PSA Storyboard

With my story board, I want to bring attention to negative and insensitive posts on Facebook. I see all kinds of insensitive postings, that somehow express beliefs that not everyone shares. Lately there has been so many events that have happened that are making a stir on social media. People are taking this events and turning them into memes, mocking them, and just all around jabbing fun at someone else's expense.

What I don't think people really realize is that what they post can have an affect on their Facebook friends, some of whom are family, or even children. People need to stop and just think before they hit that share button. Hopefully, with my PSA, I can keep at least one person from posting something harmful.

The audience for my PSA can be all people on social media. Young people aren't the only one's who post things that are insensitive to other people. Adults are just as guilty.

Persuasive techniques that I am attempting to use are plain folk and individuality. The main technique that I am using is emotional appeal.

Chapter 3: Critical Questions, Close Reading

Chapter 3: Critical Questions, Close Reading

• Critical questions are different because they're fundamentally interpretive- there are multiple answers possible. (p.54)

I find this interesting and I definitely agree. In the text, it mentions that teachers use questions a lot as a form of learning and to get information from the students. Unfortunately, teachers use a lot of closed questions; questions which can only be answered in one way--the correct answer. I believe that I fall into this category. Most of the time, in Math, there really is only one correct answer to a question. I find myself at a loss of what to say when a student answers incorrectly in class. I usually go with "not quite" or "you're on the right track...keep working".

I know I need to incorporate some critical, open-ended questions into my discussions. The only time I really get to use these types of questions is when I am asking a student HOW the got the answers. For as black and white as math usually is, thankfully there is sometimes more than one way to ARRIVE at the answers. When I ask for an explanation, students usually struggle. They give me a few words, and even then, it seems like they are presenting the findings in a questioning way. It seems to me they have not been asked to verbally explain their critical thinking skills in a math setting.

This is something that I would like to work on in my own classroom to help to make my students more comfortable thinking critically and answering critical questions. If I could do this, I believe that my students will be more confident in answering the not-so-open-ended questions.

Barking Seals:

I selected this cartoon because I feel like it really aids in the closed question idea of math. A student having a thought or idea that is off target, and the teacher only being able to say that they are wrong due to the fact that there literally is only one correct answer to this problem. Unfortunately, through my own schooling and my teaching, I have found that there isn't a lot of room for interpretations of correct answers. You either get the question right, or you get it wrong. There usually isn't any room to read between the lines and each student offer up their own ideas and reasoning.

DECONSTRUCTION: Five Critical Questions

1) Who is the author and what is the purpose:
The author is an unknown cartoonist. The purpose, I believe, is to get a laugh out of the audience regarding the topic of math. Even as a person who likes math, I can easily see how this cartoon can be found humorous. Unfortunately, because math does seem to have a bad reputation, it's easy to just joke about being "bad at math" and leaving it at that. People use this as a reason to justify the fact that they struggle with or dislike math. And when you don't like something, it's all too easy to agree or identify with a satirical image based on that topic.


2) What creative techniques are used to attract and hold attention?Humor is definitely used. I even chuckled at this. Another technique used is relativity. A lot of people, not only students, can related to this child.


3) How might different people understand this message?
I think there are a few ways this cartoon can be understood. One point of view is from a person who is good at/likes math. That particular person could see this as nothing more than a funny little cartoon about math. They might laugh and then never give it a second thought. Another point of view is from someone who doesn't like/ struggles with math. This person could see it and scoff, thinking how true it is and that, because the struggle is real, it isn't very funny. The angle from which I see it is from a math teacher's point of view. I did laugh, but I don't particularly think it's funny. I think more along that lines that it's too true for it's own good. It's no secret math is hard, and it's no secret it's probably the most hated subject.


4) What lifestyles, values, and points of views are represented?
The point of views that I feel are represented are listed above. As far as lifestyles and values go, since this is just a drawing in black and white, I feel like not a lot jumps out at me. I think this image is what the text means when it says that the power of communication comes from the way that messages represent reality in some way. Show this to a calculus 3 class, I bet they chuckle. Show this to a remedial math class, I bet they don't.


5) What is omitted?
Because this is a "funny", there are obviously things omitted. For example, the truth about how a lot of students actually have negative feelings about math. Also how teachers, like myself, struggle with trying to not just tell the student they are wrong, but to try to help them understand WHY.



