Wk4 Show Me What You've Learned Project

Social Media or Spy Tool

It is no secret that the rich and famous or infamous of the world have adopted Twitter as their "we're real people too" mini-megaphone. We sit is anticipation waiting with baited breath for each new nugget of information that makes us feel closer to the pedestal dwellers. I am privileged to have the opportunity to hear what each of my followees are planning, doing or have done. Oh, the excitement.

However...this is their decision- on their terms.

If you have never heard of the mega-priced NY hot spot Michael's (home of the $35 cheeseburger), it is nothing if not a hub for people watching. The media-heavy clientele is now everyone's business as Michael's has begun tweeting who is in the restaurant.

Learn more here.

Is this what the creators of Twitter had in mind?

Somehow it seems just a little more dirty when it is not personal choice.

What do you think?

Lunch exposure at Michael's. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/lunch_exposure_GVBPJAltQIwWhviv29ZGpJ

Dear Future Joann...

A few blogs back, the one titled: Week 3 Reading- The Art of Possibility Chs 1-3, I joked about writing a letter to my future self. I was a bit skeptical about the teachings in the book and being a bit sarcastic (I know, hard to believe). My opinion was that the technique was interesting, but I was being glib when applied to myself.

Now I may have to eat my words, so to speak.

I applied for a job last week. Not the first since my unfortunate bout with unemployment, but the first that

a. seemed like a legitimate job

and

b. was completely based on my skills obtained through Full Sail.

Considering my recent lack of confidence in myself. this was a huge step for me.

Then came the phone call..you know the one...the one to set up the interview.

Exciting...

Then came the actual interview- it seemed to go well, I guess we shall see...

I should know by the end of next week.

Eek!

Week 4 Comments

Wk 4 Where the Wild Things Are

October 23, 2009 by jan707

I have loved this book since the moment I bought it for my seven-year-old son back in 1988. That’s right—1988. Back then the paperback version cost $4.95; the sticker is still on it. (It is $8.95 now.) I bought the book because Max and my son were one and the same—little wild things. And now my son has a little wild thing of his own. It is time to introduce my grandson Maddox to this book. How appropriate that Maddox’s cousin on his mother’s side calls him “Mad Max” because he cannot say “Maddox.”

After forty-nine years (original copyright date for the book is 1963) Warner Brothers has released a movie version of Maurice Sendak’s Caldecott Medal winning book. From all that I have read (and much of that via the movie’s Facebook page), the movie is phenomenal. I think a family movie date is in the near future. I want to see the reactions of both of my own wild things. And yes, Mad Max is lapping up water from his DogDog’s dish.

Posted in EDM 613 Week 4 | No Comments Yet

1. on October 25, 2009 at 1:38 am | ReplyJoann Stegner

   Your comment is awaiting moderation.
   

   I, too, loved this book from the first moment I read it. In my children’s literature class, I chose maurice Sendak as my author study subject.
   I think it is always interesting when a book is made into a movie, especially a children’s book. I took my son on opening day (he is 6 and also very Max-like). I LOVED it- he thought it was just ok, which surprised me. He said he likes the book better. He thought Max was too mean. I have to agree- I thought the fact that he was rewarded for his bad behavior with a giant slab of chocolate cake was aggravating. There was one seen- the one when Carol flipped out- that was way to violent for my taste, especially when you consider that this was all taking place in Max’s imagination.
   Overall, I truly enjoyed it, it remained true to the book while adding the required amount of Hollywoodishness.

   Source:

   Blog Title: Jan707's Blog: http://jan707.wordpress.com/

   Wk 4 Where the Wild Things Are. Nichols, J. http://jan707.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/wk-4-where-the-wild-things-are/#comment-59 Retrieved October 24, 2009.

week 4 Reading: The Art of Possibility- CHs 10-12

Be the board- the board on which the whole game is being played. I feel a bit unnerved by this.

Move the problems of the outside world inside yourself. Now I feel annoyed.

By doing this, you can change the world. Now I am incredulous.

I am having a difficult time with this concept. Currently, I feel very trapped by circumstances. I am not sure how to undo this feeling.

As I read on, my annoyance is wavering. I understand the assertion that we are responsible for our own way- the bad vacation, the ruined dinner- all can be changed depending on how we choose to look at the situation and act on it.

