"Beware of the Man of One Book." ~ Anonymous

"That night I dream of a woman in a white sari holding a baby in her arms. The wind howls behind her, making her hair fly across her face, obscuring it. She places the baby in a laundry bin and leaves."~ Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup page 65

This is where I am in my current book.  Reading, is that little gift I give myself 15-20 minutes each night before I shut my eyes for the evening.  I also rescue old books from flea markets and junk shops.  My current prize is a book revised and written in 1855 - Shakespeare's Works with Memoirs.  I got it for a mere $3.00.  I'm pretty sure the 18 year old that sold it to me had no idea what it was.  Perhaps it was from some one's book collection who had just passed on and there it sat in a junk shop discarded by relatives who didn't see its worth or importance. 

Of course, my fear that books will slowly be discarded and turn to dust in some junk shop comes from all the miscellaneous statistics that state over and over again that people are turning away from reading.  That maybe it was becoming a lost art in a world that moves at a fast pace.  However, the article Reading on the Rise states that:

"There were 16.6 million new adult readers of literature in 2008."

That is a remarkable find.  The total number of adult readers was 112.8 million or 50.2%.  Which correlates with the Wikipedia total population of the U.S. which was 310, 585,000.  Its a direction, a good direction for adults to take in my opinion.  In this high paced, stress induced society a few moments to kick back and open one's mind to a whole new world is what we need. 

ThinkAloud

Presentation1 dog island

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Teaching Two Literacies

Describe an activity that we have done this semester that has prepared you to teach "two literacies".

Edmodo by far was an excellent example of teaching 'two literacies'.  The collaborative part of the story process allowed the Middle School students to expand their stories by building on another's ideas.  I find this concept extremely fascinating.  Most companies become successful because employees are able to work together to create innovative projects.  Collaborating in school helps prepare an individual to accept outside ideas and continue to build on them.  I would like to see our society value more collaboration efforts over individual achievements.  Its an old idea that is worth revisiting but I digress.  In other words, I think collaborative storytelling helped to create excitement in an otherwise not so exciting subject area for students.  As our graphs and Denise's survey's proved, students were more up to the challenge of story writing when it came to collaborating with another individual.  


Likewise, concluding the collaborative story by morphing it into a digital story was an excellent example of 21st Century writing.  It literally lifted the story from 2D print to 3D action.  All at the same time developing computer literacy skills.


I would most certainly use these two ideas in my class sessions. They both developed an interest in the subject and met fundamental computer literacy skills. 

Name an National Education Technology Standard for Teachers that this activity meets.

I believe Edmodo met the entire first standard under the ISTE/NETS for the exact reasons I listed above.  Edmodo developed an interest in the subject and it helped build computer literacy skills.  In addition, I believe it helped creativity.  Building on another's ideas and selecting pictures and videos for a digital story requires a bit of imagination.  I definitely saw these attributes in several of the creations the Middle School students stories. 

The First Standard under the ISTE/NETS is as follows:
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

              Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:
a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.

b. engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.

d. model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.

Validating Doggie Island

I chose Dog Island Free Forever to evaluate.  My first thought... this has to be a product of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and one of their money grabbing scams.  So to say it grabbed my attention... absolutely!  First of all, dogs running free on an island brings horrid pictures to my mind.  Maybe its my experience in the Veterinary field, I don't know, but when I picture dogs running free I see packs of dogs turning on each other during mating season and literally ripping the hide off of each other.  It is really not a pretty sight and not the picture most people want in their mind when they think of dogs but it happens.  The other thoughts that stream through my mind are:  Are these animals vaccinated at some point during their stay?  How are these animals fed?  What are the limitations to the island? Are all breeds allowed?  Many breeds do not mix well.  Is there some sort of doggie debriefing, to make sure the dog will not run around killing other dogs?  Do dogs have to be neutered first?  Neutering would control a lot of issues that could occur.  And so on...

