Final

Ernest Yeager
EDUC 6310
Educational Philosophy


While it is true that the point of education is to teach kids, it should be much more than that. Education is about growing and learning new information that can be applied to improve oneself. It is important to realize that becoming an educator is not just teaching kids but helping them realize what their strengths and weaknesses are. I plan to help students understand what they can do well and help them make decisions that will help their future.


A topic commonly used to address the true purpose of education is critical pedagogy. “In general, critical pedagogy supports pedagogical theories and practices that encourage both teachers and students to develop an understanding of the interconnecting relationship among ideology, power, and culture…(Stinson, 2012).” I feel the meaning behind critical pedagogy involves a sense of humanness. I as the teacher need to show that I am human and make mistakes. The mistakes that I have made and make help to shape me into the person I am. By being a positive example I can help to ensure the students gain the ability to work hard and find self-gratification so they can gain as much knowledge as they can from my class.


The student’s role contains many aspects. First the student needs to develop a level of respect for him/herself, parents, and teachers. Students need to appreciate the fact that they are getting a free education and should take advantage of it. I want to help teach the students how to do that. In order to grow, students need positive role models to help guide them. The student needs to have a safety zone and understand that while the teacher is there for them, they are ultimately responsible for their own education. I will not hand a student a passing grade if he or she does not earn it. A sense of accomplishment and achievement needs to be tied into the purpose of educating children.


In education it is necessary that the teacher is a flexible individual. Within my first year of teaching, I soon realized that events may not go as planned. I need to reflect on my teachings and determine what I can do better in the future to help create a smoother road. Many times students will not want to learn the material needed and will try to make me lose focus. When this arises, I want to enforce the discipline necessary to ensure proper learning for everyone.


Educators must also incorporate new ways of teaching. “Educators find numerous reasons to introduce medial literacy as part of the curriculum (Hobbs, 2011).” In order to change with the times and reach students at their level, I need to be willing to adapt new technology resources. My goal is to learn what it takes to reach students effectively. This may involve teaching critical media literacy in order to help them understand the media that they occur in their everyday environment.


“Technology plays an important role, not alone but as a constantly changing set of socially situated tools for literacy, for making sense of the world, and ourselves (Avila, 2013).” Teachers need to help students understand the community around them. The role of the teacher within the community should be based on their educational ties. As long as my students will benefit and gain understanding, I will engage within the community to help guide my students.

Resources:


Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.


Hobbs, R. (2011). Teaching Media Literacy: Yo! Are You Hip With This? Retrieved from http://www.medialit.org/reading-room/teaching-media-literacy-yo-are-you-hi


Stinson, D., Bidwell, C., & Powell, G. (2012). Critical pedagogy and teaching mathematics for social justice. International Journal of Critical Pedagogy, 4(1), 76-94. Retrieved from http://libjournal.uncg.edu/index.php/ijcp/article/viewFile/302/263

5 Links

*http://eyeager1256.blogspot.com/


*http://www.youthconnectionscoalition.org/pdfs/MS7LessonPlans.pdf


*http://atr.k12.hi.us/tutorials/tutorials/digstory/ptofview.htm


*http://www.youthrelationships.org/documents/media/OSSLC%20-%20Cell%20Phone%20Savvy.pdf


*http://www.blogger.com/features

Digital Story Rough Draft

Week 14 Reading

 “The most obvious thing to say about digital stories and other kinds of signification that are mediated by new information technologies is that they offer distinctive contrasts to the primarily alphabetic texts and the forms of textual reasoning that predominate in schools and universities.”

I like how this statement offers a view on digital stories.  I feel that there is potential to the technologies being used in the classroom.  I think we as teachers to use digital technologies to help students develop reasoning skills on a whole new level. 

Another key point this quote makes is that it includes universities.  Higher education is focusing more and more on the technologies being developed.  During my undergrad, I learned of many ways that I can use technology within the classroom.  While it is important to embrace these changes, I truly believe we should not let the changes consume us.  We need to strive to keep the good from the past and enhance it as technology continues to develop.

