Digital & Media Literacy Powtoon!

Digital & Media Literacy Education

Brainstorm Final Project: Powtoon

Chapter 9:

"Some people say that digital and media literacy gets under your skin, because once you discover how well it works with learners, you want every student in the world to experience it."

"When they[students] share ideas using digital media, students gain a sense of social responsibility as they contribute to improving their communities and the world around them."

These are 2 very broad concepts that I really want to focus my Powtoon on. These central ideas that reinforce that idea of social responsibility among youth, and harnessing the power of digital media to achieve those goals. 

My Motivations for Digital and Media Literacy Rankings

#1 To modernize the curriculum and make it more relevant to students.

#2 To help students use their own voices for advocacy and social change.

#3 To promote creativity and self-expression.

#4 To build students' ability to be active, thoughtful "readers" or interpreters of the media messages in their cultural environment.

#5 To increase student motivation and engagement in the classroom.

I also found these rankings to really tie my textual knowledge to my goals as an educator. This is what we are ultimately striving for by using digital media literacy within the classroom.

Chapter 8:

"Reflective thinking like this suggests that when young people recognize their power and their social responsibilities as communicators, they can experience significant personal growth."

By digging deep to the source I think that we as educators need to implement digital media and learning strategies that do not teach students to merely digest information, but teach them to embrace their sense of agency. --Such a core component of digital media and literacy curriculum

"There's a natural egocentrism to adolescence. What that means is that some aspects of reflective thinking, empathy, and consideration of other people's points of view may be new and unfamiliar."

Chapter 7:

Due to the internet's participatory culture that exists, it is very open to all people--including amateurs. In fact, I've found that it seems to be specifically geared toward the amateur. Technologically-savvy users have learned that they can just "google" something and find anything they want or need to know about it.

"When we reinvigorate the humanities by using the pedagogies of digital and media literacy, our students gain the sense of wholeness called integrity. When our choices and actions, as both authors and audiences, match up to our values, we become humane, responsible, and effective communicators."

This quote is beautiful, but I admit I had to dissect it a bit. I had to begin by really thinking about what digital and media literacy education entails--most notably it gives us (educators) the ability to make authentic connections to students' lives. If we can successfully use technology to harness the power of learning, then we have the potential to reinvigorate or bring new life to what students see as "outdated" humanities.

Whereas many teachers are instructing students to read Martin Luther King Jr.'s I have a Dream speech, we should be watching it on YouTube. There are a multitude of ways to breathe new life into the humanities, and digital media literacy offers us that first stepping stone.

Chapter 6:

"Media companies are in the business of selling human attention, and it's sold in units by the thousand, depending on the age, income, race, geographic region, and other characteristics of the audience."

This quote proves the need and legitimacy for a digital media curriculum in schools. Gone are the days in which we must evaluate print sources for their bias or credibility--now we must learn to evaluate media in all forms--media that is designed to appeal to us. 

Chapter 4:

"Language is the most fundamental symbol system of humanity and every student needs to appreciate how powerful it is in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us."

The above quote was taken from chapter 4 of our text, and furthermore proves why digital media literacy supports Common Core efforts to grow their vocabularies through a mix of conversation, direct instruction, and reading. It's important to provide various avenues for learning new words, in which assimilation and accommodation take place.

Chapter 5:

When students create messages, they gain new knowledge while strengthening communication and problem-solving skills. They put knowledge into practice.

Whether students are creating multimedia or simply visual or audio messages, they must rely on effective communication skills that involve persuasion techniques to engage their audiences. When students create multimedia videos or even one-dimensional posters, they are engaging in metacognition and reflecting on everything they have learned to this point.

Some of the best project-based learning assignments using media and technology give students a combination of structure and freedom, where they can develop communication skills and exercise their creativity but have some constraints that limit and shape their work. 

--Digital Media Literacies perfectly aligns with PBL, which simultaneously allows students their coveted freedom without compromising structure.

I've never been satisfied with those that simply use technology for technology's sake.

How many times have we been subjected to this or even seen it in action in a classroom? Too many times technology is used as a filler or an extra, and not used for its incredible potential.

Media composition practices promote intellectual curiosity. As a learner myself, I was lucky enough to fall in love with learning. It's been the love of my life.

When you are composing media, there are so many ideas and nuances that you have to consider. You're driven to the heart of the content or issue while producing something that will capture the similar interest of your audience.

--Stimulating interest among learners can be a daunting task for teachers today, so why not allow technology to do it for you?

