this class.
One thing I always wanted to do in a classroom are journals. If something is not personal or private, why not blog about it? I may have my students do both.
One downfall I see to blogging is if students do not have access to a computer at home. If the school is blocking the site, students may not have other access to do their assignment.
Web gave 'Twilight' fresh blood
This article really made me see what an impact Stephanie Meyers had on her readers. I am a huge fan, but did not know Meyers was so involved with her fans. I knew about her being a "normal mom" and then springing to fame by writing on her own personal computer while her kids were sleeping or at practice.
I think it is really cool that she took an interest in her readers. The article said Meyers would go to her fan's blogs and comment on things they said. How cool!
I also knew about the Twilight Dictionary. I did not know that it broke from being overused. Meyers seems to be very cooperative with her readers and take matters into her own hands when necessary. She set up her own website which I have done some exploring on myself.
I think it is really cool that she took an interest in her readers. The article said Meyers would go to her fan's blogs and comment on things they said. How cool!
I also knew about the Twilight Dictionary. I did not know that it broke from being overused. Meyers seems to be very cooperative with her readers and take matters into her own hands when necessary. She set up her own website which I have done some exploring on myself.
More on Little Brother
Because I am a girl and love chick flicks, I liked the sections of Little Brother that focused on the relationship between Marcus and Ange. I loved that she was so confident and ready. Marcus liked that she was aggressive as well. (I think it made things easier on him because he did not always have to make the first move.) Ange shows her true confidence at the end of chapter 14 on page 230. Marcus tell her that she is smart, but Ange adds in that she is good looking as well. I feel that Ange is a very likable character in the book. Maybe some girls reading will find that confidence is an attractive character trait.
Another thing that I really liked about the book was Marus' attitude. He was always up for the challenge. In the beginning of the novel, he was ready to sneak out of school. Cameras were all around and were analyzing the way student's walked. Marcus discussed his tactics to avoid getting in trouble in chapter one on page 18. He puts gravel inside his one shoe to throw off the cameras. Smart kid!
I feel it is good for students to know that the language in this book can be a bit confusing at times. Students should be encouraged to try and get through it rather than stop reading. Even I did not understand some parts with the "techy words." It is not essential to understand every sentence to still enjoy this novel. For example, on page 278 there is a lot of jargon used. Cory Doctorow even announced that he understood this was a common issue with the book.
Another thing that I really liked about the book was Marus' attitude. He was always up for the challenge. In the beginning of the novel, he was ready to sneak out of school. Cameras were all around and were analyzing the way student's walked. Marcus discussed his tactics to avoid getting in trouble in chapter one on page 18. He puts gravel inside his one shoe to throw off the cameras. Smart kid!
I feel it is good for students to know that the language in this book can be a bit confusing at times. Students should be encouraged to try and get through it rather than stop reading. Even I did not understand some parts with the "techy words." It is not essential to understand every sentence to still enjoy this novel. For example, on page 278 there is a lot of jargon used. Cory Doctorow even announced that he understood this was a common issue with the book.
Dr. Kist's Activities
It is very important for me to learn about all the different ways I can make my classroom a community. I feel this is one of the most essential aspects of a high school English classroom.
The activities we have done in class are some that allow students to work together, which in return, can foster relationships among them and build the community I hope for in my future classroom.
My favorite activity was when all students had to try and count to 20...
The activities we have done in class are some that allow students to work together, which in return, can foster relationships among them and build the community I hope for in my future classroom.
My favorite activity was when all students had to try and count to 20...
- Students must collectively count to 20, but only one person may say each number.
- No pattern is allowed.
- Random numbers should be spouted off by students standing in a circle.
- If the same number is called more than once, the whole class starts over again.
This activity has many benefits. It provides laughter in the classroom. What kind of classroom do you have without any laughter? Obviously, not a very fun one. It also makes teamwork necessary. It is fun to watch students depend on one another to try and get a common goal accomplished.
Multigenre Literacy Autobiographies
What is the point in having students present multigenre literacy autobiographies?
In my opinion, there are many different reasons. First off, I think it is something educational for students to reflect on, but also have fun with. There were many laughs during the presentations in class.
It lets students focus on what they have achieved, what books they have read, and what has been important to them over the years.
I believe it is crucial for teachers to get to know each student personally. This is another way for him or her to do so. It bring out the personality in students.
And... it also lets students connect with one another. Some may have enjoyed reading the same book or loved the same children's television series. There are many reasons bonds and the class community can be strengthened though the process of these presentations.
I was able to gain something for the experience I was not expecting. I learned about some of the students I am in class with. "They are different from me because.... ( I am able to fill in the blank) and we are similar because...." This helped me appreciate the diversity in my classroom.
Family influence was a major factor in the presentations as well. It is important to understand why that is. Much of what a person is exposed to is a direct effect of family values, concerns, and religious beliefs.