I think that this deconstruction brings to light different ways to see this media message. If I were to show this to my students, I am sure that I would get 28 different interpretations of what it's message is. As I continue to teach math at the college level, I will look for ways to ask my students open-ended questions regarding the topics that we are studying. Obviously, if we are solving equations or using specific formulas, there is only one correct answer. However, I will strive to find ways to get my students to use their critical thinking and reading skills in a math setting and to help them better verbally explain their problem solving process.

***

Hobbs, R. (2011). Research as Authentic Inquiry. In Digital and media literacy: Connecting culture and classroom. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.

Idea of PSA

ATTENTION: THE FOLLOWING IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT!

***

--Identify the topic for your PSA:

The topic for my PSA will be posting violent or hateful content on social media. I decided to use this topic because it is something that I feel very strongly about. Especially on Facebook, my main social media site, I see all kinds of insensitive postings, that somehow express beliefs that not everyone shares. Lately there has been so many events that have happened that are making a stir on social media. Several probably come to your mind instantly. People are taking this events and turning them into memes, mocking them, and just all around jabbing fun at someone else's expense. Some of the examples that I see over and over again are marriage equality, images using the American and Confederate flag, political rants, sporting incidents, and the biggest seeming to be anything to do with someone with the last name Jenner.

I get tired of seeing people make fun of these topics, and much more, just because they don't agree with them. I have opinions on these topics, just like everyone would. However, I don't, nor do I even feel the need, to blast my Facebook profile full of pictures depicting my beliefs.

When I see someone do that, I feel like want attention and people to agree with them and sadly I feel like they think: "my way is the way it should be, because it's my opinion, and I'm not wrong because what I believe is correct and I refuse to open my eyes and accept that it's not 1950 anymore".

What I don't think people really realize is that what they post can have an affect on their Facebook friends, some of whom are family, or even children. People need to stop and just think before they hit that share button.


--Identify the Audience for your PSA (Teens, Teachers, Administrators, or Parents):

The audience for my PSA can be all people on social media. Young people aren't the only one's who post things that are insensitive to other people. Adults are just as guilty.

--Research the topic and 3 facts or statistics you will use to shape your PSA:
I will use the following sources to get my information:

What to do if you're being bullied on a social network. (n.d.). http://www.bullying.co.uk/cyberbullying/what-to-do-if-you-re-being-bullied-on-a-social-network/

Cyberbullying Statistics. (2013). http://www.internetsafety101.org/cyberbullyingstatistics.htm

Shontell, A. (2013, July 9). 7 People Who Were Arrested Because Of Something They Wrote On Facebook.  http://www.businessinsider.com/people-arrested-for-facebook-posts-2013-7?op=1

Guenther, J., & Zehnder, A. (2013, July). Social Media: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. https://ascent.usbank.com/insights/social-media-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly

Chapter 7: Life Online

Chapter 7: Life Online

• At least 26 names of cartoon characters are linked to porn sites, which means that kids searching for their favorite movies and TV shows accidentally stumble upon porn. (p.128)

First of all, I definitely didn't know this. Secondly, this makes me sick. This is obviously done intentionally by the porn companies. But why? Why do they feel the need to purposefully put innocent children at risk online? It's disgusting and disrespectful and I wish it weren't true.

• As a parent, my daughter and I had a conversation about why it's not appropriate to share with other friends a captured stream of highly personal instant messaging with another person that was conducted with the expectation that it was a one-to-one conversation. (p. 137)

This statement really surprised me. This is something that I have never given any thought, but something that I am guilty of, both receiving and sending. Just today I received a text which contained a screen shot conversation and I was asked for my opinion. I have sent conversations as well as pictures that I have taken a screen shot of and not given it a second thought. I think that from now on, I will be more mindful to the subject.

• Scary Maze Game Videos

This isn't a reaction to a specific quote, but to this apparently familiar prank. It is one that I've not heard of. I suppose I can see how it would  be funny to prank a family member or a close friend. Get a few laughs at someone else's expense. Then I think from the subject of the prank's point of view. I would be mad if someone did this to me. I wouldn't think it was one bit funny. I hate horror films and bloody, gory, nasty images, so I would be upset to say the least. And to pull this prank on a small child? Shame on parents. 

I made this meme to show the truth of the anonymity that the internet really does provide. It allows users to hide behind their computer and be whatever/whoever they want to be. It is all too easy to lie about your identity, to post harmful and hateful images and texts, and to not have to pay for your deceptions (at least not immediately). While reading this chapter, I instantly thought of a song by Brad Paisley titled "Online". It's joking mentions a lot of ways lies make their way into people's online personification. If you have never heard the song, I highly recommend watching the video; it's definitely worth a look.