I know that I need to be the framework for the things that happen in my life- I have not done a very good job of this. I am guilty of letting things happen to me and then complaining about outcome. I have to take a more active role in my own life. The analogy of the boss not listening to employee is all too real for me. It is so easy to get caught up in feeling sorry for oneself and accepting that you are not being listened to.

So how do we open ourselves up to possibility anyway?

The story about the teacher shaving her head brought tears to my eyes. However, I must admit I am at a bit of a loss. The problem was the girl's and the solution came from the outer world. The girl did not make that happen, the teacher did. Am I misreading this example or I am confusing the practice?

Vision- that I have- what I need to do is cultivate the tools to make it happen.

The WE story- or the concept that any two people are connected by invisible threads- made me think of the butte

rfly effect. The idea that there is a sensitive dependence that connects the world. Can a butterfly's flap of a wing lead to a catastrophe across the globe? I'm not sure. I do know that something that happens to a person can effect their mood and demeanor and how they interact with the next person who's path they cross.

Overall, this book made me take a look at myself that I did not like. I need to reread the book and really put into practice the suggestions the Zanders have shared. This was either the best, or worst time for me to have read this book- which remains to be seen.

Photo provided by Wikimedia Commons.

Cross, M. (2009). The butterfly effect. Retrieved from http://www.crossgroup.caltech.edu/chaos_new/Lorenz.html

Zander, R. S. & Zander, B. (2000). The art of possibility. New York: Penguin Books.

Week 4 Reading: The Art of Possibility- CHs 7-9

I found Chapter 7 very interesting, because I always find myself battling between two pieces of advice:

1. That's just the way it is and you have to make the best of it.

and

2. If you don't like it, do something about it.

The problem has always been- which do I listen to?

Enter the "distinctions".

This is where I always falter and this is what inevitably clouds my outlook and paralyzes me from action.

Assumptions

Feelings

Facts

Distinguishing between the three has always been a problem for me. My assumptions and feelings always cloud the facts. I have tried to nip this in the bud, but I don't seem to do a very good job of it.

I definitely have a problem with "shoulds". I tend to be fairly idealistic about how the world should be and how people within the world should treat each other and I almost always end up disappointed in the actual outcome. When will I learn?

I don't like this chapter- it is a bit to real for me. I am adult enough to realize that this is a chapter I will have to go back and reread and I think i will leave it at that.

Passion?

Can someone please remind me what that is again?

I used to know, but it is buried under exhaustion, day to day activities and frustration.

As I read about the vital expressive energy flowing everywhere, I am reminded about when I lived in Sedona, AZ. As you may be aware through recent news stories, Sedona is a very spiritual place. The people there tend to be more tuned in to the earth and themselves. I can remember hiking up to Bell Rock and lying on the warm red rocks and feeling the earth vibrating under me- it was rejuvenating. Of course, this was before the days of children, divorces, mortgages, bills, unemployment, and general problems. The problems that existed to my former self were able to be fixed by lying on a rock. Oh how I long for those days.

Enrollment- also known as a practice I can really get behind. I really relish the idea of lighting a spark- not only for myself, but for others to share. This is what I want to do! Of course, this means coming to terms with my broken relationship with passion. How do you mend a relationship with a feeling you haven't felt in so long?

The "no" as dreaded dampener to fire, to spark, to passion...that is where I am more comfortable. I am not comfortable receiving a "no:, but by not trying so I will not receive that "no". I had once heard this quote by an unknown author, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" I need to embrace the spirit of that quote and the advice of the Zanders. I have ideas that I am very excited about, but fear of failure holds me back.

Boo. I suck.

Zander, R. S. & Zander, B. (2000). The art of possibility. New York: Penguin Books.

Week 3 Reading: The Art of Possibility- CHs 4-6

Ouch!

Being a Contribution.

That is an interesting concept. The chapter title alone has me riffling through the catalogue in my mind of my life- have I been a contribution?

Occasionally, probably more often than I would like to admit, I am a stranded starfish. I wait, somewhat impatiently, on the beach for the woman to come along and toss me back into the ocean- to save me. At times, I have even been the man filled with mockery asking others "why would you bother to do that- it is silly, useless, stupid, etc.?" I know that I need to be the woman on the beach- set my mind to what I want to accomplish, no matter how small, and not let anyone or anything stand in my way. The question is: how can I transform my thinking from that of the starfish to that of the woman on the beach?