It is also important for students to be able to reflect on how the media they have previously viewed has changed them. Books such as Native Son, Ishmael, and A Long Way Gone have greatly impacted my life. I cherish the news ways of thinking I endured by reading and using the text in comparison with my own life.
In the future, I do plan to use this activity in my classroom. I feel it is important in an English class, where many different viewpoints are being discussed on a daily basis because it allows students to understand where one another are coming from. The following questions can be answered after the presentations.
In my opinion, there are many different reasons. First off, I think it is something educational for students to reflect on, but also have fun with. There were many laughs during the presentations in class.
It lets students focus on what they have achieved, what books they have read, and what has been important to them over the years.
I believe it is crucial for teachers to get to know each student personally. This is another way for him or her to do so. It bring out the personality in students.
And... it also lets students connect with one another. Some may have enjoyed reading the same book or loved the same children's television series. There are many reasons bonds and the class community can be strengthened though the process of these presentations.
I was able to gain something for the experience I was not expecting. I learned about some of the students I am in class with. "They are different from me because.... ( I am able to fill in the blank) and we are similar because...." This helped me appreciate the diversity in my classroom.
Family influence was a major factor in the presentations as well. It is important to understand why that is. Much of what a person is exposed to is a direct effect of family values, concerns, and religious beliefs.
It is also important for students to be able to reflect on how the media they have previously viewed has changed them. Books such as Native Son, Ishmael, and A Long Way Gone have greatly impacted my life. I cherish the news ways of thinking I endured by reading and using the text in comparison with my own life.
In the future, I do plan to use this activity in my classroom. I feel it is important in an English class, where many different viewpoints are being discussed on a daily basis because it allows students to understand where one another are coming from. The following questions can be answered after the presentations.
- What types of media have students been exposed to?
- How do the students feel about the media they have grown up with?
- Why is someone's views they way they are? What are they shaped by?
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Socially Networked Classroom (Chapter 2)
One of the first sentences in chapter two states, "And some teachers work in schools that have lots of technology but choose not to use that technology, whether because they are too busy to learn something new or are just fearful."
In my opinion, there is a lot wrong with this true statement. IT IS A TEACHER'S JOB to help their students grow and learn. There is no excuse for teachers not "having enough time" to learn how to use computers and blogs. I do not think teachers are expected to be tech-geniuses, but they should always know the basics in order to help their students succeed.
I know many older teachers who did not want to bother with technology. Many professors at the college level claim they do not know how to use Vista/Blackboard. Is there really an excuse for this? (Come on, at a university?)
I feel very strongly about teachers needing to do everything in their power to engage their students. Paper and pencil just won't do it anymore. Throw away the "busy work" worksheets and allow students to learn and practice using technology.
Before taking Multi-Modal Literacies, I had never blogged before. Thanks to Dr. Kist I am now better prepared to become a teacher. I realize the importance of technology in every classroom (especially English--which I will be teaching.)
In my opinion, there is a lot wrong with this true statement. IT IS A TEACHER'S JOB to help their students grow and learn. There is no excuse for teachers not "having enough time" to learn how to use computers and blogs. I do not think teachers are expected to be tech-geniuses, but they should always know the basics in order to help their students succeed.
I know many older teachers who did not want to bother with technology. Many professors at the college level claim they do not know how to use Vista/Blackboard. Is there really an excuse for this? (Come on, at a university?)
I feel very strongly about teachers needing to do everything in their power to engage their students. Paper and pencil just won't do it anymore. Throw away the "busy work" worksheets and allow students to learn and practice using technology.
Before taking Multi-Modal Literacies, I had never blogged before. Thanks to Dr. Kist I am now better prepared to become a teacher. I realize the importance of technology in every classroom (especially English--which I will be teaching.)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Dr. Pytash (Chapter Three)
This chapter reminded me of all the work teachers need to do just in order to prepare for one book. Teachers are always going to have homework.
I was very surprised at the amount of books Carol Jago made her tenth grade classroom read. It seems like they would not have much time for other homework or even a social life. 20 books a year for a tenth grade class is more than anything I have ever heard of. It will definitely benefit the students who are in her class. I wish I was required to read more of the cannon in high school. Some of the books the students read I have never heard of before.
I am not sure if the work load for Jago's class is too much or not. I do not think students would be very happy with a teacher if they had to do such a large amount of work. Although it is beneficial, I feel the amount of books to be read in 180 days is a bit excessive. 180/20 =9... Therefore, if students read only during the days they have school, each book would need to be completed in nine days. I do not think is enough time to cover each book fully.
This chapter also went in depth about Frankenstein. I loved reading about all the different points Jago brings up. She discusses why she teaches the book and says that you should make sure you know the reasons why you are teaching a book. The chapter ends by Jago addressing teachers to teach novels which make their students think.
I was very surprised at the amount of books Carol Jago made her tenth grade classroom read. It seems like they would not have much time for other homework or even a social life. 20 books a year for a tenth grade class is more than anything I have ever heard of. It will definitely benefit the students who are in her class. I wish I was required to read more of the cannon in high school. Some of the books the students read I have never heard of before.
