Thank you!!

Hi Everyone...
Just wanted to say Hello!!
And tell everyone how amazing everyones video was. Great Job!!
and
Dr. Knobel Thank You for the opportunity of having us do this video. Ive been able to share laughs and tears with friends and family all weekend...

Love Cindy =)

Sorry...but In Case Anyone was Wondering...

Guess what!?!? I was wrong again! I called my best friends at the ADP center (which closes on Friday at 2:00pm) and learned that if your computer says DVD Rewritable you are in good shape. All you have to do is right click the file you want to copy and send it to the DVD you want it transfered to. It was sooo easy and I am sooo happy to have it done. I just hope my DVD works tomorrow on the computer we are using in class. Okay, I promise not to post for the rest of the day (maybe). =)

Nancy

I figured it Out

So, I learned you need to have a DVD burning program. And, of course, like my converter issue you have to pay for this if you don't want the watermark. Does anyone know of a free program to download? I am going to call the ADP center.

Good Luck and see you everyone tomorrow!
Nancy

HELP ME!!! =)

Hey Everyone,

Okay, so I saved my movie to my c:/drive and it plays in RealPlayer. However, my question is how to I burn this to a CD? The file is already a wmv. After I attemtp to burn the movie to my CD in RealPlayer and open the disc it doesn't play. I just get files. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I have two types of CD's to burn the movie on. One is a CD-RMusic (maxell) and the other is a DVD-R. Does this matter? In Realplayer should Ibe selecting a type of disc, and if so, which one? PLEASE HELP!!!! =)

Thanks,
Nancy

question

I'm just wondering what everyone's final videos are looking like. My has a bunch of still images and videos. About 50/50 I would say. I'm starting to get worried that I have too many still images. I did create some animation that's included, but I'm just wondering if anyone's movie is all video. Any feedback will help.

Most Valuable Resources

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all having a good (not too stressful) week. As we are coming to the end of the semester I have realized that I have spent a lot of time analyzing online resources for their credibility and capabilities. Most of you have been sharing as we have gone along, but I was wondering what you all thought were the "most valuable resources" you used for your work in this class.

I could not have completed my final project without a video I watched on YouTube that wasn't even completely in English. It was a step by step guide to downloading and converting files from YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWwCu94Asrc. The video was of the computer screen while someone was going through the process of downloading and converting. I literally watched the video, paused it, completed a step, then went back to the video.

In order to download from YouTube I used http://www.savevid.com/. It supported all of the sites that I was using and it was very easy to use.

I used the Effect Matrix Total Video Converter to convert my video files, http://www.effectmatrix.com/total-video-converter/. The free trial only lasts fifteen days, and I am pretty tempted to purchase the program. Like the downloader, this program was extremely easy to use, and it only took about fifteen to twenty minutes to convert files that were about eight minutes long. The only problem that I see is that it leaves a watermark of the website on the video, but I did not even notice it the first few times I viewed the footage.

If anyone has purchased any of the resources that they have used, please let me know what you think of them. Throughout this project I was torn between buying what I needed to use and being afraid to spend money on something that might not work well. When we are finished with this class I am going to have to locate all of the "bad stuff" I downloaded and remove it from my computer. Now if I could only find a way to take my e-mail address away from all of the sites that I registered for in order to be able to use their resources. If you know a way of doing this, please let me know :)

Happy Birthday Madison....

Yes ladies today is my bday...i am offically old.

Video

Wow, I'm having fun doing this video... its definitely a lot of work, but I haven't laughed so much in so long. Ive had a rough couple of months with school, work and personal stuff... This video is making me focus on Who I am... Sounds Easy!!?? Its not! Not when you're not sure who you are...lol. Im grateful to be able to do this video. I have never ever done anything like this before. It makes you appreciate everything you have and the people in your life! Just wanted to share =) Sorry Ive been pretty emotional the past few weeks! Good luck everyone!

Pinnacle Studio

Oh My God!!!
I am so annoyed. My fiance brought home the COOLEST video editing program. I wish I had it 2 months ago! The options in this program are Movie Maker/iMovie + 100!
There is a photo album option that turns the photo album with your pictures in there. There are sound effects, and the templates are gorgeous. Let's not forget that you can make a sleeve for your CD case...oh and it converts it to DVD format!!!!!
I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to keep doing these movies.
Obviously MovieMaker and iMovie are more readily available in schools, but WOW is Pinnacle amazing.

one page synopsis

I know Lindsey asked this question already, but I didn't see an answer. How many sources do we need to include in our one page synopsis of our video? Since it is only one page I'm not really sure where to go with it.

Diary of Madison Coming soon...

hey ladies, just wanted to share some of the theory journal with you. I am going to sleep, Im hungry and tired. hmmmmmm which is more important???? BOTHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! Ladies we are almost there!!!

why doesnt blogger have an undo button

i have upload allllllllllllllllllll of my blogs all over.. i was trying to delete one blog and entire blog disappear i can see the post but the pages say does not exist....


oh no whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

The Advice of My Students

I thought this was a cute, so I wanted to share it.

Yesterday I was telling one of my classes about our final project. I was asking them if they every make their own videos and if so, how they get their materials. Some of them said that they have made their own videos (one student even offered to make my video for me). After a few minutes of discussion we stared talking about ways to download music and video. Almost every one of my students agreed that I should just download whatever I could find whether it was legal to do so or not. I told them that they needed to know that illegal downloading was illegal and that they needed to adhere to copyright laws. They laughed at me and told me that it wasn't illegal until they got caught and that I should just take their advice.

At that point I laughed, thanked them for their advice, and moved on to our lesson for the day.

Keeping in Touch

Hi Everyone,

The final project has been taking a lot of my time.I have been mucking around some sites like machinima.com,jumpcut.com,and also youtube.Trying my best to put this video together.I am still having some problems especialy with the animation part.I am doing my video clip on motherhood .If anyone has any suggestions please don't hesitate to hepl me out.One question does the video has to look like the two samples that Dr. Knobel posted? Kate

Saturday Assignment

Good evening ladies,

Our assignment that is due Saturday, does anyone know what time the assignment is due on saturday??

Wanted to share a great blog!!

Dear Ladies,

My godsister who i used to called "carrie in nj" now "carrie (nef) in ny" she finally moved to city this has lauched an online magazine and store, and has decided to add a blog to her website when you get a change CHECK IT OUT... citychickmag.com you can also check out her other blog at nefertitionline.com...


Enjoy...

Memes

In Chapter 7, memes are described as living structures within the brain. There have been many debates whether or not memes are real or just conceptual. I tend to agree with the sociological point of view - that we are influenced by family, friends, school, government, etc. I believe our interactions with all of these factors affects our decision making and the spread of ideas. I find it difficult to believe that there may be a "meme gene" that causes us to spread ideas. I think trying to find a scientifically based reason for something that seems inexplicable sounds great in theory. So I was wondering which perspective people choose to agree with with regards to memes (biological, psychological, or sociological)??

Quick Question

Hello Everyone!

I have to say those two videos, "The French Democracy” and Konoha Memory Book are very good. I am feeling a little nervous! I think we should have effort as part of our criteria. Anyhow, my question is regarding a last minute touch I might add to my video. I was mucking around with alice.org, which was fun but time consuming. I was wondering if there is a way you should save this file. I do not think it works in Movie Makers even if you save it as a wmv. Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts.

Thanks!
Nancy

PS I hope nobody is FREAKING OUT yet! (I am...a little) =)

My Voicethread is finally available!!!!

I just spent the last hour trying to make my Voicethread public and I finally did it. It is really frustrating to make so many attempts and fail, but when you suceed it feels great. Check out my thread and listen to the author introduce his book.

http://voicethread.com/share/260588/

Developing criteria for assessing your final project

Assessing new literacy practices is something that has not received much attention in the published literature on new literacies. We will use your own final project--a movie and two companion papers--as practice in developing relevant assessment criteria for a complex project. Below is a list of possible assessment criteria--much of it still very broad and general. Use the comments function to add to this list, to critique my suggestions and refine them more, and so on. The final set of criteria developed here will be used to evaluate your respective final projects.

(a) Digital video relates to your identity in some conceptual way. This is much more than simply stringing together a series of pictures of things that you like.
(b) Movie artifact includes multiple edits (e.g., multiple clips stitched together, appropriate added effects, careful synchronization between moving images and music as relevant/appropriate)
(c) Digital video effectively acts as a stand-alone narrative that is readily interpreted by viewers
(d) Movie artifact meets widely-accepted general technical evaluation criteria for amateur movie-making at the hobbyist level (e.g., “The French Democracy” at http://www.machinima.com/films.php?id=1407 is a good benchmark for machinima; Konoha Memory Book available via youtube.com/user/maguma is a good benchmark for AMV)
(e) The one-page synopsis of your digital video explicitly identifies how this video pertains to some aspect your identity. This text is an academic text and is highly likely to need a bibliography.
(f) The 2-3 page discussion and analysis of the extent to which your digital video meets (or doesn’t meet, or goes well beyond) key indicators for a chosen grade level in the writing and viewing/media literacy dimension of the NJ Language Arts Literacy Core Curriculum Standards (or other set of relevant standards) is included.

