Welcome to a new classroom!

Hey Everyone!

We're going to try something new today - a virtual classroom. I will be teaching you from home! The visiting teacher will be there physically, but we will interact through Google chat. Make sure to follow all directions from both me and your visiting teacher. First things first, your warm-up. Ask your visiting teacher for the NewsHour KWL chart and quietly fill it out. When you are done, send me a message.

Today we're going to start learning about podcasting and thinking about the podcast you will create for Mrs. Norris. To begin, please answer the following questions below.

1. Do you own or have access to an iPod or other MP3 device or a home computer?
2. Are you familiar with the term podcast and what it means?
3. Have you ever listened to a podcast?
4. Do you currently listen to/subscribe to at least one podcast on a regular basis?

Weds. Nov 5

Go to CNN.com, find an article about the election, read it and post your response on your blog. You have 25 minutes.

Classwork 10.22

Look at the following websites and record the information about the pages using our Homepage Analysis Sheet. We will use this sheet as a basis for a class discussion.

CBS 2

CNN

ABC 7

PBS

NBC 4

FOX 11

Based on what you have read and discussed, what does Marshall McLuhan's statement "The medium is the message" mean to you now?"

Write a paragraph explaining your answer and use information that you learned from monday's class discussion and your homework to support your response.

Classwork 10.20

To further explore media's impact on teens, visit the following websites, read the article and write a summary of each article on a sheet of paper. Click on the links below to view the websites.

Impact of Media on Children & Teens

Children, Adolescents and Television

Media Mayhem in the Midst of Tragedy

Television Violence

Violence in the News

Media Shapes Perception Day 1

Today we will continue to explore how media shapes our perception by examining a specific media event as well as how news organizations cover such events. This entire discussion will involve activities and discussions to help you answer the question..how does media shape our perceptions.

Today's warm up...

What do you remember of the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina?

Exploring Podcasts

Today I want you look through and subscribe to a podcast of interest for you. Once you have subscribed, listen to a podcast and then write a review of the podcast in your blog. You have 30 minutes to complete this. Even if you do not finish the podcast, and some of you might, write a review of what you did listen to.

Today we will begin a new unit where we will look at how media shapes our perceptions. We will explore the media's influence through a case study and also examine how our views are shaped by the media. The technology we will focus on is podcasting which is changing the way society uses media. To get started, we will identify and understand how media is used and how it affects society.

Today's warm up question...

In what way(s) does the media impact you on a daily basis?

Project Work Day #2

Today you will continue to work on your project, but with a little twist. I will explain once you have completed your warm up.

Warm Up...

Write a paragraph persuading a friend how MySpace can be dangerous and for them to use caution when on the site.

Today you will continue to work on developing your argument. By the end of the period, you should have 75% of your outline completed.

This morning Mrs. Marsh discussed internet safety. What could you do, as a member of the Media Arts class, to help spread the word to your classmates, the school community, family and friends about internet safety?

Developing Your Debate Argument

You've now read the last of the articles discussing the positives and negatives of Facebook, MySpace and YouTube. You've analyzed the articles, discussed the articles, and made a chart to outline the good and the bad. Now, that you've looked at all sides, what is your opinion? Write a paragraph answering the question "Does the value that Facebook, MySpace and YouTube provide outweigh the moral and ethical objections to them?"

Today in class you will begin to form your arguments and prepare for your debate.

Today we are going to look at YouTube - it's growth, it's content and it's future. You will read an article and answer some questions as well as add to your Value/Objection Chart.

Today's warm-up question...

When you visit YouTube, how much time do you usually spend watching videos? What type of videos do you like to watch? Have you ever posted a video on YouTube?

Good Afternoon Class!

I hope you are all treating the visiting teacher well and not trying to pull anything on him/her. I want to hear good reports when I get back!

As we are examining the positives and negatives of Facebook, I found this article this morning. Take a moment to read it and then tell me what you think. The article focuses on Facebook, but also think about MySpace and other social networking sites. Click on the link below, read the article and then create a two paragraph response to the article and POST IN YOUR BLOG!!!

Facebook Article From Yahoo

Machinery of Hope

Today we are going look at a positive experience the internet has brought. You will read the article "The Machinery of Hope" and participate in an activity regarding the article. The internet has changed the way we conduct our daily lives and today's class examines this phenomenon.