According to Zander, it is as easy as declaring yourself to be so and making it happen with purpose and conviction. Could she be right? Could it be that simple? Perhaps. Although, it now dawns on me that there are steps to follow- much like any self-help program. I cannot dare to declare myself a contribution without first being more positive and then envisioning my future self. Could there me something to this after all?

I really need to adhere to Rule Number Six and remember that there are no other rules. I am quite sure that on some level that that is the secret to limiting stress. Perhaps if I did not take myself so seriously, I would alleviate many issues and problems that I now view as hugely insurmountable. My calculating self is destroying me slowly. Unfortunately, it is a constant reminder of my failures, so much so, that I cannot even glimpse the positive. Whenever I attempt something new, it reminds me of the past failures and then my fear of failure overwhelms me and I get to the point where I don't even want to try anything new for fear of failing at it. If I don't try, I can't fail. Why can't my central self have that much impact on me and my thinking?

Could it really be as easy as following Rule Number 6?

Zander, R. S. & Zander, B. (2000). The art of possibility. New York: Penguin Books.

Week 3 Reading: The Art of Possibility- CHs 1-3

This book evoked strong feelings from me before I even started reading the chapters. It began on page ix in An Invitation to Possibility. I rolled my eyes and sighed. The notion of "a perfect day" is as real to me these days as the tooth fairy or boogie man. I have spent so much time focusing on the negative that I have conditioned myself to believe that the glass is now and always will be half empty.

Still, I persevered...

I then read "Launching the Journey". Huh, a self-help book, oh joy! So not only will this book "fix me", it will teach me to be a carpenter- able to design new and beautiful frames in which to view my life. Now we're talking!

I appreciate the way this book is set up. I like the way the authors lay out their theory and follow it up with a practice. What a smack in the face the "It's all invented" practice was- I am guilty of making assumptions for many situations and these are constantly forming my thoughts. Argh! I am feeling a bit challenged to invent new possibilities to my current issues. What else might the Zanders have in store for me?

I would like to relocate to the universe of possibility- could someone send me the address? I wish I could shake off the notion that measurement is important. I am always worried about being the best- not doing MY best- doing THE best. I do not like it when people see the flaws in my armor. It is a stressful struggle right now to keep up the appearance that everything is fine (never mind 'perfect'). This book is making me sad.

I can imagine the blow to a student who felt they did A work and received a C. That would make me insane. The thought of it alone is already driving me a little batty. Measuring someone's performance gives you a tremendous amount of power over them. It is somewhat unfortunate that we have such an assessment driven educational system- right down to the schools themselves being graded and punished or rewarded accordingly. I loved Zander's letter-writing technique. I think I may try it with my life-

Dear future Joann, I got the job because...

but I might just start with

Dear future Joann, I had a great day today because...

The "Giving an A" experiment reminded me of the movie Dangerous Minds. The teachers gives everyone an A, then tells them they have to keep it. When they question her, she states that keeping an A is more difficult than getting an A. I guess I had never really understood this concept. It was very enlightening to read about it. I like the idea of shaping ourselves into the future person we hope to be. I would like to do that- decide who I would like to be and reinvent myself into that person.

Zander, R. S. & Zander, B. (2000). The art of possibility. New York: Penguin Books.

Week 3 Comments

Week 3--Blog 1--Using Wordle

I attended a workshop on Thursday and found out about a great new resource for use in my classroom. That resource is Wordle.http://www.wordle.net

This is a phenomenal way to introduce a unit or lesson or even a fun way to review for an upcoming test. I am very excited about getting to create word clouds for my classroom. I can't even imagine how excited my students are going to be!

I used my blog as the text for my first word cloud and below is the cloud I made.

*This image is compliments of www.wordle.net.

Social Media Fans

If you are a fan of social media or simply intrigued by its ever-changing face and scope, check out The Social Robot on Facebook. I have found this resource very useful. It has opened my eyes to possibilities in social media that I had not previously considered. A huge plus, in my opinion, is that it posts conservatively- you will not have a constant stream of inane goings-on and boring chit-chat. Thus far, I have found the topics to be relevant and interesting and perfect for someone like me who likes their news in small bursts. I especially enjoyed the advice on creating successful social media campaigns and the post about how social media made the film Paranormal Activity a huge success.

Check it out- you won't be disappointed.

If you would like to bake an apple pie from scratch, first you must invent the universe.

