EDUC 6810 Reading and Discussion #2

1.  In your opinion, is the potential for more people to create their own media a positive or negative influence on our democratic society?

Because we live in a free democratic society people can create their own media. In my opinion it can be a positive or a negative influence. It depends on what the person reading the message wants to believe. There is nothing worse than arguing with someone who says I saw the front page picture or in a magazine.  “Such meanings can be conveyed at abstract visual levels and consumers will receive the meanings as intended to varying degrees but there is minimal accountability required because claims are not explicitly defined in verbal terms.”(Schnell, 2008) People will always believe what they want regardless of what they see.

2. Is visual cultural a good thing or bad thing?

 Visual culture without explanation can become a bad thing. “With the increased emphasis on visual images, at the expense of aural messages, there is less of a standard for truth because subtle visual images are more seductive in their claims.” (Schnell, 2008) People are getting lazy about reading what is attached to the picture, especially if the print is real little, or if there are many paragraphs. During the last presidential campaign who actually read their platforms?  I remember hearing a person say they voted purely on how they liked how the candidate looked.

3. Do you think you are a critical consumer of visual images?

To me seeing, is not believing. I need proof before I believe a picture. I am familiar with the programs that alter pictures and how photographers stalk to get the “money” shot, good or bad. I have become more critical as I get older. When I was looking for a house, I would look through realtor magazines to get a feel for what was available. Much to my despair the house pictured did not nearly resemble the real thing.

4. How does the article influence your thoughts about teaching media literacy in school? 

Media literacy should be taught in preschool or before. It most assuredly should be part of a curriculum in kindergarten where pictures tell their stories. By the time they reach grade school, ipads , iphones, etc are already in their hot little hands and they need to be taught responsibility.

 “Thus, we are more challenged in this regard in that we need to engage our critical thinking skills without any prompting from the senders of such visual images.” (Schnell, 2008)  

 

Schnell, J. (2008). Suggestions for addressing the increased emphasis on visual imagery over aural messages. Media Psychology Review, 1(1),

Week #2 Photo Analysis

  An old Chinese proverb states "A pictures is worth a thousand words". That is true in today's society where the media can sway public opinion with a well cropped or designed set picture. The Deepwater Horizon spill of April 2010 , was a disaster of epic proportions , with ramifications still felt today.

•  I choose photo #2 for Presidential confidence. Photo #1 makes the President look worried and confused. But then that's all the we see. It was cropped to make this impression. He may very well be listening to a question or comment from someone.
• Photo #2 shows a well designed set to put the President in the most positive light during a negative time.
•  There are big pictures and maps in the background. The Deepwater Horizon title is large to remind everyone why they are there. 
• The American flag off to our left to show American pride and strength.
• The President dressed casually in a light colored shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He is the main focus of the set and he is ready for action.
• It is a spontaneous picture taken during the press conference, this stated in the caption. He does not have a cheesy smile shaking someone's hand. 
• He is sitting at a table with paper and maps strewn about, not a formal podium. He wants the public to know he is there to get the job done.
• His hand gestures , facial expression and direct eye contact show me he is answering a question or comment.
•  The Incident Commander is in his casual uniform to show he does not have time for pomp and circumstance.
•  He is not real comfortable there. His brows are furrowed, he is frowning ,  his hands are clenched and he is looking away from whomever the President is speaking to. Hoping that by avoiding eye contact he won't be asked any questions.
•  He is sitting very close on the President's right side, almost touching the President, to support any question or comment asked of them.
•  He wants to be out fighting the fight.

Knowing a little about the publications can also explain the different picture connotations.

• The NY Daily news was very critical of the way the President was handling the situation. They may have a Republican editor that loves taking shots at the President, so they post his picture in the most negative way possible.
•  The Christian Science Monitor is a little more forgiving, in the sense that they did not give a political spin on the disaster. Their picture is more supportive.  

The 3 things I would infer from this picture would be

1. The president is showing the public that he is on top of the situation at that moment.
2. He has the best right-hand man at his side.
3. He is 'transparent' about the situation and he may have to get his hands dirty.

The 3 questions I may ask would be

1. How did this happen?
2. How do you plan to fix it?
3. How much will this cost the taxpayers?

Photo #1

Caption : Worried President Obama ponders his next move about the Deepwater Horizon Disaster.




                                          Photo#2

Caption: President Obama discusses strategies with Incident Commander Allen at a briefing on the Deepwater Horizon incident.

 

 Activity #3

Photo Analysis Lesson plan

EDUC 6810 Intro

I am a professor for Pierpont Community and Tech College in the respiratory care program. I am a transplant from Cleveland, Ohio(GO BROWNS). I live in Fairmont with my 4 legged buddy, Rocky. I love the outdoors and love adventure. Once walked 30 miles on the Appalachian trail on 3 days. Had very sore feet, but it was great experience. I hope to graduate in Dec with my Master's of Ed. I have learned so much from the digital classes and I don't think this class will be any different.

Adventurous Me

Teaching media literacy helps students to intelligently evaluate , to critically dissect , to investigate it's uses, and to construct alternative media. It is all about the knowledge. What I hope to learn is the new an exciting ways to get involved with the different types media. I want to teach immagination with responsibilty. I want my students to investigate research with a critical eye and not regurgitate what is on the page. My concerns are there is so much information, that I will not be able to keep up.