The Challenge of Applying New Literacies in the Classroom

In A New Literacies Sampler, in the chapter entitled "New Literacies", Cynthia Lewis makes a valid point that I believe supports what we are doing in this class. She says that in "the world of education (policies and systems more than individual teachers) has not shifted mindsets in line with those described in this book’s opening chapter. Through professional development, teachers receive training in curricular uses of technology, but they do not learn about new mindsets, identities, and practices that come with new technologies, forms of communication, and economic flows." I think that is what we are learning in this class; how to use technology in connection with the new mindsets, identities, and practices of our students.

I know that I am hesitant to use a lot of what we have learned with my students. I am likely to infuse technology as a way to present information. However, I rarely allow the students to use the technologies and new literacies that they know and use in their life and work outside of school with the content that we are studying in school. I know that I am wrong for not trying, but I find it hard to incorporate new technologies without having the time to teach the students how to use them. I also find school districts to be hypocritical when they state their support for the use of technology in the classroom. Although they claim to support the use of new technologies, they do not always provide teachers with the means to do so or the time to do so effectively.

Something that I am going to try to do this year is to create a blog for my classes for a midterm exam review. I am going to require that the students post at least one question, suggestion, or fact and respond to at least one post. The purpose of the blog will be to serve as a large study group. Many of my students live far from each other, so it is difficult for them to get together after school. If they are able to study together in the form of a blog they will be able to help each other with content or concepts that they are unsure of. I will also participate in the blog in order to clarify any inaccurate information that is passed along and also to answer any questions that are still unanswered when it gets close to the end of the review period.

Giving Second Life a Second Chance

I decided to try Second Life again, and although I was more successful at navigating than I was at the beginning of the semester, I still do not really understand how it works. I searched for real places to go to, and they were there, but who created them? I also tried looking for people to acquire information from, but while I was flying around in Second Life, I did not come in contact with many people, and I was on for about an hour. I did go to the Montclair State Library and a place called Summersville Waterpark (which I thought was cool), but I still did not get what you are supposed to do there. Although I think it is fun to search around, I do not quite understand the purpose. If anyone has been successful in Second Life, please let me know. Thanks!

2 more papers to write

I know we are all busy but I spent some time reading through the Syllabus, particularly the "Identity Video Project", pages 12-14.
I must have not read through this thoroughly before, but under "Digital Video Project Assessment Criteria" (e & f) I see, basically, two more papers to write.
Truthfully, I don't remember Dr. Knobel mentioning these at any of the classes.

I am assuming, generally a bad thing to do, that they are due on the 13th with the CD or DVD of our movie. I suppose another option would be to email them to Dr. Knobel by that date.

I know there have been changes made to the syllabus (ie: 2 remixes instead of 4), but I don't remember hearing about any.

Please advise, particularly since the due date is looming.
Thanks

Remix-Nicosia

To all:

I finally worked out all of the kinks for my Remix of Nicosia. If you are interested, you should click the link for VOICETHREAD.COM and comment on the image I created. VOICETHREAD.COM is a really fun platform to post information and I would highly recommend that you all try to post something on it.

Lindsay

Blog Help

Good afternoon Ladies,

I am trying to add followers to blog.. Does anyone know how to do that??

Thax

Maddy Patty

For those in the READ or Media Specialist programs, these sites may be of interest to you:
http://www.goodreads.com/
and
http://www.librarything.com/

Happy reading!

great new sites

I spent some time reading through (and clicking on links) the latest Edutopia.org....SCORE!
this is my new FAVORITE site (as a Media Specialist!!!) http://librivox.org/

Spend some time going through the MASSIVE list of free text and audio files.
All the texts on this site are in the Public Domain!
Enjoy,
Laurence

A few Sites to Take a Look At

Hi Everyone,

I was doing some reading for my other class and one of the chapters briefly touched on technology in the classroom. It provided a few websites that could be used in the classroom that I thought were worth sharing. Two of the websites I tried to go to did not work, but http://www.pbs.org/odyssey/ was up and running. This site allows students to virtually participate in an ocean voyage with scientist to study the conditions of the ocean. Another cool site is http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/virtual.php. This site is more for students at the high school level and allows them to participate in virtual dissections of animals. How crazy! I remember in high school I had to dissect a frog. I think it would have been much better if we did it virtually.

Both of these sites reminded me of Second Life and the learning that can take place with the use of technology. I also felt these sites exemplified the new ethos. Students are able to collaborative with each other in affinity spaces. Students in these affinity spaces form participatory cultures and have a wide range of expertise. I think this environment keeps students engaged and motivated and is conducive to learning.

Check out the sites and let me know what you think!

Free media conversion software

Hello everyone--

I subscribe to something called Give Away of the Day (http://www.giveawayoftheday.com), and each 24 hours, they let you download and install software for free that you would otherwise have to buy. A lot of the stuff they make available isn't always crash hot, but today's download might be of interest to you.

It's a media converter that converts the following file types: "WMA, WMV, ASF and other video/audio: WMA, M4A, AAC, AC3, WAV, MP3, WMV, ASF to MP3, WAV, AAC, MP4, AVI, FLV, 3GP, etc." I don't know how good the software is, but a converter I downloaded from this same giveaway promo site at the start of the year has been fantastic.

I just thought I'd let you know about it--you need to download and *install* it (for PCs only, not Macs) within the next 18 hours though.

Need Some Assistance

I've been working on my final project and am trying to import some home videos into Windows Movie Maker. I'm having so much trouble!! It's telling me that it doesn't recognize the file and I've tried converting it using zamzar.com, but that hasn't worked either. I've even tried to video my screen while it's playing using CamStudio, but that hasn't worked either. Any help would be appreciated!!

WIKI POST- integrating audio with an image

I have created an image with adobe photoshop for one of my remixes. With the image, I have recorded soem audio that I intended to integrate into the image. I have a MAC and I tried to integrate it with IMOVIE but it is not working. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can achieve my goal. Dr. Knobel assisted me in posting the image but she is asking to figure out this audio integration. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Final Projects!!

Hey Ladies,

Can you share some of your ideas for your final projects. I am interested in the animation schema. So, if you have thoughts, suggestions, please feel free.

Thax

Maddy Patty

6 Trait Writing Program Con't

     Dr. Knobel had commented about this program wondering if this is operating out of mindset 1 or mindset 2.  To refresh our memories, in chapter 2 of New Literacies Barlow distinguishes between the two mindsets.  He refers to people who have been born into the cyberspace world and those who come to this new world from a different standpoint.  More specifically, mindset 1 are the "newcomers" or "immigrants" and mindset 2 are the "natives" or "insiders."  

     I believe this program is operating out of mindset 2.  For example, when the students open their new assignment and enter their sloppy copy, they open a window that is very similar to Word.  Now the students know exactly how to get around this window that just opened.  They can copy and paste, open a drop down graphic organizer, and change the font.  The students jumped right into their introduction paragraph.  This essay, so far, has been a pleasure to teach.  The students did not just sit there saying, "I don't know what to write" or "What should I say next?" This was the fastest I have ever seen the introduction and body paragraphs completed.  Also, the students said they prefer to type the essay rather than hand write it first.

My students are all examples of the mindset 2.  I believe that is why this computer writing program was a comforting program for them and they never complained about writing another essay.  I also noticed that my students were automatically rereading their work.  They hardly ever reread what they handwrite, but every time they stopped typing, they reread their last sentence or two.  They were more aware of their writing.  

     Our next step is to move from the sloppy copy to the final draft.  Details to follow.   

NewLits.org

Hello, hope everyone is doing fantabulastic!! =)

I have a question that I hope someone knows the answer too. Im having trouble loading the NewLits.org page. For some reason its not loading the page. Is anyone else having a problem loading and viewing the page? I would love to see all the new changes that were made to the site, but unfortunately my laptop is not loading the page so I cannot until I figure out what the issue is! Thanks so much!!

Converting MPEG to WAV..HELP!!!!

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well and not stressing out too much. I have a question. I need to convert a mpeg to a wav. I tried to google a free converter, however, the websites I am getting are not good. I tried using AVS4you at http://www.avs4you.com/downloads.aspx?dl=no and MediCoder at http://files.uberdownloads.com/software/converters/convert.php?f=Audio%20Files&t=Other%20. They do not work! AVS4you will convert the file, but will leave a watermark banner unless you buy the software. MediCoder just brings you to sites where you can buy software. Does anyone have a reliable site where I can download a converter for free?