Webpage evaluation check list

Name of page: Dog Island Free Forever
Address/URL: http://www.thedogisland.com/
Date Accessed:  2010 October 24
How did you find the page? Link recommended by Professor for Evaluation

DOMAIN

What is the domain of the page? .com or commercial
Do you feel that the domain type helps add to or lessen the page’s credibility? I think it lessens the credibility.  Commercial tells me that I'm being sold something.  It may not be credible.  I'm not completely sure I'd be sold on it if it were an organization.  Possibly if it were the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) but I'm positive they would not sell something like this.  If they did, there'd be strict guidelines.  The first thing I notice when I look at this page is the advertisements for pet insurance, flea meds and heartguard tablets, dog anxiety meds and so forth.

AUTHOR/AUTHORITY

Is the author of the page identified?  Not on the main page.  After clicking on Company Information and Contact Dog Island - I found that the Presidents were Xiao Min and Han Fei.  They came together with Linda Reyes "a succesful and interesting woman from Manhattan".  I don't even know where to go with that quote. "Succesful" (note: spelled wrong) and "interesting" tells me absolutely nothing.  I'm guessing this information means that they are the author of the page but I'm not sure because they speak of themselves in third person if they are.

           Is the author of the page an individual?  The authors are two individuals who created the Dog Island company together. 

Something about this who thing is bugging me.  Phrases I read in the website do not make sense to me.  So, I decided to research the two names in question.  I tried to Google their names (individually and together) and came up with nothing other than links that directly took me back to their site.  So, I googled "Is Dog Island Free Forever Real".  A few links came up like http://floridanabob.hypermart.net/DOG%20ISLAND.htm.  This site states:

 "What makes DOG ISLAND weird is it is the subject of one of the silliest urban myths created by some guys who wanted a web site called “DOG ISLAND: FREE FOREVER” at http://www.thedogisland.com/. The entire web site is dedicated to the idea that Dog Island is a paradise retreat where dogs can vacation or live – running on the beach, chasing the local wildlife, and being a dog.... Alas, my dog, it is a myth.  But you have to love the fact that thousands of people actually thought there was a dog refuge island in Florida."

Of course, this site might be a complete fraud as well without further investigation.  So, I checked out Snope.com the urban myth busters themselves.  They backed up the last website and added a bit more:

"The Dog Island site is a hoax playing on western revulsion of Asian dog-eating practices, and its creators deliberately used names identical to those of persons and companies in China who process dogs for human consumption (for example, the "Dawn Fine Bred Dog Center" of which Dog Island is supposedly a subsidiary, the city of Pexian, and the name "Han Fei" are all references to the Dawn Fine Bred Meat Dog Center, a commercial operation in China where dogs are raised for meat), similar to a stunt once pulled by notorious prankster Joey Skaggs."

Amazing!  My worries in the beginning were completely unfounded because Dog Island does not even exist.  The names of the authors are a complete hoax as well.  I wonder how many people took this site for its face value.  Snope went on to say that after they posted their page on Dog Island being "false", the Dog Island authors deleted some of their reference.  Hmmm.... interesting.

There were some tips on the website itself that left me unsettled.  Under the "RATES" section I noticed this:

"Vacation Island, on the other hand, is very very expensive. It is only for rich people who have that kind of money to spend. This is the only way to visit the island with a dog and still come back with your dog."

Come back with your dog?  UGH?  What is that suppose to mean?  Not too mention, it sounds completely juvenile. Who says "Its only for rich people" in anything that is remotely professional.  Especially, if it is for a product that is being sold.  And then I read:

"Dogs never want to leave the island once they experience it, so you will not be able to have your dog again. You can come to the public visiting days, they are three times a year. Sometimes, someone sees their dog again."