Today's warm-up is...

Describe a positive experience you have had using the internet.

Google Groups

Today we are going to learn a new Web 2.0 application that is used by Google. Last year, Google decided it would become more than a search engine and begin an email system, applications, and the use of groups. Google's new technology allows for groups to communicate, share and collaborate across the world. After you complete the warm up question, log into your Gmail account where you will find 2 emails from me. One is the invitation to the Media Arts google group and the other is the information for today's assignment. FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!!

Today's warm up question,

Other than Media Arts class, what groups might be able to use Google groups and why? List at least 3 groups and how they could use the application.

Building Your Argument Pt.2

Today we will continue to break down the debate question and begin to build an argument. Once you have completed your response, check your own blog to see my comment about your homework. If you have any questions about my comment, please ask me.

Today's warm up question...
Have you or anyone you know been the victim of cyber-bullying? Describe their experience.

Building Your Case

Today you will begin to build your case for determining the value of Facebook, MySpace and YouTube over the objections to each of the sites. You will review the articles you have read and then come together in your groups to begin building your argument. You will use the tools you have learned in Language Arts class to create your persuasive paper.

Today's warm up question is...

In the articles you have read on Facebook and MySpace, what have been some of the concerns expressed? Do you agree with the concerns, why or why not?

Homework

We talked today about how to make your blog interesting and one of the comments was to respond to current events. Throughout the year, I will post articles that relate to our topic of study or media issues in general. I would like for you to read the articles, think about them and what we are learning in class, and respond to the article in your own blog. Here is your first article...

C/Net Article on Facebook

Post need to completed by Wednesday morning, Sept. 17th

Blogging Part 2

Today we will finish our lesson on making an effective blog as well as spend time working of making your blogs the best they can be. So, you will spend 15 minutes responding to this post and to Mr. Pitts, then you will return to your desks and we will continue reading the article we started on Friday. After that, you will spend time working on your blog. At 2:50, I will review your blogs.

Today's warm up question....

In terms of how society receives information, how much of an impact do you think the Internet has had?

Blogging!

Today we will look at the whole concept of blogging and what makes an effective blog. We will read two articles and complete an activity before you hop on the computers and make your blog as effective ass you can. Today's warm question is...

In your opinion, what is the purpose of a blog?

My Facebook Account

Look for me as Juliet Capulet! Send me an "add friend" message when you have created your Facebook page. Remember FICTIONAL CHARACTERS FROM A BOOK OR MOVIE ONLY!!

The Question Facebook & MySpace

Today we will explore the benefits and the disadvantages of social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. We will look at how the sites have developed and have become a new way for our society to communicate. We will look at these sites with a critical eye and begin to answer the question of how much value do these sites really provide. To get you started, here is today's warm up question:

In what ways have Facebook & MySpace changed the way people communicate?

Warm Up & Class Assignment

This week we will focus on specific uses of the internet, mainly social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. But first, you must examine how the web has changed by comparing Web 1.0 sites and Web 2.0 sites. Once you have completed your warm-up question, please begin working on your comparision. Use your spiral to take notes on the website and the questions you downloaded from Friday as your guide. You will create a well-written blog post explaining your comparision and your final analysis. You have the entire period to complete this assignment. Work quickly and quietly. Today's warm up question is...

Estimate how much time you spend on the internet per day. What sites are you usually visiting? What are you doing at those sites?

Web 1.0 vs. 2.0

Today we will examine how web applications have changed and how the public uses the web. Today's warm up question is....

What web sites might you use which you can personally create, change, contribute to or comment on the site's content? What is the purpose of the site? To what degree might your (or any user's) participation be the point of the site?

Think about this question and then respond with a well thought out answer in your blog.

Blogging Begins

Yay! You made it to the Media Studies Blog!!!

Everytime you come into class, check this blog to get your warm up question. Then, answer the question in your own blog. Don't forget to spend some time looking at your classmates responses to the previous class meeting's question and respond to them. Have a conversation about media or whatever the question is about. Have fun, but most of all, remember to be nice! Now, onto today's question...

What do you often use the Internet for?

Welcome!

Welcome to the Media Studies Blog!