Thanks,
Nancy

New Literacies - Chapter 5 - Video Games

In Chapter 5 of New Literacies, James Paul Gee discusses the implications for learning through playing video games. Although Gee talks about several important factors related to video games and how players interact with the virtual world, the part that stood out to me was the section that he writes about Learning and the implications that video games have on our teaching.

Gee uses the game Full Spectrum Warrior to compare learning how to play a video game with learning in the classroom. Through playing a video game, the player is immersed in the video game experience and that is when learning takes place. There is no drill and kill that occurs when playing video games. This contrasts with how many students are learning in school. Often times they learn and memorize facts in order to pass a test, but those facts are forgotten quickly after the test is taken. All the facts and information the learner is studying would make a lot more sense if the learner had had opportunities to see they applied to the world of action and experience.

Gee says that true knowledge is based on one's ability to build simulations (models) in one's head based on previous experiences. Deep thinking requires a framework (a perspective or resource used to further one's learning). In Full Spectrum Warrior, the players feel competent before they actually are. They are competent in a way that goes beyond answering test questions. They can act, value, feel, decide, and solve problems like a pro. This is how learning should happen in schools.

"Learning in school should be the same as playing a video game" (Gee, 2007).

6 Trait Writing

Hi all

I am starting a new writing program tomorrow with my students.  It is called 6 Trait Writing.  Does anyone already use this program?? This writing program is all done on the Internet.  I set up a problem/solution essay for my students to begin writing.  My students will all use a laptop to login using a username and password to view their new assignment.  Next, they will follow a guide and create a "sloppy copy." Since I have not used this program yet, I am not sure about all the steps.  I will keep you posted.  I really hope this program will save me time when it comes to the grading process.  

http://www.yahoo.com/

www.newlits.org

Hologram Technology

Hi Guys,

When I was watching the election on November 5th I've noticed that they introduced some cool technology.It caught my attention because I was comparing it to the previous elections.I decided to search on the net.I came across this site that explain what kind of tech that they were using. it's the hologram technology.Holograms are photographic images that are 3 dimensional and appear to have depth.Hologram works by creating an image compose of 2 dimensional pictures of the same object seem from different reference points. Take a look http://news.cnet.com Kate

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to briefly talk about “Digi-Pop: New Literacies Need New Learning” by Jabari Mahiri. I used Mahiri’s piece for my wiki, but I thought the article had some really great points to discuss. First, I think everyone should check out www.youthradio.org. This is a site that focuses on important issues for younger individuals with a hip-hop twist. The site recently focused on the election and allowed for members to blog their opinions about the candidates. The site also deals with controversial issues like racism, violence, and gender. Youth Radio allows for real people to express their opinions on real issues.

In Mahiri’s article he provides an example of how a class uses Youth Radio as a model for a Hip-Hop Journalism class. I think by using topics that are important to students allow them to become more engaged and creative. The new literacies used in the journalism class, such as Blogger, Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro where not that new to the students. Students outside of school are already using new literacies. As the article states, “a lot of us already have raw talent that needs a little polishing” (Mahiri, 2008). Students can use these new literacies; it is the job of the teacher to implement them in the classroom in a way that is conducive to learning.

In order for teacher to be able to implement new literacies in the classroom, Mahiri stresses the importance of training and providing support for teachers. He has started a program called TEACH (Technology, Equity And Culture High-Schools), which is a group that helps teachers re-think and re-delivery their lessons to students for effective learning. It is essential for teachers to know or to learn with the students on how to use new media and literacies in the classroom.

The article defines youth and adult participation in teaching and learning with media and new literacies as collegial pedagogy. A few features of collegial pedagogy are youth leadership, joint framing, distributed accountability and mediated intervention (Mahiri, 2008). I believe it is worth using collegial pedagogy in the classroom and is something I would like to look further into.

Finally

I was able to locate the problem last night on the newlits.org for the wiki assignments. I did not have my passwds correct that's why I didn't have access to edit the wiki, however, I was able to do it. Akthough I was able to post my ideas and remixes however I am having difficulty adding the picture on to my assignment. I followed Dr.Knobles direction in saving the image, uploading the file and the image and it did sow up however it would not transfer over to the page. If you can please respond so that I can't complete this assignment to it's perfection!

ROCK THE VOTE

Hey guys, wow a experience it was to rock the vote today, i saw a few friends in line and they asked," do you want to cut the line?"...my heels were saying yesssssss... but my heart was saying wait in line. my ancestors have died for this moment. So i was so proud today to wait in line and observe so many young people ROCK THE VOTE. Regard of the outcome, i was very happy to apart of this historical day.

SIGNING OFF

I ROCKED THE VOTEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE did you????

Hi Guys DON'T FORGET TO GET OUT TODAY AND VOTE! Kate

Adbusters.org

I read Chapter 4, New Literacies as Remix. I came across this website, www.Adbusters.Org

I was fascinated and in shock at the same time how this company can create spoofs on big powerful money making companies, such Bennetton, page 132. That's what I call Freedom Of Speech!

I went on the website and explored different topics. The website also has blogs which I found to be very interesting. I came across this page http://www.adbusters.org/magazine/80/quit_facebook.html and found it to be hysterical as I could relate. I have a FaceBook account and yes I created an image for myself. And I think up clever quotes so that others can see it and maybe giggle a little. And I pick out the better pictures to post so that I always look good. lol (this means laughing out loud for those that may not know). It's funny becasue we all do it. We create an image for ourselves online, a virtual image, that we want to be. The internet is a powerful tool that can create another life a virtual one. To me its fun and a way to keep in touch with my friends, especially now that I have no life as my life consists of school, work, lots of eating (because of stress) and little sleeping (because of stress), lol. I try to get in other activities but its difficult. Having access to the internet and being in the safety net of your own home is easy and you can see what your friends are up to without moving out of your seat or speaking a word. Awesome!!

Ok I'm rambling, back to the website www.Adbusters.org , this company was worrying people in high places. Any company having something to say about the US economic, military or foreign police in these times, specifically after 9-11 was in risk to getting spoofed by them. Which meant a negative ad and losing money. As you will see, Adbusters is just one of many companies to spoof big powerful money making companies. As thier spoofs are posted on billboards everywhere for example, in the middle of Times Square. Its all part of the wonderful world of literacy. Adbusters is just another example how conveying messages anyway possible through writing, pictures, internet, etc... to get a message across and get people to participate in the technological world. Hey it works!

Meme's

I read a little of, A New Literacies Sampler. . . I was intrigued about Meme's, chapter 9.

From what I understood, Meme's is a network that survives on social contribution. It requires a networked human “hosts” in order to survive. This reminded me of Rebecca Black's article when she mentioned "Participatory Culture". A Meme's survival all depends on Participatory cutlture, having enough people contribute to the network. The issue is, Is the contribution frutiful or just garbage!?!

I can see what you mean about Meme's being fruitful for educators. It's a way for educators to focus on getting new ideas for new forms of social participation in the world that is the Internet. Like the wiki's we all had to do. We all had to participate and contribute new and different ideas for others to read and think about. Memes can be a resource that can be used in classrooms to promote discussions about each meme's topic, whatever it may be, such as a social issue wherein everyone can see and read a persons informed point of view. The power of memes to spread contagious ideas and to infect minds with particular ideas is a big truth. Many people in these online communities live by what they see and read on the internet.

I like how you said that engaging with online memes as examples of new L/literacies can help educators to equip students with important strategies for identifying the memes that infect their minds, and for evaluating the effects these memes have on their (ethical) decision-making, social actions and their relations with others.Well-informed and savvy online meming may well provide students with a fruitful and accessible practice for bringing about positive social changes in the ways people think and, perhaps, act towards others. I agree that memeing can defintely be fruitful, but there are many vulnerable minds that thier minds are easily infected with non fruitful ideas. And being able to evaluate ethics and ones own values is very important as it is one's identity. Hope Im making sense. =) Very intersting stuff!

Technology in the classroom!

Hi everyone!

In my Perspectives class we were talking about technology in the classroom. Our professor gave us this website to look at http://hill.troy.k12.mi.us/staff/bnewingham/myweb3/

This teacher is definitely media savy as her classroom website looks wonderful and so creative. It even has a movie making section. Check it out! Enjoy! =)

help!

I've tried both of the websites that we were given to download You Tube videos and haven't been able to download any videos. I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but I can't seem to figure it out! Can anyone help me?

Digital learning

I am so interested in finding sites that are easier to adapt to my claases to make the enviroment more conducive to learning;
I found this cool site on digital technology that will enhance the learning process.
http://www.guide2digitallearning.com/

Kate

You Tube

You Tube never stops amazing me! I went on You Tube to search for short clips to put in my final video. I came across this video which was actually used by a man to propose to his wife. I thought it was so cute and wanted to share it with you guys! He also created a sequal to the video about how they decided to send their invitations out. I just thought it was really clever!