At this point, I thought to myself, "What is the catch?  If you may or may not see your dog again... how can you be sure they aren't put in a dog fight ring?"  Seeing Snopes break down of Dog Island makes a lot of sense as to what I read - it is not a professional website and there was a reason why there were so many holes.  The only thing I don't understand is why someone would go to the bother of creating a really nice look website that is a hoax?

In any case, at this point there is nothing left to evaluate.  The site is a fraud.

Reflections in Writing Before and After Edmodo

Before the middle school students tackled using Edmodo and collaborating with FSU students, there opinions on writing was mostly divided.  A third liked writing, while a third didn't.  The remaining third were on the fence or felt that it was a bit boring.

 
After using Edmodo and collaborating with FSU students, the same middle schoolers overwhelmingly agreed that they liked writing much more.  This is rather significant.  I believe when something is enjoyable much more effort is placed in the process of creating.  If Edmodo can encourage middle schoolers to write more, then the benefit would be substantial.  More writing would mean more practice, more practice would mean better writing.  From this exercise, I can conclude that Edmodo was quite beneficial in promoting writing and creativity.

21st Century Writing

When given the statement "Schools are not preparing students adequately for jobs in the 21st century", I proposed to the class:

Critical Thinking Skills ~ Factoids are being memorized but students don't have the ability to put these facts into practice.  Memorization doesn't mean anything if you can't apply it.

Some of the feedback that returned to me from various members in the classroom was:

*I completely agree with Jaime!  Every day on the job is going to bring new events and ideas!  The only way to be prepared is by being extemperaneous!
~I found this statement interesting.  By applying my statement to surprises within the job it only furthered or strengthened my statement about critical thinking skills lacking in the 21st Century.

*I agree every day is a new day and new ideas come in constantly.  We need to advance with the times.
~This statement backed up the first opinion that was given.

*I agree with this statement.  Too many people are living in the past.  We need to kick our generation into high gear. 
~I like the statement "kick our generation into high gear." It shows how far behind we are.

Edmodo and my thoughts....

What is Edmodo?
Edmodo is a private microblogging platform that teachers and students can use to send notes, links, files, alerts, assignments, and events to each other.

I like the use of  Edmodo as a literary tool.  It is a secure way for students to create their stories in an Internet enviornment.  I also like the fact that the students were able to develop a story with selected members outside of the classroom and then take these stories and use translate them into digital stories. I  also like the fact the students were able to receive 'safe' feedback from chosen individuals outside the classroom.  I think it is excellent practice in collaboration, as well as, practice before students eventually start posting materials publically. 

I think the Fairview Middle School students did an excellent job on their stories.  Obviously, they are still learning to develop and hone their skills but for the most part their teacher is taking them down the right road for learning these skills.  I am impressed that the teacher is integrating technology into the learning curriculum.

As with their writing skills, their communication skills are something they are developing in this class as per the mission statement of their teacher.  I thought many of the students were very articulate of their feelings towards the FSU students work.  I was even more impressed that many of them did not seem overly nervous.  Being able to articulate one's thoughts and feelings is a step in the right direction towards developing critical thinking skills.

I would consider using Edmodo in my science class.  Mostly for the fact that I think it is a good setting to practice technology skills.  I could see my students using it to document science related hypotheses and experiements.  I also think that it would be very motivational to link to university students the same way our class linked to the middle school students.  University students through Edmodo could become very good mentors towards public school students in any cirriculum. 

"Reading" Media Pictures... How Deceptive are They?

It's amazing how a picture captured in a moment in time can be used to sway an audience one way or another.  In this picture, the photographer may have caught a glimpse of the president at a moment when he was carefully choosing his next words or he/she may have caught a moment just before the interview while the President was gathering his thoughts.  However, the intent of the photo is to capture the President as a 'broken man'.  His eyes are averted from the camera and the worry lines across his forehead are very apparent and deep.  The angle of the camera is such that the view makes it look as if his head is lowered.  Of course, from this same angle his gray hair is accentuated.  Many of us think of 'stress' when we see gray hair.  I know I do, even when I see them on my own head.   His shoulders are raised as if to say, "I don't know how to handle this situation".  His oxford shirt is professional but not much detail is shown; unlike the next picture where this same shirt gives more detail making it look a bit more casual.  The background is blurred, making his location confusing.  It is very apparent that the overall picture shows a stressed out man, that is not sure of his role as president.  Upon reading the article, the writer likens the Gulf oil spill to one of Jimmy Carter's downfalls.  A situation in which Carter lost all chances of winning another election.  This particular photo supports the story that the President's future is doomed.