I am not sure if the work load for Jago's class is too much or not. I do not think students would be very happy with a teacher if they had to do such a large amount of work. Although it is beneficial, I feel the amount of books to be read in 180 days is a bit excessive. 180/20 =9... Therefore, if students read only during the days they have school, each book would need to be completed in nine days. I do not think is enough time to cover each book fully.
This chapter also went in depth about Frankenstein. I loved reading about all the different points Jago brings up. She discusses why she teaches the book and says that you should make sure you know the reasons why you are teaching a book. The chapter ends by Jago addressing teachers to teach novels which make their students think.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Little Brother
I am very upset because Severe Haircut Lady (Carrie Johnstone) should have went to jail. Nope!! She was sent to Iraq and her charges were dropped.
I also would like to know if Marcus is ever going to tell Ange he cheated on her with Van. I do not think it would have been such a happy ending if Ange knew about their "steamy, wet" kiss.
I loved the story in Little Brother. I think this would be a fun book for students to read, but I do not think I would teach this book in my classroom. I feel the material is inappropriate for the classroom atmosphere. I may, however, recommend the book to students for pleasure reading.
I also would like to know if Marcus is ever going to tell Ange he cheated on her with Van. I do not think it would have been such a happy ending if Ange knew about their "steamy, wet" kiss.
I loved the story in Little Brother. I think this would be a fun book for students to read, but I do not think I would teach this book in my classroom. I feel the material is inappropriate for the classroom atmosphere. I may, however, recommend the book to students for pleasure reading.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Dr. Pytash (Chapter One)
I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed reading this book. It helped me to understand more of the conversation we had with Professor Ford in her lesson. The discussion was about why teachers should teach the books in the cannon. Jago points out that it is important for students to do reading on their own. Pleasure reading is something that should be strongly encouraged. But, it should not be the only thing students get their hands on. Jago talked about the importance students gain from literature as opposed to books read for pleasure. She also talked about how these books can bring students into other time periods, cultures, and worlds.
I was alarmed and sad when I read the statistics about students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. It is hard for me to read about this because these students do not have the same opportunities as others. By the age of three, children had much larger vocabularies when they were living with parents not on welfare. Children who are three cannot help what they know and do not know. It is like they are being set up to fail...
This is where awesome teachers come in. This is why the achievement gap is bogus! It is simply not fair to these students. Teachers who step it up and challenge students who come from tougher backgrounds are going to help them succeed. It will be a struggle, but totally worth it. The text talked about how students in lower or regular level classes were not tackling the same type of work as the honors students. Why not? Because it is too hard? I don't think so. The regular classes should be the ones trying harder, pushing to get ahead. Reading tougher material and finding out what a "harder to read" book has to offer is what a "regular" English class should be all about.
I really like this text and plan on keeping it for the rest of my life. =)
I was alarmed and sad when I read the statistics about students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. It is hard for me to read about this because these students do not have the same opportunities as others. By the age of three, children had much larger vocabularies when they were living with parents not on welfare. Children who are three cannot help what they know and do not know. It is like they are being set up to fail...
This is where awesome teachers come in. This is why the achievement gap is bogus! It is simply not fair to these students. Teachers who step it up and challenge students who come from tougher backgrounds are going to help them succeed. It will be a struggle, but totally worth it. The text talked about how students in lower or regular level classes were not tackling the same type of work as the honors students. Why not? Because it is too hard? I don't think so. The regular classes should be the ones trying harder, pushing to get ahead. Reading tougher material and finding out what a "harder to read" book has to offer is what a "regular" English class should be all about.
I really like this text and plan on keeping it for the rest of my life. =)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
An Oral History of the Internet
I just finished reading "An Oral History of the Internet." I learned a lot that I never knew before. I found I could relate this article to the book Little Brother we are reading for Multi-Modal class. I suggested during class this was a book boys could really get into. In the online article, Steward Brand suggested the engineers working on email and other things were all male. The article itself, only had one female's picture and audio clip. It had multiple pictures of men. I feel technology has a stereotype of being mianly associated with males. Another comparison I made between the book and the article was there was a lot of "techy" language I did not really understand. It would have been easier to comprehend if some of the terms were explained in greater detail.
I was surprised to learn AT&T did not think "packet switching" would work and wanted nothing to do with the early learning process. Boy, did they miss out!
I was surprised to learn AT&T did not think "packet switching" would work and wanted nothing to do with the early learning process. Boy, did they miss out!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Taylor Swift
Watching the Grammy's last night with my roommate was exciting. I was very intersted in the performances. They seem to be getting stranger and stranger each year. Pink was in the air and soaked with water. There were also dancing robots in the "I Gotta Feeling" perfromance by the Black Eyed Peas. The performance I enjoyed the most was Taylor Swift and Stevie Nick's. It was awesome. This is because Taylor Swift is my favorite singer in the entire world. Here is a video of the performance.
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