This picture incorporates all the ideas and keypoints addressed in digital storytelling.  

1.     1.  How does digital storytelling support academic literacies?

Digital storytelling has a lot of components.  The idea of writing and imagery can be used in English and Reading classes.  Also while students create digital stories, they are incorporating technology skills that they can use for future use. 

2.       2.Now that you have created your own digital story, do you think that using images, words and music to create a message is simplistic compared to traditional alphabetic print based argumentation?

I don’t think it is simplistic, but I think it is easier to express more than one idea.  Being raised in the technology age, I think that I can express myself easier by using music and images.  I was told that I am a man of few words.  I really don’t need words when it comes to creating a digital story.  There are multiple ways I can present myself and still make the message relay. 

3.    3.   After creating your own digital story, do you see how digital storytelling can help develop a stronger sense of agency in their own lives? Do you think this might have a positive impact on students’ academic lives? How? Why?

I think that digital stories would have a positive impact on student’s academic lives.  They are able to get engaged with school and develop something that will express who they are.  Increasing student participation is one goal for almost all teachers.  This is a great activity that will help get the students involved and get them motivated.  This idea of digital storytelling can always be modified to include lesson material and CSOs that need to be covered by the teacher.  

Week 13 Reading

“Not surprisingly, technology instruction has become a component of the vast majority of teacher preparation programs, in recognition of the need for pre-service teachers to be prepared to teach and to live in a digital society.”

When I was in my undergrad program, I learned a lot about technology uses and how to incorporate them into my teaching.  I continued to learn of different ways as I went on to get my master’s degree.  I realize technology has become a part of our world and kids are around various forms on a daily basis.  My concern is that we will soon let technology consume us to the point that we do not know how education came about.  I feel that we need to also know how to teach kids basics and to live without technology because, unfortunately, technology may not be available everywhere. 

 

This is an image that address a topic mentioned within the chapter "TPACK." I feel that I learned a lot of concepts within the diagram during my education study. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.       Why do the authors of this chapter chose to use the term "critical digital literacies" rather than just "digital literacies"

The authors want to enforce the idea that we need to understand and engage with the contexts of technology.  Instead of focusing on the importance of technology, we should be aware of how to use it and develop skills necessary for implementation. 

2.       How well did our own teacher education program prepare you to use technology in your teaching practices? Was it more tools based or literacy based?

I would say the teacher education program was a balance of both tools and literacy.  We read a lot of articles of different technologies and we also used different programs to develop projects like digital stories and lesson plan’s using a WebQuest.  I feel I have learned of the many options I have and can choose what would apply to my math classes. 

3.       What should  teachers be thinking about when they engage in critical thinking as it relates to technology use in school?

We as teachers should be thinking of the social, cultural, and historical contexts of the technology use in school.  Basically I see that I need to make sure I use the technology in the right manner and ensure the kids know how to use it appropriately. 

4.       On page 149, it is stated that students have certain rights with respect to "critical digital literacies." Do students in your teaching context have these rights? Give an example or non-example of at least one of these rights.

Yes students in my teaching context has these rights.  My students use technologies such as laptops and iPads in order to conduct research for the “Innovation Zone” in which they are learning. 

Week 12 Activity 1

Activity #1

·         Point of View: This story will be told in first person.  The message is how I found my place in this crazy world and what obstacles I overcame in order to get where I am today.  The audience will be anyone who has experienced emotional abuse and tried to find a way out. 

·         Dramatic Question: Why me? I always asked myself this when I was growing up.  I wanted to know why it was me who had to deal with this.  I didn’t ask for it, it was just there.  Why?

·         Emotional Content/ Economy: The emotional tie is that all of us are searching for something.  At this point I was looking for a way out of the hurt and pain, and I found it when I started living my life for the greater purpose. I finally surrender to a much greater life.  I did not realize that I was loved by someone who gave all that he had in order to pursue a relationship with me. 

·         Voice/ Pacing: This will be based upon the pictures and very informal. 

