Educ 6810 - Reading & Discussion #2

1. In your opinion, is the potential for more people to create their own media a positive or negative influence on our democratic society? Use a quote from the reading to support your answer.

"Whether it is a visual of George W. Bush standing among the remains of the World Trade Center or a visual of John Kerry standing with his Navy comrades from the Vietnam era, there is a meaning conveyed in each case that goes beyond what words can describe in a short amount of time" (Schnell, 2008).

I feel that it is a positive thing for people like me.  I am a huge visual learner.  I would much rather watch a video, view images, or look at a picture than read about something.  I would also rather watch the news on television as opposed to simply hearing it on the radio.  However, there are many negatives within this as well.  People see things in different ways.  Stated in the quote above, Schnell claims that there are so many meanings that can be conveyed that words cannot even describe.  Therefore, I am unsure about whether I feel there is an exact positive or negative with this.

2. Is visual cultural a good thing or bad thing? Use a quote from the reading to support your answer.

"These types of developments are not necessarily cause for concern but they are landmarks that should be noted and recognized for what they are" (Schnell, 2008).

I do not believe that they are a bad thing.  I agree with this quote, I feel that we as educators need to realize what these images mean and what our students see in them.  We need to be sure that our students note and recognize the images for what they really are.

3. Do you think you are a critical consumer of visual images? Give an example.

"Anytime we feel ourselves being influenced we should instinctively query ourselves regarding what influence we are feeling, how that influence is occurring and ask if the claims we are digesting are rational."

I personally do not see myself as a critical consumer.  I never paid that much attention to the images that I was exposed to.  However, I do see myself trying to become one.  This is why I chose this particular quote.  I need to make sure that I know what is influencing me and how that is affecting the way that I feel.

4. How does the article influence your thoughts about teaching media literacy in school? Use a quote from the reading to support your answer.

"The more we engage in this process the more we can be startled by the findings from such analysis and this can act as reinforcement for developing the habit to view visual images in such a manner" (Schnell, 2008). 

I feel that this article opened my eyes more to the fact that I need to become more critical when using media literacy before I start teaching the media literacy.  I need to continuously engage myself in critically analyzing the media.  However, it also taught me that the more I do this - the better it may be; therefore, I can carry that on into my classroom to my students.

Source:
Schnell, J. (2008). Suggestions for Addressing the Increased Emphasis on Visual Imagery over Aural Messages. Media Psychology Review. Vol. 1(1) Retrieved from http://mprcenter.org/mpr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36&Itemid=123

Educ 6810 - Week #2

Photo Analysis: Critical Media Literacy, Politics, and Democracy

Study the photograph for 2 minutes. Form an overall impression of the photograph and then examine individual items. Next, divide the photo into quadrants and study each section to see what new details become visible.

This picture gives me more confidence about the oil spill situation.

In this picture, I see two men, one black (President Obama) sitting with another white man (National Incident Commander US Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen) at a table.  There is "Deepwater Horizon Response" map in the background, along with another map above that one.  I also see a picture on the left that looks like men helping with the oil spill.  It does not look as if they notice that the picture is being taken. There is an American flag on the left and coffee cups on the table in front of them along with a picture in the right hand corner that I cannot make out.  President Obama is making hand motions - he is using his hands to make his point clearer.  However, the other man has his hands on the table folded with a pen in his fingers.  President Obama looks to be in the middle of a conversation or a statement, he looks to be concerned with the matter with his head is cocked to the side.  He may be trying to let the people know that he is well aware of the spill and that it will get better.  However, the man looks to be distracted or dazed.  He looks to be bored or disappointed. The admiral's body language seems negative, while President Obama's looks to be somewhat positive.  The admiral looks to be wearing some sort of uniform, while President Obama is wearing a button up shirt.  This looks to be a conference of some sort with  the camera right in front of the two men.

I feel that they are being very serious in the matter.  President Obama seems to be discussing this in a positive way.  He seems to be encouraging the audience that the issue of the oil spill is going to be under control.  The admiral; however,  looks to be dazed or uninterested in what President Obama is saying.

This picture is obviously taken in the middle of an interview or some sort of conference meeting.  President Obama is mid-sentence and the other man looks to be 'out of it'.  However, the picture itself is spontaneous.  I feel that this is just trying to convey the fact that President Obama was discussing the matter.  I am unsure of if he is trying to explain, inform, persuade; however, he looks like he is in deep conversation.

What questions does the photograph raise? Write at least 3 questions.

• What is President Obama saying? How is he acting?
• Will the Admiral be able to do as he is saying?
• What is the Admiral thinking during this picture?

Obama in deep thought about the oil spill.

Obama sharing information about the oil spill with Admiral Thad Allen. 

Website

This website shows a picture with a short description.  Then, there is a table to support the observation and analysis, similar to ours, that will help the reader and the viewer better analyze and observe this photo.

Educ 6810 - Introduction

My name is Emily Crow.  I am from the small town of Glen Dale, WV.  I attended FSU from 2008-2012.  I am currently working towards my Master's in Digital Media while juggling renting a house with my boyfriend and a brand new FULL TIME teaching job! I am absolutely loving it! Today was my first day; therefore, it was a little chaotic. However, I am so excited to see what this school year brings.  I am a sixth grade math, English, and social studies teacher at my old middle school, Sherrard Middle School in Wheeling, WV.  What I hope to gain in this class is insight on how I can make my English and social studies classes more enthusiastic.  I am a math person; therefore, I know all of the perks for making math engaging.  Hopefully this class will bring out new technological ways to keep my students interested!

Here is my Animoto Video! Enjoy!



Make your own slideshow at Animoto.


1. Why is teaching media literacy important?

There are so many reasons why teaching media literacy is important.

• this is where the students are in their lives - this era, this culture
• we need to help them form opinions on the media
• we need to start them young 
• they need to know what is right and what is wrong - what is real and what is fake
• prejudice and bias
• media is used everyday - comics, books, newpapers, magazines
• whats real - whats photoshopped

2. What do you want to learn about teaching media literacy?

I am teaching two social studies classes, and English block, and two math blocks.  I know that these kids are in a world where they can be vulnerable and they are constantly watching media, using media, reading media, and just knowing the technology around them.  I would like to learn how to help with the manipulations and how to teach them the good vs the bad - the right vs the wrong - and the real vs the fake.  I am hoping to also get ideas for my classes this year.

3. What concerns do you have about teaching media literacy?

I am nervous because there is so much out there.  I want to be able to teach them everything I know; however, I am not sure if I even know half of what is out there.  I am concerned that I will either teach them incorrectly or teach them in a bias manner.