Sunday, May 29, 2011

MAC Week 4: BP 17 Leadership Publishing Project

My Action Research Project was based on career exploration through a student film project. I used a variety of Web 2.0 tools, media, and prompts to help students investigate future goals. The project resulted in a slight improvement in attitudes and clarity in future goals among the target audience. The target audience consisted of two eighth grade consumer science classrooms between the ages of 13 and 15 years old. There were 11 boys and 11 girls who participated in the project. The project will be restructured and carried out next year with a new group of students.

I plan to submit my Action Research paper to Edutopia. It is part of the George Lucas Education Foundation. The website is dedicated to creating access points for teachers to learn how to educate students in the 21st Century. Edutopia aims to create a community of educators and link their ideas and strategies for using emerging technology in the classroom.

I would also like to submit my article to the Journal of Technology & Scociety. It is a quaterly journal that aims to cover the issues facing educators today concerning technology. The articles collected spread information about technology use for individual learning and explore the educators experience in the changing world.

I chose these two venues to share my Action Research Project because I respect their mission. I think that each venue suits the aims of my ARP, and each platform is widely read.





Links to my Think Out Loud Blog posts during MAC

MAC Week 1 BP 4

Mac Week 3 BP 12

Mac Week 4 BP 15

Link to Publishing & Leadership Document

Friday, May 27, 2011

MAC Week 4: BP16 Comment on David Cheng's Wk4 BP

image from www.morguefile.com

David Cheng said…

Wk3 Wimba Session: Art of Possibility
There are so many things to say about this book, and about the comments of my classmates that I'm not sure where to begin. I did attend for at least half of the Wimba this time, even though it was hard to answer some of the question that came up. The book does have a certain feel like "voices" or "flashbacks" from the past, appearing again to help you find your way. In the Wimba, it was mentioned that change is good and that we shouldn't become the "veterans." But there are educational workplaces that are experiencing a lot of change, and when a "veteran" disappears, everyone suffers for it. I haven't given up, and I feel possibility within me, but I can see when that possibility disappears from the workplace.
I wish there was a chapter about revitalizing the workplace and its employees, including the ones that would never read the book, or that are prideful. Instead of possibility, I think humility is even more important in certain situations. There are a couple of chapters that I liked, specially "Being a Contribution" and "Rule Number 6." I always feel as a contribution to others, and I always feel that I get too serious, and have to tone it down. I could say that these could be life goals.
I have a small support system at work, but it's mostly shoulders to cry on. And I have only found a very limited system with my classmates, as I sometimes feel like we are worlds apart, and most don't ever check my posts. I try my best to stay positive and helpful, but it's hard when some individuals don't acknowledge your existence. I'll go on and look for possibilities where I can find them, and think on the ones they just missed...
Posted by David Cheng at 1:43 AM


Annie Woodle Said…

David,

In the next part of the book there is a chapter about lighting the spark and enrolling others into your hopes and dreams. Enrolling them in your enthusiasm. Many times the most frustrated person is the one who cares the most, it sounds like this is you. Share how much you care and enroll others to care to.

MAC Week 4: BP15 Leadership Project Think Aloud


The leadership project has been a good exercise. I started considering all of the new knowledge I gained during my Action Research Project and how it exciting it is to share it with others. I also discovered some of the weak points of my project that need some improvement. I really need to sort out my data report into a meaningful set of statistics that easily and clearly shows the progress made….I sure wish I had a statistician in my pocket ☺…I was very eager to know the results, but found trying to figure out what they were to be one of the most unenjoyable parts of the project. Heading into month twelve with spring in full bloom…feels like a new exciting beginning ahead.

MAC Week 4: BP14 Comment on Joanna Puello's Wk4 BP


image from www.morguefile.com

Joanna Puello Said...