REMIX Blog

The piece that explains the idea on the use of a site patterned on hfuff.stal is relevant to teachers and students developing ideas to adapt their quest for nnew literacy venues. I visited FUTRUNKS.jpg I like the concept that will definitely sustain the young student's attention. The trend of incorporating technology into literacy is revolutionizing teaching. I agree that the best way to reach young people is to use the same medium they adopt as their communication tool, to inform and instruct them. As mentioned in this section most of these methods are derived from personal interests, such as the game of Adventure that Will Crowther created to intertain his young daughters. The point is made that these discoveries are usually the products of personal or group endeavors not of government funded experiments. Remix then becomes a valuable tool to impart knowledge. Kate

REMIX

.

Rives: A 3-minute story of mixed emoticons

This is an absolute must-see, and very much challenges traditional crieria for what it means to write narratives well!

Wiki Assignment

Dear Ladies and Dr. Knobel, I have tried to post this assignment on newlits.org, and it was unable to post several time, so i have uploaded the assignment on our blog. In addition to directing email you, Dr. Knobel. Sincerely, Madison P.S. Have a laugh and on me. The editing can be very difficult but I tried my best to remove the unnecessary film.

Update on Emergency

I have tried using teo computers. They both do not have access to the edit section on the web. I cannot do my wiki I need to have access to that edit section b/c the computer that I'm using want grant me access. Do you have any suggestions, I've tried everything.

I have an Emergency

Ladies, I have been trying to continue to remix my wiki assgnmt, however i cannot remix my idea, b/c i can't find the edit box on top of the newlitts page. can you please help so I can put in my information asap. Thanks for you assistance.

Wiki Deadline Question

I know both wikis are due Nov. 1.. Do they need to be on the site by the time class starts or as long as they're posted sometime during the day is it ok? I'm been having computer trouble with my remix of Jon Callow - movie maker keeps freezing on me before I can save my work!! Just wondering when our deadline is.. Thanks!!!!!

Wiki Hide and Seek!!

Hi ladies its Madison,

I have a question, I posted a wiki assignment tonight, however, i am unable to review the post. i saw once "recent uploads" but i cannot find that tab again....
Can you please tell me if you are able to see the post or explain how i can review the uploaded post.


Thank you so much !!!!!!

Madison

New Literacies

I went to a workshop today. The workshop was about literacy and technology.It was so interesting that I thought I 'd share these informations with you.  They spoke about  how literacy is more than opening a book. The new literacies include media and technology. The presenters discuss how teachers can use technology as a tool in their classrooms to  address learners need and reach the curriculum goals. They also gave us a website to read some more about it. This website can be pretty helpful to teachers. The website is www.eduscapes.com read all about it and tell me what do you think.Kate 

Wall Street Journal- Google

Today in the Wall Street Jounal, there was a really interesting article about google and a settlement made with book publishers. A sweeping $125 million settlement between Google Inc. and the publishing industry made it possible for Google to make many millions of digital books available on the Web. With this they will make payments to authors for the ability to post their work. If approved by a federal court, the deal, struck after two years of negotiations, will let individuals and institutions buy online access to copyrighted, out-of-print works through Google, and will provide free online views of them at public libraries. To have them available, titles that are still in print will be available only if publishers and authors agree to include them. This is a revelation that brings technology and literacy to the next level. To be able to view the books online will enhance the opportunity of those in the Second Life who have their discussion groups. With the millions of people who use the Google applications, this is now another way to use Google to enhance the way we learn and live. I think it is great to be able to access so many titles without having to go to the book store.

Wiki Assignment #1

I read, "As I see it- intergrating viewing across the curriculum." from the newlits.org web site. It was quite interesting to find out how children may view images and photographs in their curriculum. Children may need the teacher to present some affective tools to help facilitate children's learning and analytical understanding of a image. For example, in this wiki there was a man who was posing with a mask around his face, his left leg was out strecthed and his right leg was stretched out in back of him, he had a colorful boutique of flowers and his left hand was pointing out as if he was going to throw the flowers at something in an aggressive stance. This showed us the visual literacy in cross-curriculum contexts.The compositional image lets us believe that the image of this man being angry or aggressive can be factual because throwing colorful flowers doesn't fit our contextual and cultural knowledge to understand what meaning this visual may bring. Lastly, the critical reading of this image allows us to question the integrity of the artist and the furtherance of the place of street art in our culture and so on? I liked the guided view that the teacher could add the five sense approach to help navigate/facilitate the children's visual, auditory and kinestitic learning with the questions asked. I would use the same approach or add classsical music to the australian parliament painting and forest/jungle music so my 4year old children can identify with this lesson. There were a few grammatical errors. However, I can somewhat visualize the guided viewing: context and empathy "The Arrival!" I lived in Jersey City all of life and my family and I every year rode of the ferry to visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It is Beautiful in both places to see the pictures at the museum of the immigrants. History still speaks through pictures and field trips for my children to be able to make actual connections to past times. I could allow my children to paint pictures on the computer to make their own painting so that they would be able to describe their artwork. I could google the artist name and print picture out to allow the children to cut and paste and learn to write about the author providing short background information. Then given their reaction to the topic. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THIS? Also, How do I edit this wiki online. I can't fing edit like I did on saturday?

Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers

As mentioned in class on saturday, I'm pasting the link to the Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers. It's a great summary of what we, as educators, can do.
http://www.techlearning.com/techlearning/pdf/events/techforum/tx05/TeacherCopyright_chart.pdf
Hope it helps.
Laurence

Cool Website

Hi guys

My students have been creating noun menus in my English class.  They have been using the lap tops everyday to create their own restaurant.  (then, they identify certain nouns)  They showed me a cool website to make a collage.  You have to register, but this site is totally free.

Here is the website

www.polyvore.com 

Say you are making a collage with different types of food.  You actually drag the pictures you want into a blank frame and lay the pictures however you want.  Then you print from this same webpage too.  The students have been creating some great covers for their projects!

Maybe you can use this in your classroom or maybe for a fun project for yourself!

Dear friends,

  While navigating on the net I came across this site on podcasting.I thought that it was quiet interesting and helpful. Take a look at it.. Go to www.learninginhand.com/podcasting. Kate

Further to our Web 2.0 chat today

Interestingly, Wikipedia has developed a free resource--known as Wikipedia Selection-- specifically for schools to use. It is fully downloadable, which means once it's downloaded, you can use it without having to access the internet.

accoridng to the blurb, Wikipedia Selection

has about 5500 articles (as much as can be fitted on a DVD with good size images) and is about the size of a twenty volume encyclopaedia (34,000 images and 20 million words).

and

Wikipedia is not necessarily a childsafe environment, has "adult" content. This selection of topics have been carefully chosen, tidied up, and checked for vandalism and suitability (by SOS Children volunteers, whom we gratefully acknowledge).

CamStudio

Hi guys! Here's the website where you can download CamStudio which is a screen recording software. It's pretty neat because you can record anything you do on your computer.

http://camstudio.org/

Book Trailer

A really cool way to get kids to be creative after they've read a book.
Try having them make a Book Trailer. Basically, they have to create a trailer advertising a book, as if it was "coming soon".
Go to Youtube and type in: Book Trailer (add for kids, children, etc...).
The ones made by kids are really neat.

skrbl.com

Hello everyone,
A cool website is www.skrbl.com.

Technically it's an online whiteboard, but you can use it as a brainstorming tool.
Basically, you can invite users who are online (on a computer in the classroom works as long as they can get out to the internet) , and everyone can edit the "white board" at once.

Cool activity that encourages writing. I saw this in action with a Smartboard, it was really neat.

Voicethread.com

Hey Guys:

Dr. Knobel sent me this link for VOICETHREAD.COM and I think it is a really neat concept. Sounds like a great way to expand your ideas and become extremely interactive. Its like taking blogging to the next level, where you can invite people and use different means of communication. You can write, speak, text, etc.

Definitely, go to the site and play around with the different demonstrations and let me know if you find any other cool stuff.