Hobbs, R. (2011). Research as Authentic Inquiry. In Digital and media literacy: Connecting culture and classroom. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.

Research as Authentic Inquiry

Chapter 2: Research as Authentic Inquiry

• People trust the sources that match our existing opinions and we distrust information that challenges our beliefs.

I agree wholeheartedly with this. It is so easy to accept information as fact if it goes along with your opinion. Because of that, one might easily be swayed to include this particular information in their research, even if the source isn't  reputable. No one wants to feel like they are wrong by having what they thing challenged by information they don't agree with. 

• When we get information from others, we consider factors like likability and attractiveness, which affect our decisions about the credibility of people, information, and ideas.

Overall, I disagree with this statement. It might hold true  when it comes to a friend of a family member; you value their opinion, so you listen to what they say. But think of all the ways in which you obtain information. The news, for example. You don't personally know the reporters, and probably aren't lusting after them, but because of their position, you take what they say seriously. The same thing goes with teachers. We've all had at least one no-so-favorite teacher. But because it's literally their job to convey to us information of some sort, we respect them and listen to and learn from what they have to say.

• Oral explaining- with both students and teachers participating- develops reasoning skills that support reading and writing practices across the disciplines.

Absolutely! I teach math, so sometimes it's hard to incorporate reading, writing, especially research, and even group work into my class. Just this Friday, at the end of class, I gave a 5 question true/false pre-quiz that the students were able to use their notes while completing. The first few minutes, the room was so quite you could hear a pin drop. I then said that they could work together. All at once, the room grew loud and there was major collaboration going on. I answered specific questions that some of the groups had, and for a brief moment, it seemed that I had lost control of the level of chatter. I was pleased with the results after grading them, and I really believe that allowing the students to work together and talk out the solutions helps them more than they think. I love talking with my class instead of just lecturing at them.

I think that using Memes to support authentic inquiry and critical media literacy is a great idea! There are so many pictures that memes are made of, and each picture has it's own backstory. It would be easy to just pick a meme that you have a little knowledge of and research to find the real story behind that particular picture. For example, I have no idea where this guy is from. I just liked the "one does not simply..". I think that teachers should try this in their classroom. It could be a fun, not so run of the mill way to get students involved in learning. To what extent? I think that should be up to the teacher. If a class really likes it and does well and  wants to do it again, or build more the it's foundation, then the teacher should have the right to do as they see fit. Just like in the text, teachers should be able to incorporate new, innovative ways to engage their students in learning. 

Hobbs, R. (2011). Research as Authentic Inquiry. In Digital and media literacy: Connecting culture and classroom. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.

Critical Autonomy

1) The following discussion is in response to this video and the accompanying deconstruction:

• Do you agree with the claims made in the deconstruction?

I agree with some of the claims made in the deconstruction. I agree that the video is in a middle class setting, with happiness, business, and success all around; making this video targeted at people whose lives fit this description. I agree that connectivity is NOT equally accessible in rural and urban areas, and the fact that with the merge came job losses. In the deconstruction, it mentions Frontier. My dad worked for Verizon when they were bought out by Frontier, and for a little bit of time, it was uncertain if he would have a job after the buy out. Thankfully, he did. Even though he literally worked for the company, the internet service at our house was spotty. Every time it would rain, we would lose service for at least a day, until the cables dried out. He was disappointed with his own company when he was told that the DSL just wasn't up to par for our area and we would just have to deal with it. So I most definitely agree that the claim "over promise, under commit" could easily be changed to "over profit, under serve".

• Is the Century Link ad really a cover for a company that is making profits over customer satisfaction?

Yes, I think so. I think that the company overall is mainly concerned with making a profit. Not to say there aren't individuals who actually care about the customers. In some locations, Century Link may have a monopoly on the phone/internet service, so they aren't concerned that their customers will go elsewhere. They make nice, neat little happy commercials that show people loving their service, when in reality, these videos don't tell the whole story.

• Based on this video, does the Alltel ad really promote racism of stereotypes of immigrants? Why or why not?

I do think that the Alltel ad promotes stereotypes of immigrants. I think that sometimes people think that just because someone is different than our "normal", they are weird. And we tend to change the meaning of 'weird' to mean whatever we want it to mean. In this add, they placed "weird" people in the middle class, one boy, one girl, mom and dad family's house. They could have easily put an American Grandma in there, knitting a blanket, holding her cat. Isn't that some people's image of a Grandma? But they chose to poke fun at these men. Honestly, the ad may not have been too bad had they left out the chicken. I thought it was rude, and it really made me feel a stereotype was happening.