My husband is an amazingly talented artist in many realms. He paints, draws, sings professionally, writes his own music, and gives seminars. He’s also his own boss. I’m an artist of a different sort. I write, play two instruments, act, and love to make my physical environment an inspirational place to be. We’ve been “self-employed” for years, and we’ve also been “self-UNemployed” many of times. Because we often have to pursue opportunities for income, it’s easy to feel frustrated and loose passion about the big vision. Or sometimes it’s easy to get so caught up in the big vision that we can’t see the next step. My husband has encountered endless obstacles in his musical career, and during the past two years, we have butted heads many times over what his long-term goals should be. My biggest desire for him is for him to be able to use his talents and abilities in their maximum expression. Obviously, he wants this, too. The question is how to get from here to there. In my opinion, the discussion and conflict that has revolved around this topic has been very healthy for both of us (even when it’s been hard). We’re still working through the details on some life-changing decisions, so I was extremely inspired when I read this remarkable quote in Chapter 11: Creating Frameworks for Possibility: “The foremost challenge for leaders today…is to maintain the clarity to stand confidently…no matter how fierce the competition, no matter how stark the necessity to go for the short-term goal, no matter how fearful people are, and no matter how urgently the wolf may appear to howl at the door. It is to have the courage and persistence to distinguish the downward spiral from the radiant realm of possibility in the face of any challenge.” (Zander, p. 163)


Annie Woodle said...
(20:37:11) :

Joanna,
I can relate to your post. I have done odd photography jobs, and freelance design for much of my working life. Chasing money and opportunities can make a person weary…I have always felt like I am working towards some comfortable place to live my working life in, but it is always just out of reach…But have come to realize I have enjoyed the freedom of my time…even at the sacrifice of money. I enjoy not knowing what project I will be working on, and then the excitement of beginning a new creative project that I didn’t expect to be involved in. It has been part of my journey. At this point in my life I am transitioning to a yearning for regular pay and a job where I can grow in new ways…a steady foundation. I have encountered challenges along the journey…in my Midwestern mindset and environment…like how dare I not have a 9-5 with a 401K…Even in my decision to continue my education…again. I had some friends and family question my motives…and why I felt like I was allowed to be in school…when I am just barely getting by on the jobs I bring in. Zander’s book has put this into perspective for me.
I can really appreciate the passage you picked out of The Art of Possibility…its like we get to choose which framework we live in…and if we truly believe in what we are doing…we cannot back down in the face of adversity…This challenge is one of the most difficult parts of an artists life.

MAC Week 4: BP13 The Art of Possibility - Enrollment


In the Art of Possibility Chapter 9 lighting the Spark stuck with me this week. I like the idea of enrolling people into your enthusiasm. This chapter inspired me to purchase the book for the teacher I worked with during my Action Research Project. She was excited to read it during summer break…and I thought wouldn’t it be great if it helped her in some way to see all the possibilities that pass through her classroom each semester. During my visit there was a lot of forgetting Rule Number 6, and seeing scarcity instead of abundance…not only from her, but also from myself…so I had thoughts about the possibilities of sharing the book. The section about doing things in person was good for me to read as well…Sometimes I try to do to many things from distance communication. When I was trying to secure a classroom to do my ARP in I emailed a lot, and called…but then I showed up…and it seemed like after I met people in person things just took off from there. This is a great read, just to remind us to look up and stay open.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

MAC Week 3: BP12 Leadership Project - Think Aloud

image from www.morguefile.com

I have been focusing on a plan for the Leadership Project& writing outlines. I am looking forward to ironing out my thoughts and sharing all that I have learned during my ARP this year. When my paper is complete I plan to create a presentation from it and to begin looking at places I can share the information. Everything I worked on during my AR was not perfectly executed, but the results were still positive. I can see a lot of room for improvement for the next attempt. I think the Schoology platform will be a great place to plan out the shell of activities and make improvements for next year.I am excited to see the results of fellow students projects...I think sharing our experiences is a wonderful way to generate new ideas for our projects and our practice.I like the idea of the Leadership Project because it is forward thinking and forces us to ask what is on the horizon after graduation.

Friday, May 20, 2011

MAC Week 3: BP11 Comment on Ginny Holm's Wk3 Reading BP

image from www.morguefile.com

Virginia Holm said…

Week 3 Reading Blog Post

Chapter 5: Being a leader doesn’t mean being a dictator. I enjoyed this chapter because the authors learned that from experience. When you are good at something and want to teach others you don’t have to boast or make them feel inferior because they aren’t up to your expected skill level. I admire leaders who treat people as equals and mentor with honesty and integrity. I also like people who really know what they are doing. I try to put myself in my student’s seat when I teach. I don’t want to talk down to them or make them feel stupid for not learning or being as excited about learning as I expect them to be. You should know your audience and try to find a common ground. As for listening to people who can help you succeed, the key word is “listen”. Few people do that anymore. They think of a response as you are still speaking to them. Listening is a huge factor in success.