If the concept of Carl Sagan as a techno funk hipster leaves you scratching your head, just watch the above video for 'A Glorious Dawn'.

I am constantly finding myself amazed at how existing content is transformed into new and wonderful (sometimes) forms of media. I am not sure if I was entranced or horrified at the Stephen Hawking cameo- that you must judge for yourself.

Wk3 Ron Smith Interview Interactive Q&As

1. Ron Smith is the lead teacher at _______________________________________ in ___________________________.

2. What type of education does Hollywood High School focus on?

3. What are students using to express themselves creatively?

4. Why does Ron Smith say his classroom is “like a laboratory”?

5. Why does Ron Smith say “teachers are part of the problem”?

6. What does Ron Smith mean by: digital teaching is all front-loaded?

7. What technologies are students excited about?

8. What company created Sketch Up?

9. What resources work with Sketch Up?

10. How does Ron Smith respond when a student asks “How do I do that?”

11. What does Ron Smith see as the trends in education?

Answers

A1. Hollywood High School / Hollywood, CA

A2. Careers in the entertainment industry or media related businesses

A3. Animation / Flash Animation

A4. He tries new technology as soon as he hears about it and tests it on the students.

A5. Teachers are happy to simply use PowerPoint.

A6. There is a lot of work in the beginning.

A7. Scratch, Sketch Up, Blender

A8. Google

A9. Google Maps, images

A10. “I don’t know. You figure it out.”

A11. Curriculum design

YouTube video: Ron Smith interview, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0e3YlOFPcQ retrieved October 15, 2009

Copyright and Photoshop and Lawsuits, oh my!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

This video is a continuation of the subject that I brought up in Wimba the other night: the Ralph Lauren/Boing Boing battle. This is a segment of the Rachel Maddow show and her interview with the Boing Boing! blogger who was under legal attack after posting the, now infamous, comment "Dude, her head is bigger than her pelvis."

Wanna get around Fair Use in your blog? Host your blog in Canada!

Apparently, Canada is not as afraid of the big bad wolf as American is. The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) , or big bad wolf in this case, often intimidates American hosted blogs when questionable or controversial content is present. Most sites will immediately remove the material, no questions asked.

I have become overly obsessed with this story.

On one hand, as an American woman, I am deeply offended by the Ralph Lauren ad. It is disgusting, offensive and perverse- not only because the woman is so super skinny, but also because someone in a Photoshop lab thought that we, as consumers, would fall for that. IT IS NOT HUMANLY POSSIBLE TO BE THAT SKINNY!!! Um, anyone who attended a week of high school should be able to see that.

Another reason for my obsession is the ridiculous reaction of Ralph Lauren- "Oh you don't like our ad- we are going to sue you." Seriously? Boing Boing was well within the boundaries of classic fair use. If we cannot share our distaste for magazine ads, what's next?

I think rich people should be fined large amounts of money for publicly exhibiting stupidity.

I would boycott Ralph Lauren's clothes- if I could afford them in the first place!

MSNBC Video: Photoshop of Horrors, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/vp/33250063 retrieved October 9, 2009.

Week 2 Comments

Thesis Woes (Wk 2 Blog) October 6, 2009

Posted by jlhawkinson in MAC Wk 2, Thesis.
Tags: MAC Wk 2, Thesis
trackback

Well we are in week 2 of the Media Asset Creation class. So, how many of us have actually being working on the thesis rough draft? I can honestly say that I haven’t and that scares me to death. I am not sure I know exactly where to begin.

With a rough draft we are basically writing the thesis and just getting to turn it in for review and to receive suggestions, right? Does that mean our rough draft needs to be 25 pages or more? Did I miss that in the Thesis Wimba the last week? I have printed out all the resources from the Thesis website and I am still not sure how to compile all of my data. My thesis will be in non-empirical form since I wasn’t able to get the tools I needed set up in my classroom on time.

Maybe it is one of those times when I just need to get the title page done and the creative juices start to flow. Maybe? I don’t plan on waiting until the last week and suddenly I am up until 3 am trying to write the rough draft. I did that during the Research Paper Proposal month and was completely exhausted. Now that school is in session and the million other things going on in my life, I can’t afford to be more exhausted that I already am.