Lindsay Zweibel

In readiness for tomorrow

Some examples of Mindset 1 at work in education:

• Internet 4 classrooms


• Starfall


• Interlink

I do apologize Ladies you know I am just finishing chapters 1-3 honestly. It was a challenge for me to understand the jargon of this txt. I am requesting that you all give me some clarity and insights to my thoughts about the readings. In Chpt 1 - I realize Literacy has shifted from the txt books too digital. In other words, people are learning reading and writing with the computer rather than early on literacy readiness. What is PEDAGOGY?Literacy is considered "NEW"
There are 3 dimensions of learning and practice the operational dimensions is the language aspect of literacy along with competence tools, procedures and techniques. What is the relevance? The cultural dimension involves competence with the meaning of social practices. I guess it means knowing the rightand wrong time of reading and writing and critical dimension they include values, purposes, rules, standards and perspectives and exclude others. i feel like I'm not that socialized in the "new" literacy very well to be able to make the connection of the language to the digital. I understand Discourses means the ways we communicate in various places through digital. Am I right???I am learning to get aqauinted or digital friendly to the internet, wiki not quite and searching the net for theses class.What is ontological? is it new lietracies, new stuff, nature of what? I see I can use by texting, images, sounds and movies and so on. What about it?

chpt 2- What is mindset 1 and 2 What is the difference??????Can you explain how many bites should I have on my cell phone or computer PC? Also what is the necessity of bites?I realize cyberspace is anything too do wityh the internet. what is book space? I realized tonite I can go to some of these web addresses to get pics, voice thread, animation "fanfic". i have gone to soome sights just need to know how to remix and movie make. i believe I have to learn how to multitask on the net and bring it all together to create what I want.

Chpt 3- what is encoded text?Podcasting is recording a person a song etc but i got confuse abt how to store the files?????? how do iremix? am i blogging my info abt a weblog or sit? i.e. rebecca black? what is new ethos? not qite clear..

Pray for me as I read chpt 4 & 5 on friday. i will have questions ready on sat. thanks dn't kill me. lol

Participating as reviewers

Hey, I need a favor from y'all. A middle school teacher, Tracy T.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif, has been working with her Grade 6, 7 and 8 students and a range of new literacies in her "Extreme Reading" program. Part of this program includes a rich set of spoken and illustrated poems created by the students themselves. A key component of putting one's work "out there" on the internet is having others' read and respond to it (see Jessica's fanfic and reviewer comment etc.). If you have time, I'd really appreciate you reading one or two of the poems and leaving good substantive feedback (beyond the "Wow. so cool!" type). You'll see I've been leaving some comments myself which I've actually modelled on the kinds of reviews people write for fanfics on Fanfiction.net.

Second Life(ing) around

Hi ladies, in research of wiki project i saw this and thought i share with you all.. With all the stesssssssss of the upcoming i need this laugh.

Happy Early Halloween. From Second Life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=memW5zjGyFs

New Problem

Well, I have video footage and I was all set to upload this onto my Macbook.  However, I heard from some people that imovie does not recognize the Sony easycam. GREAT...just wanted I wanted to hear!  Now, I am very frustrated. So, I decided to call AppleCare.  They also said that imovie does not recognize some Sony cameras.  Back to the drawing board.  Did anyone use a Sony video camera for their project? Any advice...

converting files

I created a video animation through Alice and want to convert the file to add it to my final video. I tried Zamzar.com, but it didn't recognize the file type. Does anyone have any idea what I can do?

ADP Center

Hey Everyone,

So I went to the ADP Center like Professor Knobel suggested and the staff was awesome. They have a scanner you can use to scan pictures if you don't have the negatives to put them on a CD. They also changed my videotapes into DVDs. You do not have to pay for this, but you have to supply the DVDs. The center prefers DVD-R, which are sold in the bookstore. It may also take up to 48 hours.

I am glad this problem is sold, but here is my next issue. In order to edit these DVDS, do I use Moviemakers? I have to save them as .wav, right?

Thanks everyone!
Nancy

Wiki advise again??

Hi ladies....question.. I just wanted to make sure we are Remixing the "Contributing Authors" from the newslits.org.. recommended list correct???

Wiki ???

hey ladies... how are your wiki assignments coming along. has anyone begin to WIKI???

Website to download from youtube?

Hey guys,

 I was wondering if someone could post the web address that Dr. Knobel gave us which allows us to download youtube clips.  I wrote it down and can't seem to find it.

Thanks!

Wiki- question for Jessica

Hi Jessica

I was looking at your wiki.  I don't understand why parts of your text are in a box and other parts are outside of the box?? I hope this question makes sense.  I think I am missing a major part to this wiki assignment.  I never ever felt so clueless!  I know that I am supposed to comment on an article....right?  I sign onto newlits.org everyday and I think something is going to jump out at me and the lightbulb will go off!!! NO lightbulb... just stress!

Fanfiction

Dr. Knobel sent me a wonderful article that relates directly to online affinity spaces, fanfiction, and Rebecca Black's article on newlits.org. I incorporated some of the ideas into my wiki and just wanted to share the article with all of you. It's really interesting because it shows you how beneficial participatory cultures can be on the children that we teach. It intrigues me more to try fanfiction writing in my classroom. I'm just not sure if the children I teach (3rd graders) are too young.

Here's the article:

http://www.technologyreview.com/business/13473/page3/

Let me know what you think!

Wiki

Does anyone know how to insert a picture into our wikis? I tried to copy and paste and that didn't work. Is there a specific way that I should be doing it?

Muck around with Voicethread

I've spent my morning explaining this very groovy Web 2.0 application: Voicethread. Basically, Voicethread lets you post images/videos etc. and you and other people can comment on your image or video. Your comment can be spoken or written, and you can even draw on still images! I'm really impressed with this application--which I learned of through Guy Merchant's work--and can see so many classroom uses for it. Students can use it to review and comment on each other's video and artwork, or create all kinds of interesting multi-perspectival narratives around an image. It's potential for exploring local and oral histories is wide open.

So, make sure you have a look at this and have a play around with it. You can use Fraps to record the Voicethread, too (if you're on a pc), and upload that into your final video....

Here's a nice introductory Voicethread to get you started.

Second Life

While going through the articles listed for our Wiki assignment, I thought the article regarding literature and the Second Life was astonishing. We are talking about a virtual world that is taken very seriously by those who are participants. To be able to log onto a computer and live a life as an Avatar takes society to a whole new level.

Should we be concerned that our ability to meet face to face may become extinct? Are our social skills eroding? This seems discerning, however there are definitely advantages to this new interaction. As is noted in the article by Laura Nicosia, "Adolescent Literature and Second Life: Teaching Young Adult Texts in the Digital World," the world of literature and the second life collide and find some great success.

It is amazing that Avatars can join together and create this great source of education. To be able to meet in the virtual world and share the works of Shakespeare and other great authors is an invaluable source of literacy education.

One issue I found intriguing, is the idea that these online/virtual classrooms can add as many seats as possible. The article makes the point that in the Real Life (RL), you would need to order new chairs and tables to accommodate new students. In the Second Life (SL) anyone can join and take part of the learning. Also, learning at home in your pajamas is an advantage as well as the ability to meet people from all ends of the earth. This brings different perspectives, which will in turn enrich our knowledge.

I find that the concept is going in the right direction, however, I have some issue with the middle school students joining the Second Life (SL). It just concerns me that our future leaders will have little social interaction. I think there is more time for development and with the interaction of teachers this may have a future in our schools.

Wiki

I submitted my first Wiki on newlits.org. It was so much easier than I had originally thought it would be. For it I created a fanfic on fanfiction.net in response to Rebecca Black's article. I wrote about how I explored the site and ultimately submitted the fanfic. I was amazed at the responses that I got right away. I've already received one review and several people have added my fanfic to their profiles or favorites list. If anyone is still stuck about what to do for the wikis I suggest trying out a fanfic!

Videotapes to CD's ????

Hey Guys,

I know I asked this question earlier, but I think there was some confusion on what I meant. If I have videotapes, I would need to change them into CD's in order to use some of the footage from the tapes in my video (splicing). Correct? Is this possible? Where would I go to do this?

Thanks,
Nancy

Meme Talk

Hey Everyone,

I was finishing up our book and I wanted to briefly talk about memes. As defined in our book memes are “contagious patterns of cultural information that are passed on from mind to mind and directly shape and propagate key actions and mindsets of a social group (Lankshear & Knobel, 2006).” What I thought was interesting about memes is how they involve being an insider. Individuals will not understand a meme’s humor or purpose if they are an outsider.
Most memes are also spread through the internet or in affinity spaces. It is the idea of an interactive community sharing ideas and thoughts.

Some of the memes discussed in the book I thought were interesting. I particularly found the ‘Niki Sweatshop Shoe’ meme to be hysterically. I also really liked The Dog Poop Girl meme. I could not believe the woman was identified online and was forced to apologize. However, I found the Nevada meme to be very disturbing. Which ones did you like?

I realize it is important to understand the features of memes that make them successful. A meme is meant to be absurd and humorous. A meme can also have satiric humor and social commentary. There all types of memes that relate to different people. In order to be a lasting meme, the book stresses the importance of fidelity, fecundity, and longevity.

However, I think it is necessary to discuss how memes can be used in the classroom. The book argues that a meme is part of language and literacy. To further make this point literacy was remixed, similarly to how D/discourse was. The ‘small l’ in literacy is defined as the process of reading the meme or making a meme, which overall entails strong technical skills. The ‘big L’ in literacy is associated with the meaning of the meme and the social significance (Lankshear & Knobel, 2006). As with remixing, memes involve participation and the sharing of ideas. Would you have students view memes or participate in making memes to discuss a point?