Chapter 6: I totally wrote down Rule number 6 – don’t take yourself so seriously. My husband used to tell me when we worked in sales together and I got so upset when a delivery went wrong, or someone cancelled an order “don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.” A calm voice from a friend, coworker or a gentle inner reminder can often help a situation go from drama to calm and professional. Avoiding conflict and strife, whether it’s caused directly or indirectly allows you to pursue goals more clearly and successfully.

Chapter 7: Most of us want to succeed and advance yet only some of us will actually get there. Getting there is part luck, part knowledge, timing, and patience. While you shouldn’t accept your fate like the cow, having a good attitude like her is key. Panic and frustration reflect in your work and personality. Taking the time to learn how things flow, who everyone is and what role they play before pursuing your road to the top can make it a much smoother ride. It also would be wise to seek out a mentor from the “barn” that your are joining. You may be overlooked, but with the right attitude, good work ethic, and a few barn fans you’ll get there eventually.

Chapter 8: Sometimes it’s easier to shut out how your feel so you don’t get hurt. Even in the classroom you can come in on some days and are just off. Your defenses are up and it projects in your presentation. I’ve done that for whatever reason. A day gone bad, the cafeteria menu was not what I expected, my students didn’t do their homework… and every time my students pick up on it and ask “Mrs. Holm, are you in a bad mood today?” That totally snaps me out of it. There is no reason to bring your negative attitude to work or to the classroom. Your performance will always suffer and so will the respect of your peers and students. That being said, sometimes my students just don’t care. It would be easy to not care back, but I tend to do the opposite and work harder to find an element in the lesson that will spark their attention. The enthusiasm and energy I feel toward the topic will usually win them over. I try really hard to not let anyone leave my classroom with a negative experience.

Annie Woodle said...

I appreciate your thoughts on chapter 5. The greatest teachers I remember used a conversational style that required us to find our own answers with guidance from them. There was no dictator-esque feeling in the room. This atmosphere helped the students branch off into their own creative learning journey. One teacher I remember in particular would often answer my questions with an example...then say "what do you think?"...and finally she would say "It's your journey.Look up "this" and then come talk with me." I found out a lot about my own value system during my time with her. It was like a guided, open-ended, learning environment that resulted in some of my most creative work.
May 20, 2011 9:23 AM

Thursday, May 19, 2011

MAC Week 3: BP10 Comment on Joanna Puello's Wk3 BP

image by Annie Woodle

Joanna Puello said….

MAC, Week 3, Reading: The Art of Possibility
18 05 2011

I had a good laugh as I read through Chapter 4: “Leading From Any Chair” (The Art of Possibility by Rosamund & Ben Zander)! Ironically, the same day I read the chapter, my boss at the ESOL language center where I teach called me into her office. “I’ve gone by your classroom recently, and I’ve noticed you sitting a lot while you teach. None of the students have complained, but…try to stand more. You can always lean on your chair if necessary. But other than that, everything is fine!”
I nodded and said, “Ok.” (Not going to pick that one to battle!) Then I proceeded to ask her about my current group of students. When I got them, they had just failed Level 3, so I was assigned to re-teach the material. Some of the new students were ready to re-take the test even though we hadn’t finished all of the material because I had tailor-designed the classes so that their test taking would be more successful (and ultimately so that they would learn more English). “Can they re-take the test on Monday?” I asked.
“They don’t re-take the test,” she said, surprised at my question.
“They don’t?” I asked, even more surprised.
“No,” my boss responded, “Because what if they don’t pass the second time?”
Then they have a pretty rotten teacher! I thought to myself. I didn’t say anything but finally understood how my students got to Level 3 when they didn’t know many things that Level 2 students had mastered.
Later that day, I read “Leading From Any Chair”. I remembered my ESOL training through Cambridge University and how in one practice round, the trainer corrected me because I was towering of my students instead of crouching down to their desks. So which way is better? Do I stand or do I sit? Well, I stand while I teach when I need to write on the board or when the class activity naturally requires it. Otherwise, I feel honored to be “at the same level” as my students. What’s so important about standing? Is it to exert an aurora of leadership? If I’m an effective teacher, can’t I teach well from any part of the room? Evidently, standing up = effective teacher or energy or good communication or established authority for my boss. I, on the other hand, measure my success “from the twinkle in their eyes” (Ben Zander). I know that relating to my students (who are often far more accomplished or wealthy than I am) and respecting them as individual people gives me a connection with them and opens the gates to their hearts so that they will be motivated to listen to me talk about the fundamentals of English grammar. I also don’t need to stand to get control or to grab their attention. I can whisper, and they’re all ears because in the midst of the most complex grammar formula, I can insert content that touches their hearts and arouses their curiosity…and makes the keep coming back for more.
To keep my job, I’ll be sure to stand every time my boss comes around and CERTAINLY when the content inspires it. To keep my students, I’ll keep making their eyes twinkle.