So if any of you have any suggestions, please throw them my way. For those of you who may have information you can forward to me, my thesis statement is:

Today’s students are bombarded with media constantly and know how to use it to communicate, gather information, and learn new things. As educators, we are expected to educate these students and keep them engaged with nothing more than a blackboard and chalk. With high school students spending more and more time on social networking sites such as Ning and Facebook, utilizing those same tools in the high school classroom could encourage students to actively engage in the daily classroom discussion and assist students in staying current with daily work.

---

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• No Title
• A 40 Question Meme
• Meme….Tagged tagged…
• Is Cheating the New Studying?

Sources:Blog Name: Technology and Business Today and Tomorrow: http://jlhawkinson.wordpress.com/2009/10/06/thesis-woes/#comment-59
Thesis Woes (Wk 2 Blog). Hawkinson, Jeanette. http://jlhawkinson.wordpress.com/2009/10/06/thesis-woes/#comment-59 retrieved October 11, 2009.

week 2 Reading, Chapter 6, Photoshop for Democracy

I cannot stand discussing politics. It is one of the topics I try so desperately to steer clear from in social (read: any) situations. I became very versed in the art of the side-step as we discussed the election in my classroom last year.

I can, however, discuss how new media has created challenges for the candidates that previously did not exist.

According to the movie The American President (1995), "if there had been a TV in every house 60 years ago, this country does not elect a man in a wheelchair". Perhaps that's true, but he is considered one of the greatest presidents in American history. Now would be a time for me to get on my soapbox about the quality of our leaders in the latter years, but I digress...

I got a kick out of the JibJab video and I kept thinking about the quote about truth in jest. It must be very difficult to be in the public eye when so many people have the power to manipulate your words and your image. Also, 7,000,000 cigar jokes later, we are still reminded of Clinton's transgression, because we are not allowed to forget. That's what new media does- it creates a permanent catalog of every move of every public person's life and allows anyone to "flip-through" this catalog and borrow any image or situation and use it as they wish and blog it, post it, print it, spoof it or report it.

It has become very difficult, as a political consumer, to decipher the truth. Often, the winner is the one who is the most entertaining. For example, consider the audience pool of the Daily show with Jon Stewart. I think it would be difficult to point to this show as unbiased, yet it is a top source of political information. Also, Stewart went on Crossfire and accused the hosts of corrupting the political process (pg. 236). Amazingly, while the Daily Show specifically makes a point of saying that it is not an objective news source, it has become a force to be reckoned with for political information.

In a country where more people vote for American Idol than the president there are two things to remember: 1. be more entertaining and 2. be careful what you do because someone is always watching.

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

Totally have to laugh...

as I watch Kim on The Real Housewives of Atlanta (ok, yes, I am admitting that I am watching this) say to Kandi- "You know, you just have to keep the world out of your business."

Really?

Week 2 Reading, Chapter 5, Why Heather Can Write

Week 2 Reading, Chapter 4, Quentin Tarantino's Star Wars?

The first thing that popped into my head as I was reading this chapter is that people have been doing this for so long, but until recently, they did not necessarily have an outlet for it. I know that when I was younger, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth and there was no such thing as YouTube, my friends and I would borrows someone's Dad's video camera and we would do all sorts of spoofs, songs and movie scenes. Of course we would just watch them ourselves later and laugh- there was no mass distribution and we were certainly not in danger of affecting the reputation of the original works.

Star Wars is an amazing phenomenon. Every aspect of media is covered, thus creating a huge fan base- it has comics, movies, novels, toys (ahem, I mean action figures)- there is something for everyone. The Empire Strikes Back was the first movie my father took me to see in the movie theater. My son, who is six, is currently obsessed with all things Star Wars. My father loves to share his love for Star Wars with his grandson- they can play for hours with action figures and ships. What is my point? I can understand why fans achieve the point of adoration that dictates that they must create a tribute to this series. While it is possible to find someone who does not care for the Star Wars saga (gasp), it is extremely difficult to find someone who has not heard of it. In fact, I just watched an episode of How I Met Your Mother where the main character loved Star Wars so much that he made his fiancée, who had never seen it, watch it before he could marry her.

As Jenkins asks, "where do we go from here?" In my opinion, it is only a matter of time before mass media companies are over-thrown, so to speak, by consumer generated material. Often times, fan driven content is more creative than the mass produced content. Just as reality (or suspended reality) TV is giving sitcoms a run for their money, so might fan generated material. Or perhaps it is just wishful thinking...

