Nothing that we have worked with in this class has been printed text. We did not write anything on paper, but instead read and wrote on the computer to instantly share it with others. Literacy is being able to read and comprehend written works such as books, papers, and magazines. The ability to read is also required to read on the internet or computer. With the advances in technology and the English world shifting towards the internet for it is easier and faster to post almost anything in the internet for everyone to see and usually provide feedback on. However, to be able to get to the websites of interest a person needs to know how to successfully use a computer. Today the definition of literacy goes past being able to read out of a book or newspaper but to be able to retrieve wanted information from the internet or to use computers to communicate with others. With the growing dependence on computers today it will soon be necessary for people to be able to use computers everyday like it was once for people to read in their daily lives.
The projects we have completed in class have dealt with topics that could be used in research papers for another class. For example my video collage was on poverty in the US. This involved research on the topic and a good way to present the ideas. Also for other projects like my mashup I had to consider issues in today’s society and come up with a way to successfully make my arguments using music and video clips. Papers written in academia require research no matter what the topic are usually on interesting subjects dealing with the class. In this class we have just found alternative ways to present an argument or research topic than to write a paper.
This class has made collages using pictures, music, and video clips a genre like a lab report or persuasive essay. They are all delivering information supported by documented facts and they usually make a point on the writer’s area of interest. From the class I learned that presenting an academic subject can be done in more way then writing a paper or speech.
Media projects used our ability to see, hear, and read to evaluate someone’s work. It went past grammar and spelling, but instead involved the ability to present an idea in a way that would appeal to the audience. For this class the audience was the students and teacher. The different projects appealed to them and everyone was able to comment on what they liked and their personal thoughts on the issues. Our portfolios allow us to present the final drafts of our projects like the final draft of a paper. Through rough drafts, corrections, and revisions we are able to submit our best product in the end.
Playlist
The play list assignment was by far my favorite project in class. It was a personal topic and I felt strongly about it at the time. Being that it was the first project we did I had a lot to change about it. I changed the explanations to each song to better describe its significance. I added in a beginning and ending quote to sum up my feelings of the project. I kept the song lyrics and the links to a sample of the songs because I thought they worked with the overall project. The play list reflects a lot of my personality and values in life. I feel people can not only relate to it, but also feel what I felt about the situation I was describing.
Revised Playlist
Playlist and Song Collages
Both of my collages were revised and I ended up doing both of them over. I still used a lot of the same pictures for each collage but I tried to make them less busy. I made most of the picture bigger to take up more space or to better separate parts of my collage. I used more shapes and overlapping of pictures in both collages. For instance in my song collage I used just the airplane from a picture and put it into a sky in another picture. I played with shapes, spacing, and size to best express the song or playlist in the two collages. I think they came a long way from where I started using only rectangular shapes. Many of the changes I mentioned in my midterm portfolio took place in these collages and their growth is apparent.
Revised Song Collage
Revised Playlist Collage
Mashup and Video Collage
These two projects took the most time, but came out, in the end, the way I wanted them to. The Mashup was on what women do in society to be physically acceptable. I used video clips and pictures of women putting on makeup, getting plastic surgery, and weight loss commercials. The pictures I used were added to the revised version and I used the same song, “Pretty Woman.” My video collage was on poverty in the US and included pictures and facts about poverty. I used a song by Enya in the background because I felt the mood of the song fit the theme of the video. I think it made a strong statement on the issue of poverty in the US and how big of a problem it really is.
Revised Mashup
Revised Video Collage
Podcasts
The podcasts were a lot of fun because I was able to make, through editing, people say what I wanted them to. I enjoyed using sound clips from movies for our voicemail. It was a voicemail of Forrest from the movie “Forrest Gump.” We used Lindsey’s voice for the girl, Jenny, in the voicemail. The clips of Forrest’s voice were found on the internet from a sound bite website. I did the second podcast with Devin on the three main activities, sleeping, studying, and partying, that students take part in, in college. We interviewed different people we knew on campus and took part of each interview to use as an overall evaluation of student’s lives. This was interesting for me since I was able to personally compare my own daily routine to that of others. I feel that any listener is able to do the same thing if they have experienced life in college.
Comment on my Blogs and Comments
When posting on the website I usually stuck to commenting on others blogs. It helped keep a lot of topic discussions from going on at once. Also I found that a lot of people in here were thinking about the same ideas as I was. It was easy to comment on different people blogs because I could relate to most of them. It was also interesting to go back and see other’s comments and see how they were like and unlike mine. My comments are generally short, but I feel I made my point in all of them. I liked having to make comments and post blogs because it gets the class involved with each other. Also it allows us to take in other’s ideas and share our own. I have reposted my blogs and comments because I went back and proofread all of them. Below are links to their original posting on the website for reference.
September 3, 2006 - 03:57.
I can definitely relate with the difficulty involved in choosing a theme for the play list assignment. I went through my ipod so many times before I came up with a decent idea. I made mine personal so in the end the play list was much more then a list of songs. Your thoughts on the topic are interesting and I am excited to see what you come up with from a random idea.
Comment
September 3, 2006 - 04:01.