Chapter 3:

Some of the best lessons will come from using current events, websites, movie clips, TV shows, video games, or music that you learn about from your students, read about in the newspaper, or hear about on the radio.


This quote really struck a chord in me, because I can personally relate. Whenever I'm considering a new learning tool for students, I always take a minute to reflect on how I would respond to that as a learner. I, too, am considered in the "millennial" group and rely on pre-produced media to construct my representation of reality.

--This idea that millennial rely on pre-produced material to construct their representations of reality. They create remixes and mashups--it's in their nature.

The more I read and learn about creating authentic and engaging curriculum, the more I realize the pressing need to keep learning relevant. To me, this means utilizing current events and popular culture to spur interest and drive motivation in the classroom.

--My quote above. Just keep learning. Relevant. 

Digital Storytelling:

When a student creates a digital story, they take ownership of their work because it is personal to them. Incorporating technological tools also increases intrinsic motivation because students today are digital natives-it bridges the gap between their actual life and school. 

--It bridges the gap, allows for a genuine connection to school.

Love/Hate Relationship w/ Media

However, digital media has done great things for society. It gives people a voice that might not have had a voice in another time. It has allowed for self-expression, creativity, and individuality. It has opened a whole new world for education and tools that can be used within the educational setting. Almost every form of digital and social media can be used within the classroom. This gives all students an advantage in the increasingly technological world, especially students from our more rural areas.

--What digital media does for people and society.

Digital Storytelling

What it can do:

-Addresses social problems

-Racial stereotyping portrayed in mainstream media

-Allows young people to engage in analysis of their own culture

-Provides a creative outlet for young people to be heard

-Supports a healthy respect for multiculturalism and diversity

-See cultural differences across cultures, not deficits

Reading & Discussion #1

Media literacy teaches students to read and decode media, whereas media education teaches the appreciation of media and its various forms of self-expression.

My last point brings me to the point that-"Too often students believe the role of media is simply to entertain or inform, with little knowledge of the economic structure that supports it." (Kellner & Share 2005)

"Critical media literacy not only teaches students to learn from media, to resist media manipulation, and to use media materials in constructive ways, but is also concerned with developing skills that will help create good citizens and that will make individuals more motivated and competent participants in social life." (Kellner & Share 2005) If we can introduce critical media literacy at a young age, we can teach young girls that these images (like Cameron's airbrushed photos) are not reality and maybe we can pave the way for a different, better future for media.

PSA Final

How did you create your PSA to reach your intended audience?

My audience is the middle school age--I tried to use emotional appeal, as well as statistical facts and images that would capture their interest. I also included a quote from The Lorax that would appeal as very relevant to them. Suspenseful music is included to convey the seriousness of the issue.

What persuasive techniques you used to get your message across?

• emotional appeal
• grammatical techniques (teaser, ellipses, questions, and declaratives)

PSA

Recycling: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

For my PSA, I decided to go with an issue that's close to my heart--recycling. Currently we are experiencing the effects of climate change, which are largely in part due to human activity. The scientific community is in unanimous agreement when they say that we will have to make drastic changes quickly to ensure sustainability for future generations.

The intended audience is primarily pre-teens, young adults, etc. That's why I included the Lorax quote, because I felt that pre-teens are at that age where any type of emotional appeal will truly resonate with them. 

Below are my statistics and quote for my Recycling PSA:

#1 Unless somebody like you cares a whole lot, nothing is going to get better it's not. -The Lorax

#2 The average person generates over 4 pounds of trash every day and about 1.5 tons of solid waste per year. -DoSomething.org

#3 Recycling 14 trees worth of paper reduces air pollutants by 165,142 tons. -all-recycling-facts.com

Common Core Magazine Cover

Elements of Persuasion used:

Grammatical Techniques: 

-Teasers

I tried to use the element of the "teaser" to draw the audience in. The idea of standardized testing and the accompanying image is designed to leave the audience questioning. If standardized testing isn't the answer, then what it?

-Declaratives

Directly under the title of "Common Core" I decided to include What it is and what it isn't. This is designed to appeal to both sides of the argument and to clear the air--free of biases.

-Imperatives

Imperatives start with verbs, and instruct the reader to "See how Common Core does this.."

Expert Opinion:

In the bottom right corner I decided to use an example of expert opinion. I'm letting the audience know that Common Core was not something that was dreamed in a single night--it was a collaboration of field experts and veteran teachers that developed universal curricular goals.