Finally, in order to be able to use memes in a classroom the teacher needs to know how to use affinity spaces. It is important to be aware of viruses and scams. I agree it is also essential to explore the internet and take risks. I think by taking this class, we are gaining a better understanding of how to use new literacies in the classroom and what to be wary of.

getting my sea-legs

I have my newlits user name and password, I am collecting my artifacts to make an effort to do this remix. I welcome any suggestions that you may have. I went to the newlits main page to experiment and simulate creating and posting a remix. I am trying to get ready for the November 1st. deadline.
kate

newlits.org

Dr. Knobel 

Thanks for giving me a step by step way to remix on newlits.  However, I have no idea what I am supposed to be remixing?  I am so sorry if this is a cray question!  I must admit I am completely lost!  Is it okay if we talk about this in class on the 25th or is that too late?  I am trying so hard not to get frustrated, but I do feel the tears coming!

 Thanks for your help.

Another way to Remix (or "Remash" as they call it)

I came across this website that seems similar to You Tube with all of the different videos. Through this website once you register you can pull your favorite videos from Google or You Tube and edit them by picking only certain parts from each and putting them together into one video. Just a different way to remix. I thought it was pretty clever and plan to try it out. Maybe something to use for our final projects! Here's the link:

http://www.searchles.com/misc/remash

Question about Youtube

Does anyone know if it is possible to use only the music off of a youtube video without showing the video itself? I'd love to use the music of a video I found but would like to show it with my own pictures. If anyone has any hints please let me know! Thanks!

Help!

I need help converting the song that I'm using for my movie to an mp3. I am able to play the song in Itunes and on my computer just like all my other music, but for some reason it's not the same type of file as most of my other music.

HIP HIP HOORAY!! Madison Has Made it to WIKI!!!

Hello Ladies of Digital Satur-daze!!!!!!!


First and foremost, I am so glad "WE" made it this far, yet it is still very early, but compared to DAY 1, we as a class are truly making strides and genuinely supporting each other.

Yes, ladies I have finally made it to wiki, now it is time to REMIX!!.. LOL ...

I always look forward to you ladies support and comments.

Photoshop Remixes

I was reading the article on Digital Remixing and decided to check out some of the websites in the article. Worth1000.com is a photoshopping remix website. This site has some really cool pictures on it. There is a section on hybrid produce in which people combine 2 pictures of fruits or vegetables and make a new one. Some of these "new fruits" look really amazing and so natural you could almost believe they are real. And they look really appetizing - like the melonana (watermelon + banana). It's amazing how creative people can be!!! They also have contests and people can judge which photoshop pictures are the best. Here's the link for this specific section on their website: http://www.worth1000.com/cache/gallery/contestcache.asp?contest_id=2853&display=photoshop

Question about Wiki Texts

Hi Everyone,

I have a question and was wondering if someone could help me out.  I was looking over the syllabus today and for the Wiki texts, the heading says "Two Wiki Texts" that we have to remix.  In the description it says we have to do four.  Does anyone know how many we have to do?  Thanks : )

Carey

newlits.org

Well, I created a user name and password and I am still clueless on what to do now?

Chapter 4 - Lost Frog Flier

I have to briefly discuss the lost pet flier written by Terry, a 16-year-old autistic boy. I am amazed at how something as simple as that can create such a following. I never realized how simple something can be to be turned into a visual meme passed on from person to person. It even has a website! Of course I had to explore the website after reading about this. I can't believe how many people remixed the idea of the flier! The math test was the funniest to me. I can't believe that a lost frog flier can create such a hype! It just goes to show you that anything that you create can develop a following like the lost frog flier. You Tube is another great example of how ordinary people can become famous through collaboration and participation in the digital world. Anything is possible!

"You wouldn't go in Barnes & Noble and take a book off of the shelf without paying".....

Hi Ladies that quote came from the readings of "Piracy and Pirates"

What is Piracy? " the using of creative property of others without permission"
Who are the Pirates " the flee(ers)


Are we as americans gulity?

Yes Yes Yes. and not only americans its nationwide, including Asia and Eastern Europe.

According the ariticles, piracy is happening EVERYDAY. It is most common in film, records, radio, and cable tv.

Just a little history: Thomas Edison fromed The Motions Pictures Patents Company, "MPPC"; to mininize the using others work or property without permission. So as a result "users" assume the right were only in USA, and went outside of the country to monopilze. "The pirates"

Here are some examples:

Film:

Independent film makers (the napsters of film)

Independent film makers confiscated unliscenced equipment to produced unliscence films

Music

In 1909 (wow) Congress amended a Copyright act; companies were free to distribute copies of recording so ling as they paid the composers or copyright holders.


Radio

When a radio stations plays a record on the air "public perfomance" of the composer work. the radio station owes the composer .

In other words everytime you be-bopping to your favorite tune in the radio in your car, that artist may be making millions. unless they are not the orginal artist, otherwise "REMIXEDDDDDD"

Cable

Cable is fairly "New" When the cable entrepreners first began wiring communities with cable in 1948, most refused to pay brocasters espeically local tv stations (CATV).

In finalle, Pirates and Piracy happend then and it still happening now. think about if you have purchased a second dvd, cd, pocketbook, parfume, i can continue on and on but i wont. I am beginning to feel GUILTY?

Are you GUILTY????



.

Getting Started.

I registered with the wiki, I would like to know how many software, I have to use to do at least one of the assignment. I need some help with the tech part. If anyone would like to help a fellow student, please let me know when you are on campus and available. I am always available on Saturdays; in the afternoons from 5:00 PM: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I would appreciate it greatly.

Thanks, Kate.

newlits.org

Quick question...

Has anyone registered with our course wiki?  I saw we need to do this on the syllabus.

Enter Here:

I always love to learn what other teachers do in their English classes especially when it pertains to older students.  I really enjoyed this article about personal narratives and digital storytelling (posted on Blackboard).  My 7th graders always create their own short stories during the fourth marking period.  Most of them retell a fairy tale, but I never really instructed them to think about their childhood.  Also, our stories are created in a bound book, not digital!  What a cool idea!  

Looking at that article, I was amazed at Niko's response to "what it means to be literate?"  He said literacy was "all the stuff that we don't learn in school that allows us to be who we are."  I wonder how my students would define what it means to be literate?  

I do plan to try to do more with media literacy with my students this year and possibly have the students create digital stories.  How do you incorporate digital literacy into your classroom? 

Hi Ladies

Hi Ladies,

Sry I have not been blogging all week. I had death in the family, atop of changing classrooms. I will defintley try to post my thoughts on "Privacy VS Piracy" this weekend. I miss you guys.

BYL (blog you later)

madison

Writing with books

Here's a clever project I came across today that people of all ages are highly likely to enjoy mucking around with. I especially like the shark story!

a few questions about the Theory-and-learning journal

Hello again,

Just a few questions about the journal.  Does anyone know about how long each of our journal entries should be?  Also, is there a certain number of entries we should have?  Thanks!

YouTube making people famous...

Hi Everyone,

I was thinking about a post that would be fun for everyone and the first thing that came to mind were a few of my favorite (and probably millions of other peoples) YouTube videos.  I was just going to post the videos with this little blurb.  I went to YouTube to find the videos and found another video to add.... if anyone has ever seen the "Charlie Bit Me" video, then you will be interested to see that Charlie and his family have become mini celebrities.  Not only has the video been viewed over 50 million times, but Charlie and his family were also featured as guests on a British talk show... I have linked the original video along with the video of him on the talk show.  Interesting what family videos can become! Enjoy : )

Original Video: Charlie Bit Me

Talk Show

Random Question about Video Cameras

Hey Everyone,

This may be a silly question, but I was wondering if anyone knows how or if you can download a video from a video camera to your computer? Would this be similar to videocasting that is described in Chapter 5? Would I need software for this or is it like when you upload pictures from a digital camera? I am going to visit Steve Garfield’s blog to see if it is helpful (website is located on page 177). If anyone has some insight, please let me know.
Thanks!!

By the way, I know this probably does not interest anyone but me; however, I have to share. I was looking around on youtube and I found highlight films for soccer and basketball games from my high school. I watched a few. There was also a photo gallery. Everyone should check out their high school or college. You never know what you might find. =)

NewLits remix

OK, now I need help.
I created a user on NewLits's Wiki. I wrote a "test" page, which I saw.
Then I tried to figure out how to "remix" Chris Shamburg's Wiki....and I can't figure it out.
I swear I used to know a good amount about technology.
My tech-logic is just not working right now and I feel as if I am lost in techno-limbo.
Has anyone done that assignment yet. If so, what step am I missing?
I'm done messing with it for tonight. I'm leaving it till tuesday. I'll let you know if I figure something out.
I do feel a bit stressed since I feel that "experts" will be looking at it and I don't want to destroy someone else's entry (ie: the expert)!!! No Pressure!