I have never actually created a play list on itunes or my ipod. I have however made plenty of mixed CD's that have songs up there that somehow relate. I'll label these CD's so I know what to play depending on my mood or if someone else is trying to find a CD to play. Of course it's fun sometimes to make a random CD filled with a variety of different songs. If you are to do this notice at the different moods you feel at the end of each song. Some get me excited while I am completely mellowed out after others. It's kind of cool to see how your mood is so easily affected in about 4 minutes of music.
Comment
September 7, 2006 - 16:29.
It made me appreciate music more too, and I really never had thought about how much I do love music. This assignment allowed me to look past the lyrics at times to appreciate the real sound of each song. I thought this was already a creative project, but I did not think I would get so much out of it.
Comment
September 7, 2006 - 18:44.
After reading this article I realize that maybe all of these petitions and such may not change facebook back to it's more private version. However, I think there should be room for compromise. An off button sounds reasonable or the option of what information you want displayed. I don't mind as much if everyone is informed that my status has changed, but if I break up with my boyfriend I'd prefer for it to not be "headline news" on people's facebook. I can see how this could be convenient to see if someone has added pictures or changed some of their personal information, however by changing the "face" of facebook drastically overnight I agree that people are overwhelmed and if this is going to be permanent the people in charge should have taken a slower approach to it.
Comment
September 7, 2006 - 18:31.
Your play list starts with songs that represent the events that took place before the picture and end at the moment the picture took place. What about a song that represents what you think took place after the photo was taken? The sequence of your songs works really well and you do a good job at bringing this picture to life. I really liked that you linked the full lyrics of each song a long with an audio sample to give the reader full opportunity to preview the entire song. The lyrics you deiced to include in the play list were appropriate choices for each song's purpose. Your descriptions were blunt and to the point. This works because in war there is no way to avoid the truth and that is what you provided with each song choice, it's true meaning through the picture. This was a great idea and you developed it very nicely. Good job!!
Comment
September 12, 2006 - 18:21.
People not only try to perfect themselves through talent like singing or playing a certain sport. It is also seen everyday is so many ads, magazines, and commercials. I think that the process of people trying to "perfect" their outer appearance is a much bigger issue in today's society. We are constantly surrounded by this pressure to be better then we are, of course that's only because we accept what we aren't as something better. It is a lot of pressure, a pressure that would be so easy to lift if we'd all just accept ourselves and each other for who we are.
Comment
September 16, 2006 - 23:55.
I can completely relate to your situation. I feel like homework is a task I am incapable of completing. This is not a usual obstacle for me so I try hard to motivate myself and schedule time specifically for homework. Luckily I have a roommate who is totally focused and helps keep me on track. Only problem is, is that my roommate went home for the weekend...and I have a lot of things to do for school.
Comment
September 19, 2006 - 18:15.
Football games have always been full of the sound provided by fans, the band, and cheerleaders. That all still exists at every game except now there is an added technology to the atmosphere. If a crowd was not worked up enough before they can definitely get into a game by the graphics that show on the scoreboard screen. In a way it brings the fans, band, cheerleaders, and other supporters together to cheer at the same time for the same purpose if even for a short amount of time.
Comment
September 21, 2006 - 17:59.
It's funny that you mentioned Friend's because that is definitely the theme song I first thought of. My sister has every season on DVD so whenever I hear the song on tv I always think of those few episodes I like the best. Others that have stuck with me over the years include Pinky and the Brain, Anamaniacs, Ninja Turtles, and like Matt I will never forget Captain Planet. Knowing these theme songs are pretty pointless but with them brings memories of those times so yea, theme songs really are the best.
Comment
September 26, 2006 - 19:08.
I think that both the movie industry and consumer should make changes in the movie watching community. Movie ticket prices are too high these days along with the cost of soda, popcorn, candy and the many other options now available for sale. With the consumer a love for the movie theater is just not the same. People do not seem to want to go out as much anymore since everything can be brought to them these days.
Comment
September 28, 2006 - 18:07.
If anyone can't relate to this then they are not worried about college or are a genius! I have heard nothing but complaining and stressful conversation from everyone. I have had two midterms one I totally screwed up even though I studied FOREVER and one I ran out of time in. All this has actually made me question if I really belong in college and if I do this may not be the right one for me. However, I'll stick it out and keep trying but all of this frustration and unsuccessful test experiences are starting to make me nervous.
Comment
October 3, 2006 - 15:40.
This weekend I am going home, a place I have not spent a full weekend since college started. While college is fun and it is nice to be away I am really excited about this weekend. I am eager to see my mom and some friends that are still in high school. I guess home is a comfort zone for us all. I mean who does not want to go and sleep in their own bed, have a cafeteria-free meal, have someone else do their laundry, and have more than a 12x12 room to put our belongings in? I will probably not want to come right back to school Sunday rushing back to my 8 o'clock classes and seemingly endless homework. Of course I am sure my feelings will change after this winter break and I'll be dying to get back to my friends and the freedom here at school. I guess we are never satisfied...
Blog Entry
October 10, 2006 - 17:52.