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

Thoughts?

I would like to know your thoughts on allowing former students to be friends on Facebook. I have a number of former students- 6th grade and up, who keep requesting me as friends of FB. By the way, I am no longer teaching.

I have a personal account and a Full Sail account. I don't want to hurt their feelings and they are sweet kids, but I don't want to have to censor myself, nor do I want them following me around town.

Options?

Thoughts?

What do you think?

Should I ignore them?

Should I direct them to my Full Sail account?

Should I quit worrying so much?

:)

Show Me What You Know Project

Wk 1 Comments

Friday, October 2, 2009
Week 1 Blog 1 - Revisiting my Thesis


I have changed schools in the last year and this has made me less excited about my original thesis topic. I am worried that my lack of enthusiasm will make this month's thesis draft grueling. I am hoping that this post will help me get excited again about the topic. So my topic is Podcasting and Vodcasting in Science Classrooms. I have written the following thesis statement:

The problem of students not understanding homework can be fixed by reversing the traditionally accepted notion of homework. If the teacher podcasted or vodcasted the classroom material the student could view the material before class and be prepared to practice the material in the classroom with the teacher.

I decided that this was a good topic after I went to a conference where another chemistry teacher presented this concept. I saw how this was working in his classroom and I thought that my classroom could be changed for the better by utilizing my podcasting and vodcasting skills. Since I have changed schools I don't teach chemistry any longer and I don't quite know how it would jive with my current school's philosophy of education. I think weekly recap podcasts would go over extremely well, but course casting most of my classroom content may not.

My other thought is that there are already podcasts about each chapter in my AP Biology book. Am I reinventing the wheel if these casts have already been created? Any encouragement, support, or resources are greatly appreciated.

Picture Credits - KHirt 2009
Posted by Hirt at 7:55 PM
1 COMMENTS:
Joann@FullSail said...
Maybe it is not the idea of reinventing the wheel, but making the wheel better. I understand the frustration of seeing your idea already out there, however, I can tell you, there were no podcasts about anything in my 5th grade science book. Maybe it is about training wheels- appeal to a younger audience. I think sometimes technological advances are concentrated on high schools and middle and elementary schools get overlooked.
Think about how beneficial a podcast would be for a science chapter for a struggling reader- perhaps it would make homework easier if they could hear the instructions, rather than read them.
My fifth graders often struggled with the text- it sometimes went over their heads and only after careful explanation did they understand what I was looking for. In the classroom, they had the benefit of my presence- for homework- not so much.

I think your topic is great! I definitely get the lack of passion making it a more tedious task. Good luck!

October 4, 2009 1:43 PM

Sources:

Blog Name: The Hirt Connection

Link: http://khirt.blogspot.com/

Week 1 Blog 1 - Revisiting my Thesis. Hirt, Katie. http://khirt.blogspot.com/ retrieved October 4, 2009.

Week 1 Reading, Chapter 2, Buying into American Idol

Week 1 Reading, Chapter 1, Spoiling Survivor

Hi, My name is Joann and I am a recovering Survivor addict.

Ok, not so much recovering as "grew bored with it and stopped watching", but there was a time that everyone who knew me knew not to call between 8 & 9 on Thursday night. I would discuss it at length at the water-cooler, so to speak, with my coworkers. We would debate endlessly about who should be voted off, who was voted off and the behavior of the players- Thursday and Friday were pretty unproductive.

I understand the difference of opinion in ChillOne's status as hero or villian. The fun is in the speculation- spoiling is never really about "winning the game". It is more about using your powers of deductive reasoning and getting it right. Of course some people correctly guessed who was going to be voted off the island and they strutted around the office triumphantly, but they did it without inside information.

I remember in the mid-nineties when Mr. Burns was shot on the Simpsons. Who did it? It was a very big deal amongst my friends- everyone had their theories and ideas. It was the big night (I lived in AZ at the time) and we were at rehearsal waiting to go home to watch. The assistant director's cell phone rings and with that fateful call- the game was over. He hung up and loudly announced the killer. On the phone was his friend from the east coast who had just watched the episode. No one was happy or excited- in fact- I think he had to bid a hasty retreat to his car. He ruined everyone's fun! It was never about knowing before the show aired- it was about figuring it out. (By the way, none of us had guessed Maggie.)