·         Soundtrack: Above All (instrumental)

Digital Storyboard

Week 12 Reading

1. How did the Ask Anansi game support critical literacies?
“These instructional practices combined tenets of critical pedagogy with critical and sociocultural literacies.” Students were asked to share their opinion and thoughts on topics of the world. This game supported the idea of space for questions and different ways of understanding positions and views on certain issues. The scavenger hunt helped enforce critical literacies beyond the walls of the classroom.  

2. How did the Ask Anansi game support academic literacies?
The game allowed students to find answers to solutions from hints and instructions. So the students were learning the content, but at their own will in order to complete the game. The students also engaged in critiquing topics and providing “counter-narratives” to stories they engaged in.

3. How did the Ask Anansi game support digital literacies?
This game allowed the students to use iPods to complete parts of the game. The literacies that were incorporated dealt with students using appropriate information. Also it helped students know when digital tools are most effective and they do not need to consume the entire aspect of learning. The book makes the statement “A pedagogy of participatory media,…, responds to the needs and interests of youth and engages them in practices they are familiar with to develop a transformative, community-driven voice.” This game reinforced the idea of involving the thoughts of the youth and making sure their voice was heard.

4. What is meant by the term "reading the word and reading the world and writing the world"? Give an example from the chapter.
This term involves individuals reading what is written, reading how it is in the world, and reinventing and “re-interpreting” the texts that exist in the world. Basically I see it as forming your own opinions based on what you have read and seen in action.
The example from the chapter is when the students were asked to create a counter-narrative from the research they had been involved in.


QUOTE FROM READING:
"Teachers must bridge the gap between school and society and play some part in the fashioning of those great common purposes which should bind the two together."
A lot of times teachers get hung up in the idea of teaching just content.  One of the things I try to do is have some type of off-the-wall discussion to allow the students to learn something other than math.  It is important that students see how they should act and what society expects after high school.  Instead of just teaching content, we should teach social concepts like modesty and manners and work ethic.  Ensuring students to a successful future goes beyond the CSOs that must be covered for some type of test. 
Below is a picture of puzzles being connected by chains.  I see this as follows: Teachers are the chains that help connect what the students knew before and what they need to know in order to cross the bridge into their next chapter of life. 

Reference

Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.

http://thegradstudentway.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/gap.jpg

Week 11 Reading

In a blog posting, copy and paste a quote from the text that have moved you in some way (i.e. surprised, confused, disagree, strongly agree) and in about 100-150 words state why you have selected the quote. Then find an article, video, podcast, blog posting, image related to what you have read and link to it or embed it in your Blog. Describe the resources and a brief explanation of how it is connected to the reading.  Then answer the following questions:

"Technology plays an important role, not alone but as a constantly changing set of socially situated tools for literacy, for making sense of the world, and ourselves."
This quote is 100% true.  Technology does constantly change the way we socialize and make sense of the world.  20 years ago I would have never thought I would have a facebook profile or submitting assignments on a blog.  These changes have affected the way I see how things can be accomplished.  Also I see how different friendships are in today's time.  Whether people like it or not, technology will continue to change the way we experience society.  It is our responsibility to stay caught up and keep the communication going while the changes occur.

This picture I chose because it emphasizes the connection technology has with the word and one day technology will help run the world in ways we can not imagine.  












1. What is the difference between an "essentialist" "traditionalist" or "autonomous" "perspective of technology and literacy and a New Literacy Studies ot "ideological"perspective on technology and literacy? Which perspective do you adhere to? Why?
Essentialist, Traditionalist, or Autonomous- "lack of attention to sociocultural factors and the context in which technologies are used"
Ideological Perspective- "literacies are embedded in different ideologies and have consequences on as they act together with a large number of other social factors, including political and economic conditions, social structure, and local ideologies."
The difference is the first perspective focuses on the technology itself and not the social factors.  The second perspective incorporates social factors as consequences that happen from the technological literacies.  Both technology and social factors are together.
I would have to relate to the 2nd perspective.  I feel that with technology, you must be aware of the social impact it has.  Facebook is a great example of how a technological literacy can affect people's lives.  
2. Give three concrete examples of how the teacher in the chapter supported "new literacy" or "critical digital literacies" practices with blogging.