I really enjoyed listening to your pod cast and could relate to a lot of it. I agree with the changes that have taken place with which sex is wanting the commitment these first years of college. It should be taken into consideration since the current stereotype implies that it is girls who are forcing guys into serious relationships. I like the organization of the project and think that all the songs fit very well in their place. Good editing jobs since I am sure you had a lot of material to work with. If you decide to revise this for the final project I am really interested to see how it comes out.
Comment
October 12, 2006 - 18:03.
I am extra excited about fall break because my birthday is that Friday! I am going home for like one of the days but i am looking forward to the State Fair and a concert that Saturday. I got to see some of my friends for homecoming so I am not worried about doing much visiting over fall break. I think, though, that what I am looking forward to the most is NO school for two days. It is not a long break but I will take what I can get and do my best to enjoy the time off.
Comment
October 24, 2006 - 18:18.
I definitely agree with Hap on us being the blame for younger teenagers’ materialistic urges. When I was in middle school I liked to wear clothes that I liked, but it was never a first priority. I would have rather been spending my time worrying about other things, like hanging out with my friends or just being a kid. It seems everyone today is trying to grow up so fast and in the end they will rob themselves of a childhood. It's a sad fact, but very true. I am glad I lived out my younger years and still consider myself "just a teenager." We're going to have to grow up sometime, but I was and am not rushing into it. Hopefully when these kids grow up and realize what they missed they won't let their kids live the same way. I can guarantee I will let my children, just be kids and not worry about pleasing the rest of the world just yet.
Comment
October 31, 2006 - 18:57.
I don't think there is anyone on campus who can't relate with your situation. We all have midterms, papers, and unlimited homework to keep us busy all throughout the week and weekends. I don't know how people include too much more into their daily lives. i don't do too much more in the week that does not have something to do with school. I don't consider going to sleep at night for a healthy 6 to 8 hours. Instead I live off of the naps that keep me going day after day. The one thing that keeps me going is that Thanksgiving break is about three weeks away. This may seem like a long time, but I need something to look forward to.
Comment
November 7, 2006 - 00:42.
I ended up being the babysitter for the night, but it was still entertaining to watch all my friends. We walked Franklin St. for the most part meeting up with other people we knew. The amount of people was overwhelming if you stopped to think how many people were actually on Franklin St. last Tuesday. Seriously, the streets were covered from side to side as far up the street as I could see. I do not know where it ended since I did not go past McAlister’s. The cops and other security was pretty scary too, I have never seen so many officers. We did not go to any parties on campus. About ten of us just hung out that night and had a good time with each other. It was a good freshmen Halloween in Chapel Hill experience and I think everyone with me enjoyed it too.
Comment
November 28, 2006 - 00:39.
Up to this year I have always wanted one big present, but now I don't really know what to ask for. My mom has asked for ideas, but I guess everything is going to be a surprise to me because I have yet to have any big wants. I guess with me just starting college and the stress of the upcoming exams there is a lot on my mind. It is kind of sad because I am not in my jolly Christmas time mood as I usually am this time of year. Maybe after exams, when the break has started I will regain my Christmas spirit.
Comment
November 28, 2006 - 18:09.
I definitely agree with the other on how ridiculous the prices are on these gifts. I guess kids are harder to please these days. When I was young I may have wanted a barbie or two, but I was just as happy playing outside with my friends depending on no more than our imaginations. Besides at that age the price of things should not matter to children unless their parents have already passed along this trait. In that case the parents are to blame, because a child would never care to have these things unless the parents exposed them to it and offered such large gifts before. You can also consider that the parents are living through their children buying them things that they now wish they had as a child. It's a sad thought, but very true.
Comment
December 4, 2006 - 04:15.
After reading this I am SO ready for Christmas to be here already. I am actually finding it harder to get in the mood being away from home and dealing with exams. However as soon as I get home I know I will be filled with Christmas spirit. The traditions at our house will more than prepare me for December 25. My mom will leave all of my ornaments out for me to hang and I hope I am able to help wrap presents for everyone. I get excited just thinking about all the baking, decorating, and other traditions I get to be a part of! YAY for Christmas!
Comment
December 5, 2006 - 18:11
It really does feel so long ago since when I first arrived yet it took no time to fly through a semester. It was definitely a time for adjusting being as how I cam from a small school that in no way prepared me for college. I miss all the news things of this semester like a dorm room and roommate that were so different at the beginning of the year. Now everything is normal with no surprises, except what's going to be on my exams.
I will always remember the first day when I moved in a realized I had been assigned to two rooms on my floor. Then once I got the right room, my roommate (who had moved in the day before) was asleep the whole time I was setting up and unpacking my things. I will definitely be staying, but I am also very ready for the break!
Comment
December 5, 2006 - 19:15.
I do not have any New Year's traditions with my family but over the last couple of years I have been getting together with the same friends. We either stay at the beach or on the river going to where the most people are. This year we are going to meet in Wilmington since a lot of them will already be there. I am looking forward to our get together this year since we have all been at college and have not had any time to visit. I will also be able to give them all their Christmas presents since I will be gone for Christmas this year. I've missed everyone all semester and can't wait to bring in the New Year with my best friends.
Comment