I wish I could've done a better job to really make it look like a magazine cover, but I still tried to include bright and vivid colors to attract attention. The images were also strategically chosen to enhance the message that I am trying to get across.

Common Core: Media Deconstruction

Who produced this document and for what purpose?
This image was created by The Blaze which is an "independent" news source that was founded by Glen Beck. It was created to inform its readers about Common Core and the threat that it poses.

When was this produced and what is its historical context?
This was produced in May 2014, and Common Core was still in its infancy. Several states had already adopted the new standards, but some were still debating on whether or not to go ahead with the national curriculum goals.

Who is the target audience?
The target audience appears to be anybody involved with public education--teachers, administrators, parents, pre-service teachers, etc. It also looks very appealing to "right-wing" people. They love to hate on any government involvement.

What are the messages communicated?
The students are facing the the front of the classroom and their faces are omitted, giving us the feeling that they're completely passive and helpless in this matter. Words with negative connotations like "threat" are used, particularly in reference to "our freedom and future" which aren't taken too well by a reader that lacks critical thinking skills.

What techniques are used to attract and hold attention?
I think the mixture of mediums such as the photograph, print, and drawing on the chalkboard really attract my attention. Also, the bold lettering and students' thoughts are attractive to the eye as well.

How might people interpret this message differently?
Upon first glancing at this, some people really might take this magazine cover and be persuaded into believing that Common Core is truly a bad deal, without even learning about it.

Others (like me) might look at this and realize that The Blaze is right-wing propaganda by the infamous Glen Beck, who really just opposes the education of society in all forms.

Who might benefit from (and be harmed) by this message?
Republican politicians and Glen Beck are probably the only ones that will benefit from this message. I'm sure Glen Beck derived great satisfaction in seeing this published, while Republican politicians will be thrilled that more people were swayed to jump on the Common Core hating bandwagon. (I apologize if this was interpreted as biased.)

Educators, administrators, and most people involved in K-12 education are likely to be harmed by this message. The more anti-Common Core propaganda that is in circulation, the bigger the struggle will be for educators and policymakers to truly make a difference and ensure that students from rural and impoverished areas receive the same quality education as their more affluent counterparts.

What information or perspective is left out of this message?
The other side of the argument is completely left out. Proponents of Common Core are not included, and there isn't a chance to see or hear both sides. It's completely biased.

Is this an accurate and credible representation?
Only if you're a Republican.

How does this reflect the perspective or bias of its creator?
Without even knowing what type of "independent" news source The Blaze is, after reviewing critical media literacy questions it is evident the extreme bias that is represented in this cover.

Chapter 9:Infusing Digital & Media Literacy across the Curriculum

"Some people say that digital and media literacy gets under your skin, because once you discover how well it works with learners, you want every student in the world to experience it."

This quote is beautiful, and this is how I feel about sharing my knowledge of digital media literacy and learning strategies. I'm somewhat apprehensive about using these strategies in my student teaching this semester, but I know the inevitable increase in student motivation and achievement will inspire me to implement these learning strategies across all of my classes.

"When they[students] share ideas using digital media, students gain a sense of social responsibility as they contribute to improving their communities and the world around them."

This quote really prompted a lot of reflecting. One of the most common complaints you will here about kids today (in and out of school) is that they simply do not care about anything. They're disengaged from current events, civil responsibilities, and anything that matters.

This is where I can envision the potential that digital and media literacy education has to turn all of that around. When we give students a true voice (through the use of digital media and technology) they are inspired to take action and truly care about the communities in which they live. In other words I believe that they really do care about maintaining social responsibility, but not with the methods in which it was done 50+ years ago.


"Should digital and media literacy be offered as a separate stand-alone course or should it be integrated into the curriculum's existing subjects?"

This is where I'm torn. A part of me completely understands the need for digital and media literacy to be integrated across the curriculum, but the other part also agrees with the author of our text when they say, "...when all teachers are responsible for teaching something, then no one is really responsible." 

With that being said, I 100% agree with a blended approach to integrating these studies. In my view, it is essential that students have the opportunity to take a course in digital media studies, but there also needs to be a collaborative effort in which that teacher aids teachers of other content areas in implementing digital media learning strategies into their own curriculum.



My Motivations for Digital and Media Literacy Rankings

#1 To modernize the curriculum and make it more relevant to students.

#2 To help students use their own voices for advocacy and social change.

#3 To promote creativity and self-expression.

#4 To build students' ability to be active, thoughtful "readers" or interpreters of the media messages in their cultural environment.

#5 To increase student motivation and engagement in the classroom.