Annie Woodle Said….

I can relate to what you were talking about in your post. I often sit at students tables and talk with them about the assignments. I feel like doing this created situations where the students and I had meaningful conversations. During my ARP I moved from table to table sitting and answering questions, and I found the students were more inclined to do the same when I asked them to help others. I began doing this because it felt more natural to me as a longtime student, newbie instructor...I wanted to work with them, not at them. I did not get any complaints, but wondered if what I was doing seemed odd to the other teachers since most of them stood front & center. The group I was working with was 8th graders...and I found this tactic to be very helpful during behavior issues as well...they were a lot less likely to continue if I was sitting at their table. Sitting with them helped me get to know them, and opened up the floor for conversations with kids that never asked questions when I was up front. I wonder why your boss is so concerned that sitting with students is wrong for teachers??? Maybe you should give her a copy of the textbook. :)

MAC Week 3: BP9 Reading Art of Possibility BTFI

image from www.morguefile.com

I enjoyed chapter about the 8th Practice. It reminded me of an experience I had just after graduating from my B.S. program. I landed a job at the advertising agency that I had wanted to work for since I first visited it during high school. I aced the interview, impressed them with my portfolio and began working part time. When I began this exciting new job I was finishing up as a temporary employee for my colleges Marketing and Communications department. I enjoyed the design job I was working at the college, so it was difficult to leave, and in light of my new permanent position I was not chosen to fill the opening after my temporary stint ended. It was an exciting time for me and I told everyone about my new job, the possibilities seemed to open right up. When I began my new job I found that I was not really fitting in. My fear over my performance turned into a huge roadblock to my thinking processes, and I failed to produce the kind of work I was capable of. After two weeks my boss came to me and said, “I think you are very talented, and you will be fine, but I don’t think this is working out.” I quickly put on my sunglasses to cover up my sprouting tears and scurried out the door. So I had lost the position in the comm. & marketing dept at my college and my big opportunity…I was pretty devastated. Soon after all the disappointments I went to visit my main communications professor from my undergrad. He seemed excited to see me and said “ How is the new job at so&so’s.” I could feel my face turning red and the tears starting to sprout out again and I said defeated. “Well I was there two weeks, and they said I am very talented, then they…fired me.” To which my professor replied. “Well…fuck them.” This statement was not the type of thing I regularly heard come out of his mouth…it was really empowering to me. I thought,”Yeah, fuck them.” I couldn’t quite figure out why it made me feel so good, to hear those words…but it switched my thinking from victim to proactive, participating, and capable.

At the time this series of letdowns began, I was stuck in this mindset of…”Why is this happening…I don’t need anymore character building experiences.” And now I look at it as the opportunities that lead me to my wonderful experiences at Full Sail. I had a desire to come here since I began my undergraduate program…and I have learned so much this year…began a crossover into education…and discovered a whole new realm of possibilities for my career that do not involve salesman…☺

You see, during this phase in my professional life I was feeling torn about pursuing graphic design and advertising. I had been set on the idea of working in the field for so long, but found myself in a tug of war with my feelings about all of the noise in media. The advertising of useless items, working towards monetary goals that didn’t enrich people through meaningful ideas…I didn’t want to sell sneakers, or devise ways to make useless objects appealing. A major shift happened for me in this time…I would only sell things I believed in…education, photography, etc. I still do some advertising work for some small businesses and friends…but I feel more in tune with my values and purposes now…I am happier, more engaged, and closer to finding the purpose and passion in my work.