1. She actively participated in the class blogs..
2. She posts images and quotes that inspire her.
3. Anne also posted assignments to the blogs and allowed her students to submit the information accordingly.

References:
Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.

Brainstorming My Digital Story

1. Describe a positive scene from childhood in detail.  What led up to this event? When and where did it happen?  Who was involved?  What were you thinking and feeling?  Why is it an important event?  What impact did it have on you?
One positive scene I remember when I was a child is when I went to church camp for the very first time and received Christ as my savior.  The things that led up to this were me going to church for the first time since I was 2 years old.  I started going again when I was about 11.  I did not know what to think.  When I was asked about camp, I was nervous.  It was a challenge for me to be away from home.  So after many internal struggles I went.  Then 4 days past and as I was listening to the preacher, I felt this tug.  I knew I needed a change in my life and that is when it happened.  July 2001.
The place was in Upshur County.  The camp was the last full week of July.  Some random counselor lady was the one who helped me pray and ask Jesus to be the guide of my life.  I was anxious, nervous, and happy all at once.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.  This led to me getting baptized the following September.  WHAT A SUMMER THAT WAS! THE IMPACT IS COUNTLESS!
2. Describe a negative scene from childhood in detail.  What led up to this event? When and where did it happen?  Who was involved?   What were you thinking and feeling?  Why is it an important event?  What impact did it have on you?
A negative scene was not noticed as something negative at first.  When I was 8 years old, my mom decided to get married.  I was so excited because I did not have a dad up until that point.  The  emotions that I felt that led up to this happiness was excitement, joy, and extreme caution.  I did not know why I was cautious, I just was.  My life soon changed as I began to struggle with the fact that he was an alcoholic and the years of emotional battles that would soon take place.  The impact this life had on me changed the way I viewed fathers.  It also helped me realize the father I want to eventually be.
3. Describe a particular event from your teen-aged years that stands out in your memory today.  This can be positive or negative. What led up to the event?  What happened?  Where and when?  Who was involved?   What were you thinking and feeling?  Why is it an important event?  What impact did the event have on you.
One particular event was the passing of my grandpa.  I was at a 4-H livestock show when this happened.  I was close to my grandpa, up until my mom got married.  Then we drifted apart.  I was sad, numb, and emotionless at first.  It was like someone hit me with a bulldozer and I was flat on the ground unable to move.  I did not know how to feel.  All the times we spent together just came flooding back.  It is important because at that point I knew life was precious and I needed to make the most of it while I can.
4. Describe a vivid or important memory from any time in your adult years.  Again, this can be positive or negative.  It can be about anything – family, work, whatever.  The scene stands out in your mind today as being especially vivid or important.  Please describe what led up to the event.  Then describe the scene in detail.  What happened?  Where and when?  Who was involved?  What were you thinking and feeling?  Why is it an important event?  What impact has the event had on you?
COLLEGE GRADUATION! It was Saturday May 23rd 2012.  It took 4 years of endless study and countless hours at the library to lead to this.  I also made good friends along the way.  Even though I was sad to say goodbye to another section of my life, I was relieved to be stress free from HW and Math problems.  I will never forget the excitement and joy I had when I walked across the stage to receive my "diploma" (later mailed) and hear all of my family shout as the flash of a camera occurred.
 5. In looking back on your life, you may be able to identify particular “turning points” – episodes through which you experienced an important change in your life.  Please choose one key turning point scene and describe it in detail.  If you feel your life story contains no clear turning points, then describe a particular episode in your life that comes closer than any other to qualifying for a turning point – a scene where you changed in some way.  Again, please describe what led up to the event, what happened in the event, where and when it happened, who was involved, what you were thinking and feeling, and so on.  Also, please tell me how you think you changed as a result of this event and why you consider this event to be an important scene in your life story today.
A key turning point in my life was when I met my real father for the first time at the age of 20.  It was a turning point because it was an answered prayer.  I had battled this internal war for 3 years as to what I should do and whether or not I would like to meet him.  I am glad I did because he just affirmed that God does still do miracles and without him, I would still be going through life not knowing who my real dad was.