2)  After browsing the Deconstruction Gallery,

• I came across this video and it really stuck out to me:

It is Axe's "Make Love, Not War".  At first after watching it as a whole, I thought it was kind of sweet how you thought the men were going to fire a weapon of some soft but then they surprised us by doing an act of love. If you just watch it for it's face value and move on, that is what you see. But, as I started to really think about it and deconstruct it, I saw that I was mistaken.

I thought the fact that the men in the helicopter and the tank looked American, while all the men with chains and missiles were foreign. It gives the idea that the Americans were fighting the good war while the foreign men were the enemies. Another aspect I felt was that it was degrading women. What woman in a war torn country is going to run toward a stranger solider seeking intimacy? None. 

Obviously it's a commercial, so it can be as unrealistic as possible. I felt that as a whole, it was making Americans, specifically men, look more prevalent and strong and in the right than any other people in the world. 

Reflecting on our Love/Hate Relationship with Media

Print

• The "big idea" I got from this padlet is that... are you ready for this??...People still LOVE books!! This is exciting to me. With all the new ways to read, one could be concerned that books will become obsolete. I don't think that will happen, at least in my lifetime.

• People HATE the fact that print media is so wasteful. While all IS recyclable, it can be difficult to do so. You have to store it somewhere, then haul it somewhere, and then dispose of it in it's proper container. This process isn't practical in everyone's life, and like some mentioned, this service isn't available where they live. 

Visual

• It is interesting to see all of our "like" ideas on visual media. They range from pictures and videos, to TV shoes and computer programs. One common theme that I see is that we all like a visual image that is pleasing to the eye. 

• It seems we all have similar dislikes with visual media. TV/videos that expose people and reality TV that people get so caught up in are the two main ideas in this aspect of visual media.

Sound

• As I expected, the main thing we love is music! All kinds of music! 

• What we don't like is when our music is interrupted! Whether that interruption be a commercial on the radio, the fact that we didn't hear it clearly, or cant understand what the speak is saying, we hate it. 

Digital

• Without a doubt, everything that we all love about digital media can be described in three words: The Endless Possibilities. We all use digital media for a variety of reasons; personal, educational, and professions. And as much as we all know, the cool thing is that there is NO WAY any one of us knows all there is to know, Which means that we can, and will, continue to learn new digital media. 

• Two interesting topics I see that we hate is the fact that digital media is easily used for inappropriate reasons and that not all people in the world have easy access to the internet.

Personal Reflection

The media form that I like most is print; the printed thing I like most being a book. I have two bookshelves stuffed with books; fiction, nonfiction, romance, suspense, thrillers, and my collection of old math books. I have a kindle which I purchased thinking I would just read all the books in the world... Well in the almost three years, I can count on one hand the number of books that I have actually read. And all of them were just some random free book, not even necessarily something that I would have ever read otherwise. I just can't give up my books! The sense of satisfaction that I get from physically seeing the progress I make in a book and closing it after the last page is a feeling that just can't be replaced by some clicking and scrolling.  A lot of us mentioned there is just  something  about having that book in our hand. No batteries, no cords, and no electricity needed. A book can go anywhere and it never loses service.

Magazine Cover

I decided to go with an indecisive point of view for this magazine cover. I know we are supposed to pick our stance on CC and design based on that; however, I don't work in the public school system and have not had any personal experience with CC. I have only heard what others have said. So, having said that, my stance is on the fence. It could theoretically go either way. Ignoring all the negative comments I've heard, I am bring a neutral magazine cover. Ideally, it would allow someone to read both sides of the debate, and then form their own opinion on facts, and not just what they have heard.

With the text I present, I want to grab attention with my main idea. I want the reader to see the words 'common core' and instantly be drawn in. From the text on the side, I want to give the reader an idea as to what they can expect to find inside. With the picture of the woman, I am showing a "normal" person thinking about this idea. Since 'on the fence' is an idiom, the picture of the fence (which is representing the common core debate) is bringing the whole concept together by giving the reader a concrete view of the abstract idea in their head; which side of the 'fence' are they really on.

• The first media language technique that I used is humor. I believe that the way the title is written is a witty way to combine words with some common math  characteristics. Under the title is a set of parallel lines, another item commonly found in math. I suppose not all would find this funny, or even make the connection, but it's fun either way. 

• The second technique I used is individuality. With providing this unbiased image, I believe I give the reader a change to be their own person and make their own opinions based on facts. 

• The last technique I incorporated is emotional appeal. The common core usually sparks debate, so in this image, I try to offer a calm backdrop with no bold claims or accusations being made.