I think much of this self-discovery came out of that simple, malediction from my professor. He gave me a BTFI attitude and freed me from the confining parameters I had set up for my self.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

MAC Week 2: BP8 Action Research Website

Nearing the completion of my Action Research Website...It is amazing to see this year come together in such a visible way. I have found it difficult to organize some of the information, but I always feel a new sense of understanding and accomplishment with each section that gets completed. The way this program is laied out really allows the students to take this huge undertaking in digestible chunks. The year is almost over and I think I am already feeling a sense of loss, relief, and accomplishment all rolled into one. There is a possibility that the project will be done again next year, and I am looking forward to improving it and creating a shell for it on Schoology. I think after figuring out all of the things I learned during this process the changes I make will be major improvements in the structure of the project, which will result in a richer experience for the kids. I am anxious to see what comes after the EMDT program, but sad to see it go.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

MAC Wk 2: BP7 Comment on Meghan Bassett's Wk2 BP1

image from www.morguefile.com

Meghan Bassett Said...

Wow, I’m actually a little in awe at this textbook. The first two chapters remind me of my favorite quote, and a quote I try very hard to live by each day.
"The remarkable thing is that we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude
we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the past... We cannot change
the fact that people will act in a certain way... We cannot change the
inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the string we have and that is
our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I
...react to it. And so with you..."
I had a big move in front of me a few years back, where I had to leave everything behind and start anew. I could either be depressed by the unknown and the vast options of my future, or I could be excited or inspired by it. I chose the latter, and I’m so thankful that I chose that path because it led me to some really great things in my life.
In the third chapter, the author talks about giving everyone an A, and embracing mistakes as a learning tool instead of a negative part of the students music. I teach my students in Art a similar way, and using this quote often to enforce my ideas; “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” In art, mistakes can bring you to some of the most fascinating parts of your piece. Developing those mistakes can sometimes bring an ordinary piece of art into the extraordinary. Most students make mistakes, recognize it, become very negative and sometimes give up hope and consider themselves a failure. I try my very hardest to turn their mistakes into something they can work with and develop from. The hardest part is teaching them to like something they had not planned on creating. They tend to have ideas in their head of what they want to create, and when they cannot reach this goal, they get very disappointed. The art for me, is trying to get them to see the amazing qualities of what they made, not what they were supposed to make.

As far as contribution, I think we would do everyone in our lives a huge favor if we look at everyday as a gift, and every moment we are with others as a gift to ourselves and them. Going through your work week looking forward to Friday is no way to live life. Using this idea to look at how you are contributing to others everyday would make your life so much more fulfilled.

As I was reading this, my boyfriend asked me what I was reading. I said a textbook, which brought the question what it was about. I narrowed it down to a self help type textbook, and that it was actually very interesting and quite a good read. (I’ll admit, I teared up for parts of it, connecting to the stories by the author and others….call me a girl.) I’m going to go live by these 4 chapters, and return to read the rest after making my mom mother’s day dinner.


Annie Woodle said...

Meghan,

I am enjoying this book as well.I love your art quote “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” I think one of the most frustrating things to confront in creative fields is the disconnect between what is imagined and what is created. It is a very real source of frustration that can lead people to feel like a failure in artistic endeavors.

I had a drawing instructor in my undergrad who put this into perspective. Very often students would begin the class with the repetitive statement "I can't draw." to which he would reply "You have done this since you could hold a pencil...Drawing is the one thing that all of us can do." It was like there there was some invisible line removed, from my idea of what I was capable of. I did not do the most amazing drawings anyone has ever seen...but, I found out I enjoy it. I also created the best drawings I have ever made.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

MAC Wk 2: BP6 Comment on Thanh Kirby's Wk2 BP1

image from www.morguefile.com

Thanh Kirby Said.....