Week 10 Activity 1

Element #1: Take a look at the two examples and see if you can identify the purpose behind each story. What is the point of view in each? Whose voice do you hear?

#1 The purpose is to show how to make salt. The viewpoint is from a worker.  Throughout the video, you hear the workers voice. 

#2 The voices you hear is singing and a narrator describing some scenes.  I see the viewpoint as being an audience watching a slideshow.

Element #2: See if you can find a dramatic question in the examples for this section. Is the question resolved in each movie or are you left without a resolution?

#1 “Are we making Guam ugly?”  I feel I am left without a resolution. 

#2 “What is the Seward Legend” I feel they resolve this by telling the legend.

Element #3: See if you can identify the emotional paradigms behind these stories.

#1 Depression leading to suicide attempts.

#2 Family history and not taking advantage of our loved ones who know the roots of your family.

#3 “Don’t talk to strangers!” Strangers just fit in and at any moment can so something negative like abduct someone. 

Element #4: What impact that the voice plays on the overall effect of the story.

#1 I think the voice adds validity to the story.

#2 The voices help connect the images and make the story flow together. 

Element #5: What impact does the music have on the emotional content or purpose of the story?

#1 The music helps engage the viewer.  It helps add the effect to the lifestyle of this group of people.

Element #6: Look at the examples in this section and consider the decisions the authors made about length of clips, types of transitions and sequence of events. Are you able (as a viewer) to fill in the missing pieces? Give an example?

#1 Seems to make flow quickly keeping pace.

#2 The narrator seemed to address the pictures well, especially when she said Tara was sitting in the basement. 

#3 Seemed choppy and not flowing.  I feel there were too many different images and did not create a single story.  I felt it was hard to follow a plot, other than “Dreams.”

Element #7: How does the narrator use their voice to pace the story? Give a specific example.

#1 The narrator uses the voice to explain the movie as it goes along.  I think a good point is when they give the example of an earthquake happening in 1995

#2 Honestly I thought of “Great things come in small packages.” The lack of voice is great because I was able to get the hints of subtle humor within the video. 

Activity 2 Week 10

• Point of View. What is the point of view in each? Whose voice do you hear?
• The point of view is the author.  She goes through describing how we are the ones who define what we are.  
• Dramatic Question. What is the dramatic question? 
• "If You Really Knew Me..." Even this is the title, it speaks the question "Do you really know someone?"  
• Emotional Content. What is the emotional content of the story? How or why do you relate to it?
• I can relate to being alone in your room.  It was when I reached this point that I needed to do something.  I had my moments when I was younger when I doubted myself and thought to myself "what am I doing here?"

Reading #10

1.    How has social media changed reading and writing processes in the digital age?

a.     Readers of social media can now have access to links and other resources at the click of a button.  Also social media allows for communication between different groups of people has increased.  The exchange of ideas about literacy is faster and at a more accessible area. 

2.    Explain "cosmopolitan practice" in relation to digital literacies and it means for learning in school.

a.     Cosmopolitan practice involves someone reaching beyond the ties and creating bridges throughout the world through digital literacies.  Schools engage in digital literacies all the time.  The idea for schools going beyond their traditional forms of learning is enhanced by the development of digital literacies. 

3.    How did the cosmopolitan conversation video challenge support critical media literacy?

a.     The cosmopolitan conversation video supported critical media literacy by having the children create digital stories.  The videos were to express the views of how the youth feel about the world issues.  Students were also encouraged to reflect on opinions of others and adjust their personal views if necessary. 