This text is a very interesting read. Not only do I find its information useful and fascinating, it keeps bringing up all these memories from my past. I have anecdotal evidence to support much of the information. Isn't that the mark of effective media- not only telling a story, but evoking an emotional response to that story?

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

Week 1 Reading, Introduction

Intro: "Worship at the Altar of Convergence"
What does old media mean by "convergence" and has it happened yet?

According to Jenkins, convergence is "technological, industrial, cultural, and social changes in the ways media circulates within our culture." I think it has definitely happened.

I stopped getting the newspaper because I get the headlines pushed to my Twitter account, also, I can find out more on the internet.

I cannot tell you the last time I hand wrote an entire letter.

In high school, I knew everyone of my friend's phone numbers by heart- now I couldn't tell you one. In fact, I often struggle with my own- although, I can still recite my home phone number from high school.

I used to wonder what happened to my old friends from elementary school, high school and college- now I just look them up on Facebook.

These are just singular examples about myself, but it is these sort of changes that lead to convergence.

I found the example of "Evil Bert" particularly effective to illustrate convergence partly because I remember that phenomenon. I remember seeing the website and I also remember the malay that followed.

Convergence is a double-edged sword, so to speak. It is a remarkable thing to be privy to so much information, however, it is the misuse of this information (or the avenues it travels through) that calls it into question.

It reminds me of a story that was told to me by a local principal. A teacher in his school reprimanded a student- in front of the class. Apparently she got upset and embarrassed so, she went into the hall and called her mom and told her he touched her breast. Instead of calling the principal or coming to the school, the parent called the local media who swarmed the school. The faculty and staff had no idea about the incident. The police arrived even before it was sorted out. The teacher had to endure the humiliation (he was married and his daughter attended the school) and was suspended pending an investigation. You can read more about it here. This is a case where traditional methods of communication would have been a much preferred route for this information to travel.

My opinion is that convergence is a powerful tool that when used effectively can be a wonderful thing, but in the wrong hands or when abused, it is very dangerous.

I am truly excited to learn everything I can about this influential phenomenon.

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

New York University Press

Schools who block technology are inhibiting their teachers too

Social networking is the red-headed step-child of education. It's presence is a powerful one to be reckoned with, but the "adults" hope that if they ignore it or sweep it under the rug that it will go away. Let's forget, for a moment, how effective a tool this would be for the students and focus on the other people who are missing out on opportunities because of this narrow-minded view.

Teachers are missing out on a huge resource because of districts reckless and blanket policies involving the blocking of many sites. The reason that this happens to be my current soap-box issue of choice is because of an article that I came across entitled The World's Largest English Department. It began by describing a pretty typical situation of a brand new teacher stumbling across The English Companion Ning out of sheer desperation and how it saved the day. She posted her situation on the site and less than 12 hours later she had sixty responses ranging from sympathy to advice. How amazing would it be if she could refer to this while sitting at her desk during planning? It would save time, energy and probably some sanity. First year teachers often feel isolated and confused. Often, they do not ask questions or seek advice because they do not want to be perceived as "not knowing what they are doing". In addition to tackling their new district's curriculum, they must also learn the ins and outs of their school environment. It can be daunting and depressing. It is important to be reminded that you are not alone. Also, I think it is important for veteran teachers to be reminded of their first few years and to expand their own knowledge with advice and suggestions from others. Our peers are often our best teachers.

The article also lists some excellent Web 2.0 resources geared toward teachers. As most teachers will agree, free=good.

New course, new POV

I must admit, I disliked blogging in the last class in which it was a requirement. I am really not sure why- I like to write- but it just never gelled for me.

I did, however, revisit the idea of blogging after losing my job at the end of the last school year. I thought I would chronicle the ups and downs of my lack of job, talk about the new and exciting things I would encounter and boast about my new accomplishments. I would fill the pages with salsa lessons, daily musings and funny anecdotes. I think I actually managed to write a paragraph once or twice and it consisted of me complaining and moaning about emotional drudgery. I have a difficult enough time sounding interesting in one line on Twitter- I couldn't possibly blog about my life- or lack there of.

So here we go again.

I decided not to re-purpose my last blog but start a new one. It will be chock full of fresh and new ideas, brilliant insight and astute observations. Words will flow from my mind, through my fingers and dance onto the page. I will be clever and captivating.

What does this have to do with anything in class?

Nothing, but every blog has to start somewhere.

Welcome.