Benjamin Zander’s TED talk on classical music is one of my favorite TED videos. I can’t remember when I first saw this, but I have seen it on numerous occasions and have enjoyed it each time. As I started reading the book, Art of Possibility, I thought I would get a jump on the reading before reading the introductory assignment page in FSO. My plan of action was to discover what the purpose of the book was and how it was connected to the class as quickly and efficiently as possible. I had blinders on trying to figure what concrete lesson the book was trying to teach. In my haste I missed who the author was and why we were reading this book. So in that frame of mind I had difficulty understanding the purpose and connection of the book to the class. It wasn’t until I took the time to read the assignment completely in FSO and then finally discovered that Zander was the same person who co-authored the book, it made total sense. Chapter One Learned: It’s all invented.

As I continued reading through the book I found Chapter 3 to be especially applicable to my everyday life and teaching. The stories that the Zanders tell do a great job at illustrating the point of Giving an A, as well as to give concrete examples of how to apply these practices in real life. Personally, as someone who tends to be a little bit of a perfectionist, this chapter provided the perfect anecdote to free me from the chains of creative block that has often stalled me from making further progress on a variety of projects. So what I take away from this chapter is that by giving yourself an A you are in a sense taking away the fear of failure. Eliminating this fear allows you to explore the boundaries of creativity and expand the realm of possibility. Often times you just need this extra push of confidence to overcome small mountains.

In band you can’t really ignore things when they don’t go well. The kids know when they completely bomb because often times they know how a certain piece should be played. So sugarcoating a bad performance is not effective at improving performance. What is important, however is to get the kids to realize what mistakes were made and how to fix them. It is through this concept that the ideas of Chapter 3 take flight. Allowing students the safety net of not being afraid to fail will allow them to try harder pieces, explore the range of their musical abilities and teach them persistence despite adversity. (In a performance, despite how bad things might be going the idea of continuing through but being able to adapt and adjust on the fly is crucial) Giving the students the freedom to do this is important.


Annie Woodle said...

Thanh,

You said what I was thinking in your post about giving an A. I too am a perfectionist and sometimes stall out or hit a block when I am not certain how to accomplish something. I will take a really long time to get something just right...which can be very frustrating for me and those around me. I like the idea of starting with perfection and trying to become it...instead of trying to create it...That's a lot of pressure. It is just a different mental position for me... to approve before I proceed...It makes it ok to learn without all of these parameters placed on it. Very freeing...wonder if I am capable of it?? :)

MAC Wk 2: BP5 Art of Possibility



image from www.moorguefile.com

I am really enjoying the book for this class. There are a lot of great life lessons and refreshing perspectives. Opening yourself up to possibility is half the battle in life.

Giving an A was an important chapter for me to read in The Art of Possibility (Zander, 2000). I have been very focused on that letter throughout my education. Less than an A is very uncomfortable for me as a student…unless it is in a class that I find impossibly difficult - like Algebra. I had to retake the course in college a few times because of my math phobias I had built up over my lifetime. When I finally passed the course with a C…I gave myself an A, because I knew that I had a breakthrough with the material and truly understood the concepts. I knew that it was the best work I was capable of at the time. Now when I am asked to help others with the subject I find that I truly retained most of the information and deserved a passing grade.

In the past I had gone through bouts of being so focused on the A or reassurance that my work was valid that I would miss the point of some lessons. I honed an ability to figure out what kind of work would get me a high grade and became an expert test taker. Even now I can usually pass a test that I have not studied for (but am somewhat familiar with the content) with an average of 80% correct. I tested this theory with some online practice tests for different certifications in teaching and have noticed this phenomenon in some of my undergrad work.

In the end I found that I probably learned more and felt more accomplished by earning that C in Algebra then I ever did floating through any flashcard class I took. This is not to say I learned nothing from regurgitating information in an orderly fashion, but the experiences I remember feeling like I was changed do not involve flashcards.

I think meaningful learning changes your perspective and sometimes that A gets in the way. I think giving an A before you even begin is a wonderful idea to create a new purpose in the classroom…listening. I have pulled this practice into my daily thought processes with my son and people around me. It is kind of like the power of positive thinking, creating the world that you want to live in, and allowing people to flourish all in one. I have not perfected the practice, but I am glad that it is a thought process I can have now.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

MAC Week 1: BP4 Leadership Project

image by Annie woodle

I have been thinking about my Leadership project this week and which type of presentation I would like to create. At first, I thought I would do a visual presentation because I enjoy making them. I am now positive that I will write a paper first and then create a presentation from the paper. I think writing about what I have learned will help me work out and understand everything that has come out of my Action Research Project this year. The writing process always helps me think critically about my ideas, and I think writing first will be more beneficial to me. I am looking forward to sorting out all of my thoughts about the ARP this month.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