ISTE Webinar

I realize most of us are not in the technology field, however there is an AWESOME organization called ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) that has some pretty cool stuff. I was just curious to see where their conference was this year (DC in July 2009,btw) and found an upcoming webinar (soooo cool!) on video podcasts in schools...aka: vodcasts. The webinar is October 7th if anyone is interested.
Keep an eye on their website, you never know what other goodies they might offer!

A syms realization...5 months later

Hey Debby...
Did you know you could play with a family that already exists in Syms? You don't have to build them from scratch, you don't have to buy furniture...OR ANYTHING?
My kids told me that this summer. I was so annoyed!!!
Where the heck was THAT in the instruction book or in the tutorial.
Damn gammers! All that learning and I could have had it easy.
Who ever designed Syms must have been one of Gee's students. Sadists!

machinima.com

After class, I was determined to get my kids' impression of machinima.com
After much build up on my part(of the "men's bathroom etiquette" using Syms characters...which I thought was funny as heck!).... they thought it was lame. They returned to Youtube to their version of machinima.com-esque game character videos set to techo music.
I swear, I thought I was hip...my children proved me wrong! (although, I really like the techno music...it reminded me of the 80s).
I guess my kids will not be helping me with my research this semester.

Epic as a class read?

When, in class, we were discussing the idea of “self” in our “new” world or “new ethos”, I mentioned the book Epic I read, by Conor Kostik . The story line takes place sometime in the future in a communist style society of farmers etc… At night, people of all ages play the game of Epic to earn credits to help them buy items (solar panels, farming equipment, etc..) to help them in their real lives. As the story unfolds, the youth begin to question a few ideals:
- Why is our life predetermined
- Why are we unable to better ourselves
and the most interesting, I found, was “why can’t I change my character to be opposite gender?” The main character challenges the norm by creating a female character. In addition, he puts all her credits into beauty instead of weapons and potions as he had in the past. He then finds that player, in the game, give him secrets and tricks to beating the system.
The message of the book is certainly not that beauty will open doors, rather that thinking outside the box will take you further. A huge message of challenging the system is quite apparent. All in all a great read, particularly for teen gamers who don’t like traditional fiction.
There is a sequel, Saga, however, I was not as impressed with it as I was with the first book.
In the scope of our class conversations and encouraging students to read, Epic becomes quite relevant and timely. Perhaps it should become a course read?

Thoughts and questions about our final project.

With my reading this week, I have been thinking about our final video project quite a bit. I was thinking of running a song for the entire length of my video. Does anyone have a thought if this would be alright, or does the professor want us to speak during the video? If I remember correctly, the video we saw in class did not have anyone announcing or commenting on it. The song I am thinking about using has some terrific lyrics that I think I can use without interruption.

Cool video

I thought this was a pretty cool music video that incorporates the video game Halo and I'm not even familiar with the game. I wish I could fully understand the characters in the game, but the video was still entertaining. It's a bit long..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19KoKVkTNF0

Alice.org

Just wanted to let everyone know that one of the websites mentioned in our syllabus, Alice.org offers a free download of the software, Alice 2.0. This software allows you to develop your own animation with 3-D images found in the program. I downloaded it and starting mucking around the program and it seems like a great program to use as part of our final video project. It seems like a straightforward, simple way to create your own animation. Just thought I'd give everyone the heads up!

goggle earth

Hey all

I tried to check out "external links" on Blackboard for our last class.  I could not find it.  Well, I tried again tonight and low and behold... it was right in front of my eyes!!!  I was looking for this link as soon as I got onto Blackboard, but tonight I realized this link was on the left hand side after clicking into "course documents."  

So, I took a closer look at google earth.  I have only used google earth to see my house - cool, but boring.  I just watched two short videos completed using google earth.  The first one showed herds of different animals all over different countries.  The second one showed NYC.  I really enjoyed the second video.  Great music and and a touching look at Ground Zero.  Check it out on "external links" on Blackboard.

Morris Tech recruiting eight-graders for academies

Hi Guys,

I read an article in the Record praising the drive that Morris Tech is effecting to recruit eight-graders in specialized curriculum geared towards the students interest, the curriculum is designed to prepare student for the rigors of college and future carriers, student may select select from different academies such as networking, health care sciences, law enforcement, the academy for mathematics and engineering. In every case students may chose from the programs being offered to orient themselves towards a career or attend a good college. I think academies are a good way to keep the dropout rate down. I think Morris Tech is doing a good job by offering a broad range of disciplines that will be a magnet to most students. If you know any student in the Morris county area, you may give them inform them about this program. For more information call the Morris County School of Technology at 973-627-4600 or visit the school's website: www. mcvts.org. I hope this information may be helpful to some high school students.
Kate

Remix: The Art and Craft of Endless Hybridization

After reading this article, I am now aware of the many different types of remixes. I had never considered photoshopping to be a type of "remix". It always seemed much simpler than that to me and I now see that remixes do not always have to be complex. I also agree with Lessig (2005) when he says that culture as a whole can be construed as remix. I had never looked at our culture from that perspective.

In the section that talked about AMV production, the three key components involved in making good-quality AMV (synch, concept, and effects) stood out to me in terms of the movie that I will be working on and creating this semester. Before jumping right into the movie project, I now understand how important it is to plan everything out in order to allow the connection to be made between the actual movie and those who are viewing it.

As far as teaching our students, I think that Gee (2007) said it perfectly when he said that many of the tools young people increasingly have access to today are "smart tools" that have knowledge built into them in ways that enable them to "collaborate" with the tool user to do complex things that the user either cound not do alone or could not do as effectively. It is truly amazing how a young child can figure out the most complex tools when it has to do with technology. Children today are more likely to have the ability to teach their teachers about many of the new technologies than vice versa. That's why I think it is so important for teachers to keep up to date with the new technologies in the world, which I am already struggling with.

Along with the many ideas and "a-ha" moments that came to me after reading this article were the number of websites that were offered in order to allow us to continue exploring.

Class on 9/13

Hi Everyone,

If anyone has any information from this past Saturday's class (9/13) besides the powerpoint notes, I would really appreciate if you could share that information with me.  Unfortunately I was unable to attend class that day.  Thanks in advance.

-Carey : )

Fifth Graders Make Winning Award "You Tube" Video For Washing Your Hands!!!!

Hi Ladies,

This could be the cleanest rap song ever recorded.Students in Kaz Wright's fifth grade class at The Sampson G. Smith School in Somerset, were to be recognized this week in Washington for their YouTube video about the importance of personal hygiene,They won the 2008 Top Classroom Award from the "Healthy Schools, Healthy People: It's a SNAP" program.SNAP - the School Network for Absenteeism Prevention - is a collaboration between The Soap and Detergent Association

Click Below!!





Enjoy!!

Madison

Lets Remix Ladies

If you could "Remix" a popular movie and/or famous story what would it be??? Share your thoughts.


Zeffirellis 1968 Romeo and Juliet Death Scene Enjoy!!!!What you u like to REMIX? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro8WteSPO4k

Great Lesson!

I just wanted to say that today lesson, for me, was very eye-opening. Through our discussions, certain things started to make more sense to me than they ever did before. For example, I now have a clearer understanding between web 1.0 and 2.0. Web 1.0 has to be paid for and the material needs to be published whereas 2.0 is a "open source" where people share their thoughts and ideas. Web 2.0 is also a free page.

I also have a better understanding about machinima. The characters are like puppets. Something to think about for my finally project. Speaking of my fiinal project, I loved having the opportunity to work on the computer on the movie web sight and start to muck around. It gave me more confidence in dealing with my project. That is all I have been thinking about today.

Something else I learned today is that on the internet, there is "no truth" unless some can prove it. This I do understand, but what a tough concept to teach our children. Even a person's identity is not real on the internet. You can become anyone you wish to be on a computer. In some ways I guess it can be helpful. But in others ways it hurts people to feel like they are being lied to.

Finally, I believe I have to start watching "LOST" and "24". These are two programs I have never seen, however after our discussion today, they sound like they would be worth watching.

Debby

First time

Hello I just received my new blog account.

Seeing Youtube Differently!

Hello Everyone, I saw the video, An Anthropological Introduction to Youtube. WOW!!!

I have to say that I have been using Youtube for several years, but I never thought of it the way Michael Wesch set it up in his video... He stated that most of the videos were New and Original, New Forms of Identity, A Celebration of New Forms of Empowerment and Community and Global Connections.