It is amazing that this picture was taken the same day.  The President went from looking like a man in distress to a man full of confidence.  In this picture, Obama has a smile on his face.  His gait as well as the way he is holding himself up is much more confident.  This is aided by the fact that the camera angle is looking up from the ground giving him a superior appearance.  His Oxford shirt is rolled up at the ends painting a much more casual picture. While he may look superior, at the same time his clothing makes him look more like the common man. This gives him a personable appearance.  Furthermore... unlike the previous picture, the President is at the site of the oil spill.  This makes it look like he is tackling the issue head on.  He is not afraid to be close to the disaster and see it first hand.  This picture is far from the gray haired man with the stress wrinkles, who looked removed from the situation, portrayed in the previous picture.  Of course, this is exactly what the writer wanted to capture by using this particular picture.  The article uses phrases and words such as "poised to seize", "he's up to the enormous challenge", and "reassure".   This is a Presidential photo, not a photo of a 'broken man'. 

Media Literacy vs. Traditional Literacy

The skills involved with media literacy and traditional literacy are similar to a point.  Both involve comprehending the material presented; as well as being able to write about the material; and of course ultimately using critical thinking skills to break down the material and being able to question, analyze, and evaluate it.  However, media literacy goes a few steps further than traditional literacy.  The reader has to be able to keep up with lightning fast, changing information presented to them.  As society grows, the influx of information is phenomenal.  The reader has to be able to distinguish what is a reliable source and what is just simply bologna. 

I honestly believe it was too hard in the past to produce a book that was based on pure nonsense or conspiracy theories.  It was not impossible, just harder.  The creator had to be dedicated to produce nonsense.  It's expensive to produce a book, have it edited, and then published.  However, you don't even need Internet access in your own home, the library is free, to make a webpage.  There are also several free sites to help someone create their own webpage, including Blogger.  Furthermore, the user can almost publish anything that they want.  This is scary for a few reasons.  Children are vulnerable and without the skills to determine what is reliable and what is not, then their absorption of the material presented may not be healthy. 

There are also several different ways to access this material today.  The user has to understand how to use search engines, as well as, follow relevant links.  To be honest, I'm not sure I have these skills.  I'm not completely sure what is considered a media literate individual.  I think I understand but I'm not sure I do.  It is so easy to get distracted by a colorful, interactive website. 

I'm interested in knowing how the school's are going to create media literate students.  In reviewing ReadWriteThink website, I think #4 Professional Development for Grades 3-12 would be a very relevant lesson plan.  For instance, the lesson plans include analyzing political cartoons; analyzing the difference between arguments, persuasion, and propaganda; and exploring stereotypes in the media which include race, gender, class, and ethnicity.  All these lessons are the key to being traditional and media literate.  I especially like the fact that it breaks down difference between arguments, persuasion, and propaganda.  I really believe that this is one of the hardest things for kids and adults alike to understand.  Too many times I see adults posting information on Facebook that is complete propaganda and sadly they believe it to be true.  I don't know if many of these people are too lazy to research the information or they don't understand how to evaluate and research the information before they reproduce it in society.  What happens from there?  The next person takes the same information and regurgitates it in the same manner.  I like it when I see propaganda debunked.  When someone actually researches the material and publically refutes it.  I think if nothing else, it makes the original person think about what they post the next time around.  Maybe forcing them to begin researching what they post.