4.    How does this quote from the text, "In this digital age, traditional content creation such as book reports, unit projects and essays, cannot be merely digitized and regulated to the end of the unit as capstone demonstrations of content mastery," make you think about how digital technologies should be used to support learning in school?

a.     Digital technologies should be aids to help students complete the projects or essays.  Technology offers students many different ways to share an essay or create a book report.  Programs like Prezi or Slideshare can help students see ways and develop and share what they have learned or created. 

5.    How do the digital stories you watch this week support the concept of cosmopolitanism?

a.     The digital stories supported this concept because I was opened to the world around me.  I changed my viewpoints and applied some of the concepts to my life.  The video I liked dealt with me defining myself.  I make my own opinions and I define me by my actions and thoughts. 

6.      In a blog posting, copy and paste a quote from the text that have moved you in some way (i.e. surprised, confused, disagree, strongly agree) and in about 100-150 words state why you have selected the quote. Then find an article, video, podcast, blog posting, image related to what you have read and link to it or embed it in your Blog. Describe the resources and a brief explanation of how it is connected to the reading. 

a.     “The recently released “Common Core State Standards Initiative, which was designed for college and career readiness…”

This quote is not the whole thing, but this first part affects me a lot.  Math is changing drastically to help address the issue of getting kids ready for after high school.  As a first year math teacher in a high school, I am amazed at everything that is changing in the matter of 3 years.  I understand the goal behind it and I completely agree with the fact that kids who are not going to college should be ready for some type of career.  They should be aware of the math they need in order to succeed with the career they choose. 

This is just one way that the math is changing in order to help the students better understand the concepts and the relevance.  

Reading #9

In a blog posting, copy and paste a quote from the text that have moved you in some way (i.e. surprised, confused, disagree, strongly agree). Then in about 100-150 words state why you have selected the quote. Then find an article, video, podcast, blog posting, image related to what you have read and link to it or embed it in your Blog. Describe the resources and a brief explanation of how it is connected to the reading. 

"In the organization of learning in the digital-storytelling activity, the children were the central decision makers in choosing a story around their interests and ideas."
When I was first introduced to this activity, my initial response was how this could be related to math.  But after more reading and understanding, I began to realize this activity is to help me as the teacher get to know my students.  Each kid has a lifestyle that is different to that person.  Teachers have the privilege of coming in contact with many personalities.  We also can affect the students in a positive way. 
When this project would be assigned, the students get to choose what information they want to share in order for others to get to know them.   Giving students a sense of choice is one way to really relate to them.  I need to make the students feel important so that they want to learn and better their future.  The digital story activity is one tool that can help do that. 

Resource:

This quote I found when I Googled the phrase "giving students choices in the classroom."  This is related to my quote I chose from the text.  Good teachers will impact students.  Getting to know the students is a great practice that will show the students how much the teacher cares about them. 











Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.

Digital Storytelling and Reel Works

 

God if a forest

 

1.What do you like about the digital story?

I liked hearing the different viewpoints of people on religion.  I have never taken the time to ask individuals what they believe and I feel after watching this video, I did jus that.  I was able to relate to some people about their beliefs and I was also able to get a feel for what other people think.

2.What did you learn from the digital story?

I learned that people are more diverse than what we think.  Each person has a good guess about his or her neighbor, but until that person asks, he or she doesn't really know.

3.What surprised you about the digital story?

The big thing that surprised me was when the girl did not know her boyfriend had different beliefs.  I feel that is something that should be talked about in a relationship.  Because if the relationship pursues and marriage takes place, then children may be affected by the different beliefs. 

4.How did the digital story provide an example of how digital storytelling can build self esteem, help young people voice an opposition to social problems,  or create an alternative to stereotypes of adolescents typically portrayed in mainstream media?

Religion is a big controversy.  This digital story addressed the opposition to different views on religion.  It also seemed to build the overall main characters self-esteem.  This story used the voices of young individuals to obtain the viewpoints necessary to make this digital story connect to the audience. 