Its so true... Its all about creating a persona, an identity. Michael Wesch stated that we want Individuality and Independence. And that is exactly what Youtube is... A Place where you can create yourself anyway you want and have the independence/liberty to pretty much do and say what you want. Michael Wesch also stated that we value community and relationships, and that is what is created when broadcasting oneself on the Internet/Youtube.

For Example, LonelyGirl15 had her own identity that people were intrigued by... She Blogged her life online, and soon thereafter was found to be a fraud. The creators of her false identity stated that "We are our own producer, Producing ourselves"... Kind of Scary if you really take a moment and think about it!! You really don't know who is real or not on the Internet.

In Michael Wesch's video it was very interesting to see and hear about the topic of Blogging. In the past, when I heard the word Blogging, I always thought of a thought, idea or comment being typed into the Internet and published. I never thought of it as being made into a video and broadcasted. And there was LonelyGirl15 making history with Blogging her life online.

What I also found to be incredible was what I read about Blogging in Chapter 3 of the New Literacies Book, wherein it states that the number of Active Blogs estimated at 28 million by Technorati.com in mid-February 2006 and that was two years ago, imagine now?! This comes to show how we are Participating Observers... By posting a Blog we are participating with the Interenet's Population which just keeps growing everyday!

You Tube Video

I totally agree with the points that you bring up. I tend to consider myself a "native" as well, but as I've been exploring the various websites and programs for this class, I'm finding that I'm not as much of a "native" as I considered myself. I found the You Tube video incredibly interesting because I had never looked at You Tube as being a site that connected people as much as it does. I am now able to see many other things that You Tube has to offer instead of only the funny clips that get sent to me via email. I learned a lot by watching "An anthropological introduction to You Tube". I was able to gain a different perspective on new technologies, You Tube in general.

Some movie-making resources

To download video clips from: YouTube, BlipTV, etc., go here:

• Video Downloader (http://www.videodownloader.net)


• Keep Vid (http://www.keepvid.com)

To convert a range of file types to other files types, go here:

• Zamzar (http://www.zamzar.com)

Copyright "safe"/okay music can be found here:

• ccMixter (http://www.ccmixter.org)


• Free Play Music (http://www.freeplaymusic.com)

Some Words of "Wisdom" + a pretty cool video

Hi everyone.  During my last semester finishing my Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Central Connecticut State University, (this past May 2008), I took a course entitled Victorian Short Fiction.  Being an English major, I went into the course thinking it was going to be just like any other high level English course I had taken.  I was wrong.  When my professor handed out the syllabus, there were multiple assignments which included blogging, use of a class Wiki, and many other interactive projects that were due for each class.  It was definitely overwhelming at first and seemed somewhat impossible (possibly similar to what Saturdays class felt for some of us).  As the class went on and we all got used to the interactive nature of the course even accompanied by Victorian Short Fiction, it proved to be actually fun and a definite learning experience for everyone.  I am hoping that this class will have a similar feel once we really start getting into things.

One thing that my professor showed us in talking about technology and how it is constantly advancing with input of everyone in the world is a few YouTube videos that show the development of a few Wikipedia pages.  I actually couldn't find the exact one that I wanted (waiting for an email response from my professor) but I found one for now which is similar to the idea.  The idea is to show how a wiki page can be rapidly updated by all different users which is something we know, but it is interesting to see it actually played out.  Once I get the video I wanted I will post that link : )

YouTube video 1

One more thing..

Can someone send me the notes from the first class? Thanks!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to introduce myself to everyone because I was not able to make it to our first class. I'm a third grade teacher in Livingston and am looking forward to learning more about new technologies that are out there. Although I feel that I am semi-competent when it comes to new technology, many of the topics that we will be learning about are very new to me! I am glad to see that a lot of us are in the same boat. I agree that it will be a challenging semester, but I am looking forward to working with all of you!

Second Life: Getting started

Here are some introductory materials to help you explore Second Life.

• http://blip.tv/file/262909
• http://cm.dce.harvard.edu/2006/01/82002/P11/index.html (stick with it beyond the introduction to the Harvard extension course)
• http://www.simteach.com/wiki /index.php?title=Second_Life_Education_FAQ
• http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Video_Tutorials

Moving around in Second Life: http://www.secondlifeinsider.com/2006/12/18/adjusting-to-a-new-world-moving-around/

Making movies in Second Life

Muck around with the movie-making feature of Second Life, too!

Making movies in Second Life
http://sl.nmc.org/wiki/Tips_and_Tricks


Examples of Second Life machinima:
Archive: http://www.machinima.com/films.php?engine=10
Adventures with Mandy: http://blip.tv/file/255913
My Second Life: http://youtube.com/watch?v=wa7u0a9pUSs

Things to do, places to go in "Seond Life"

Well done, everyone, on getting yourselves up and running (and flying!) in Second Life yesterday!

Here's some resources you might find useful as you explore this virtual world.

Making movies in Second Life
http://sl.nmc.org/wiki/Tips_and_Tricks


Public access places within Second Life you can visit (use the search function in your SL client to locate and teleport to these locations):
• Help Island
• New Citizen’s Plaza
• Laguna Beach
• Frisch (coordinates: 186,160,68)
• Paris 1900
• ABC Island
• Leda (cordinates: 210, 28, 54) (free stuff available in Yadni’s Junkyard)
• Caledon (Victorian themed)
• Roma
• The Sistine Chapel, on Vassar Island: http://slurl.com/secondlife/vassar/165/91/24
• Alliance Second Life Library http://alliancelibraries.info/secondlife.htm
• Edgar Allen Poe: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Montclair%20State%20CHSS/226/213/23


Role-playing areas (compiled by Gary Hayes, www.lamp.edu.au)
• Sigil - Wild west roleplaying at Sigil (141,137,28)
• Star Trek - RolePlay meeting area at Yulmu (213,72,79). Main RP area at Galaxy (165,89,103)
• Crimson Empire at Baji (45,93,108) - a strict vampire RP area, well set up (good character descriptions), good for groups of acting students.
• Star Wars - A wide range of (mostly scheduled, join the various SW groups) RP groups across several sims and builds. Main headquarters at Starfleet Sector001 (62,193,21).
• Roleplay alley - Alston (196,11,501) - very poor design, a mix of spaces, good for groups to go cause hardly anyone around most of the time...
• Elbow Room - Mare (104,44) - always folk around, bar atmosphere, more social than rp, but many do the "Cheers" thing (personal RP)
• Phasma (47,217,138)

Places to visit hosted by universities (compiled by Nicholas Papamarkos)

Bowling Green State University - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bowling%20Green%20State/113/171/

Drexel University - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Drexel/

Harvard University - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Berkman/105/74/35

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities - http://slurl.com/secondlife/MNSCU/128/128/0

Montclair State University - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Montclair%20State%20CHSS/128/128/0

Northern Illinois University - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Glidden/144/176/33

Ohio University - http://slurl.com/secondlife/ohio%20university/20/36/24/

Pennsylvania State University - http://slurl.com/secondlife/istania

San Diego State University - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Meadowbrook/244/59/34

Stanford University - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Esperance/66/136/31

University of Cincinnati - http://slurl.com/secondlife/EduIsland/173/198/22/

University of Texas Dallas - http://slurl.com/secondlife/UTD%20SOM/141/70/22/ & external link: http://slurl.com/secondlife/UTD%20ArtTech%20Island/139/43/90/

Vassar College - http://slurl.com/secondlife/vassar/109/114/27

eschool news

How timely!
There is an article on eschoolnews.com (http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=55118&i-d)
entitled: Student videographers prove ed tech works.
Give it a read!

First Class

Wow! I did jump through some hoops, but I made it. I learned how to blog and share this with my class! :) I only became frustrated when I had to create a new email, but I was able to finally create a gmail account! I do have a good feeling about all the NEW and EXCITING tools I am going to learn how to use!

Day One

What a day this has been!!! As I just said to my professor, "I feel like a dinosaur!" Things have certainly changed since I first went to school. Even the lingo has changed. Although computers have been in our lives for several years, I feel like I am learning all over again. Wiki, blogger, google, post, mouse!! HELP!! It has taken me a bit longer to get here, but I made it. I have confidence that being back at school will put me at least in this century. So much to learn. It is soon thrilling to have the opportunity to be here.

Today's lesson focused on the definition of literacy and identity. Even the definitions of these words are very different than before. Literacy is more than just reading. It's also interent, e-mail, cell phones, texting and much, much more. And identity can be so much more than who we are...it can also be a character we pretend to be.

Day One

New to Blogging

Yay, Im an official blogger!!!

I too am feeling a bit overwhelmed with so much technological information, but am eager to soak it all up and have some fun!

Making sense of it all

Although our course tasks seem a bit overwhelming right now, I am looking forward to learning about the new technologies that my students use daily and challenging myself with the final video project.

First post

Welcome to MEDI 503 class blog--this is where you post thoughts, troubleshooting tips and ideas.