PSA

Reading and Discussion 8

◾What do you think about the concept of relocalization?
I like the idea that relocalization helps build some communities. I agree with Katie's view on the topic. I feel everyone should put in effort and take a role in order to help maintain a better community. It truly takes a team, a group of people to build and grow. Also if more people do the job or take responsibility, the whole nitpicking and blaming others for something not done right might decrease. This would allow for more positive feelings and a sense of belonging to exist.
◾Where do you stand on neoliberal policies for education reform?
After reading the attached page, I do not agree with most of the neoliberal policies. I would be the first to admit that I do not know a lot about government issues. But it seems that neoliberalism has too many hidden agendas. According to the Global Exchange, a view of Neoliberalism is to cut public expenditure for education. This is just one of many negative views that Neoliberalism has.
◾How did using a public relations firm create tension between the goals of critical media literacy and having students create promotional videos?
The goal of the critical media literacy was to show the students the media and help them understand the messages they run into on a daily basis. The firm wanted the students to create powerful media using the techniques they were intentionally learning to breakdown.
◾Do you agree with the researcher that Ellen's PV should be consider an example of critical media literacy? Why? Why not?
I agree because Ellen seemed to grasp the concept of critical media literacy. She was able to use the tools to not only break down the media, but put together a PV that showed her interests while promoting the school. 


Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical digital literacies as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.


http://www.globalexchange.org/resources/econ101/neoliberalismdefined

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Week 7 Reading

Identify three ideas you will use to inform your PSA of the need to teach critical media literacy in school.

1. "Long-range studies have shown increases in youths' digital literacy habits in a relatively short time period."
     It is obvious that students are growing in technology use.  I would like to help teachers see the fact that we need to incorporate technology in order to help better reach our kids.  If we are not willing to help teach digital literacy, then how can we expect the kids to perform great in the future.  We need to incorporate the tools that kids will be familiar with.  This can help connect the comprehension of the material to something relating to the students.

2. "So teachers have much leeway in their instructional approaches to teaching digital literacies, but obstacles still remain."
     This is a powerful message to teachers.  We have a lot of options available to teach the content we are told to teach.  We should remain strong and focused that way when we approach the obstacles mentioned in the article, we can think back and realize we have leeway and should not feel pressured to do things one way.  Teaching digital media literacies can be incorporated into our instruction and should not be an obstacle we have to overcome.  Even though technology is "new", we have many approaches available to introduce the information to the students.  

3. "Many teachers are still unclear about the import of integration and instruction."
    It is important to emphasize that in order to push the teaching of the digital literacies, instructors need to know how to incorporate the technologies in their instruction.  Teachers need to be trained on all the options they have to integrate the literacies in their content or field of study.  

Find an article that helps you understand how to implement critical pedagogy into your classroom setting. In a blog posting, summarize what you learned about enacting critical pedagogy in your own classroom and detail what like about critical pedagogy and what concerns you. 

"Critical Pedagogy and Teaching 
Mathematics for Social Justice"

    The biggest thing I learned from the article is that in order to implement critical pedagogy into my classroom, I need to be open to change and allowing myself to grow with each group of students I see.  One reason I see as a second year teacher is that students who are in my math classes want to know when they will use certain "skills" in their future.  If they feel it is irrelevant, then they do not want to put forth the effort to learn it.  In order to help teach them, I would like to try to pursue the idea of pushing my students to think logically.  
    I want to grow and make the "continuous journey", as mentioned in the article, in learning to teach Mathematics with critical pedagogy. I need to be open to changes and willing to learn different approaches to tie in the concepts to more meaningful relationships with the students.  
    My biggest concern with this is not reaching every student who struggles with making connections.  Even with all the practice and training I might, I must not lose sight of the fact that not everyone will learn to love Math like I do and I need to be patient with the students who truly want to understand but yet have difficulty.  

References:

Avila, J., & Pandya, J. (2013). Critical  digital literacies  as social praxis. (Vol. 54). New York: NY: Peter Lang Publishing Inc.

Stinson, D., Bidwell, C., & Powell, G. (2012). Critical pedagogy and teaching mathematics for social justice. International Journal of Critical Pedagogy, 4(1), 76-94. Retrieved from http://libjournal.uncg.edu/index.php/ijcp/article/viewFile/302/263

Week 6 Reading

1. What instructional moves (i.e. group formation, topic selection, scaffolding the process, assessment) did the teacher that you might replicate in your own teaching practices that involve critical media literacy?

A big move I liked was the topic selection.  Even though the instructor did not care too much for the topic, he allowed the students to proceed.  I feel this was due to the fact that the students in that group were able to back their information with facts and other suitable criteria.  I also like that once the group had finished part of their project they had to go to the teacher for approval. 

2. What do you think about the student created PSA? Did it seem creative? Do you think it could serve as a legitimate assessment of writing ability? Do you think the topic would be appropriate for school? What if the students chose a pro-choice stance?

I like the topic and I agree that the PSA was creative.  It showed that the students were interested in it and were willing to perform any research required to complete the announcement.  I do not think it would serve as a legitimate assessment of writing ability on all levels.  Writing for a service announcement is different from writing in a blog or an informal essay.  Therefore the PSA would only serve as an assessment for writing PSAs. 

I do feel the topic is appropriate for school.  Students have the right to voice their opinions and if they prove it or back up their opinions with appropriate research, then they should have the freedom to share their information.  This would also allow for arguments to come up about pro-choice. The more the students conduct research, then the more they will be prepared to support their argument. 

3. Do you share the researcher's concerns that the PSA reproduced dominant or mainstream media representations of girls and social class? Why or Why not?

I agree with the concerns to some extent.  The researcher backs up the opinion and the concern, however I believe the message can be viewed, and should be viewed, in a way that can relate to more than one social class.  The message is important and needs to make people of all backgrounds aware of the “issue” presented in the PSA.  I do not feel it was the intent of the students to present something that would cause “media representations of girls and social class.”

4. What concerns do you have about engaging students in critical media literacy?

I am concerned that while students would have the freedom to develop their own opinion or viewpoint, they would not get the necessary guidelines to help achieve something in a safe or secure way.  Students need to know media literacy, but they should be made aware of the rules or legalities that come with media literacy and publication. 

5.  What topics might you use for a PSA that would help you meet your curriculum goals and content standards?

This is hard to do for math, but I think I would have the students create a PSA that deals with budgets or funds of a levy that they would like to pass.  This would require research and appropriate presentation in order to persuade the audience. 

6. How would you implement the construction of a PSA in your own classroom to include aspects of critical media literacy?

If I were to pursue the above topic mentioned, I would allow kids to choose the type of bond or levy, or any other budgeted expense and create a presentation to enforce their view.  

Week 6 Activity 1

 

“Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time” ("Our starbucks mission," 2013).

These are the persuasion techniques used in the above Starbucks ad. 

·         Association-coffee and good customer service.  The company associates their coffee to something is of perfect quality. 

·         Flattery-this occurs in a subtle way.  They try to make the customer feel good by appealing to their needs. 

·         Slippery slope- Basically if the customer is not having Starbucks, then he or she will not have an enjoyable beverage. 

While researching the company, I located the mission statement, stated above.  The goal of the company is to satisfy the human spirit and create a community of coffee lovers.  They have been in business since 1971. 

 

Here are some reviews found on Starbucks-

“Bravo!”
— Kansas City Star

“An intriguing and substantial look at what is required to turn around a fading company…. enriched by the insider, generally frank, look he offers and the humanity he expresses.”
— The Globe & Mail

My experience with Starbucks has always been good.  I have received what I ordered and the service is always friendly.  Essentially the company tries to appeal to every type of customer and is willing to even go the extra mile to ensure good quality taste. 

My counter example ad reveals that Starbucks feels if they can’t make your drink to your needs the second time around, then you are not buying your coffee at the right place.  They have many options and offer a satisfying drink. It’s the customers own fault if they choose to buy poorer quality coffee at a competitor’s store.

 

Introduction to media literacy. Retrieved from http://medialiteracyproject.org/sites/default/files/resources/Intro_to_Media_Literacy.pdf

Our starbucks mission statement. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/mission-statement