MAC Week 1: BP3 Comment on Anne Alsup Post1

image from www.morguefile.com

Below is a blog post by Anne Alsup & the comment I left for her on her blogsite: Anne Alsup's Anecdotes
Week 1 BP 1 The Best of Intentions

I can't say that I agree with the copyright laws or the definition of what is and is not fair use, but I am sure that the laws were set up with the best of intentions. Seventy to a hundred years seems excessive. It seems that the bulk of the protection needs to cover only a few years and that some rights and protections should drop off sooner. With such an extended period, even the ability to locate the copyright holder would be diminished.

Perhaps my logical analytical side is running on overload, but when I look at the definition of fair use, I have to wonder if it is really possible to justify usage under the current definition. If the test is, if you are teaching a unit and you are using copyrighted material, can you teach the lesson without the material, then I doubt it is all that common. Educators, by nature, are extremely resourceful individuals and there is usually more than one way to skin a cat. (Mathematicians tend to think a lot like attorneys.) However, many laws, established with the best of intentions, fail to see the full picture. I for one, find the stoplight quite useful, except in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere, when I have been sitting at a light waiting for it to change. As I see it, the best alternative is permission, so make it easier to get or more people will break the law.

Creative Commons is like a flashing red light in the middle of the night. It doesn't mean you don't have to obey the law, it just adds a little common sense to the situation. Creative Commons is a good solution for all those concerned. Most of us want to share our work, but we don't want to be taken advantage of. CC makes it possible to share, but still retain some control over your work. It would be wonderful if more artists would voluntarily submit to this common sense approach.
Posted by Anne Alsup's Anecdotes at 9:24 PM


Annie Woodle said...


Anne,

Nice analogy to the red light vs. flashing red light. More autonomy in sharing is an important work around for our current...extremely restrictive copyright system. The fair use laws should be a right not just a defensive point that can be argued. I do not see the harm that could come from sharing information in an educational arena. I imagine many copyright holders would be afraid to attack a teacher or school because of bad press and ...well most people understand that information sharing in schools is necessary...but I am certain that it has happened. Creative Commons and moroguefile are great additions to the copyright problems right now. I understand the need for protection, because I have worked in the creative industries, but when we hold on so tight that we impede the growth of society it is too much.I get really torn about the issue because our surroundings are so saturated with the creative works of others it can seem impossible to express yourself without including the environment you live in. It is great to see the rise of sharing communities. The phenomenon has happened over and over in the art community even without copyright. Creative groups like the photography club f/64 and Andy Worhols The Factory. Although, they did not allow others to take what they had made... they shared ideas, styles, and images.I think of content sharing sites in this way. It's like a global club of artists and people in general.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

MAC Week 1: BP2 Comment on Kristi Swartz Post1

image by Kevin Rosseel from www.morguefile.com

Below is a blog post by Kristi Swartz & the comment I left for her on her blogsite: Bloggin' With Kristi Swartz

Wk1Readings_KristiSwartz_Post1

"Copyright Dilemma…
Being someone who had a very limited knowledge of the copyright issues for music and film in our new social society, it was interesting to examine copyright issues this week, and learn so much about the issues with copyright for this century.
In the documentary Good Copy, Bad Copy, the essence and complexity of copyright law and copyright infringement is explored through personal experiences.

From my learning this week, I do see the trouble for artist creation of music and film if it were to be left open to change without revenue for the creators of the songs, videos, etc. Artists put their talent, heart, and soul into creations and want to have the rights to those items. That makes a lot of sense to me. What about an image of my dog? Yes, even that has a copyright for me. Interesting.

I also enjoy the ability to use materials on Creative Commons to express my own ideas in the classroom using images, video, and audio designed by other creative individuals. I can imagine the change if teachers and students had access and the right to use original works, and could take parts and pieces of those works, put them together to share a part of history and retell a story, or express content in a new way. It could be very powerful for students. In the film Good Copy, Bad Copy this was illustrated through sampling and techno brega being created from original works.

It seems absurd that it is millions of dollars to buy out copyrights of songs from artists in order to simply use parts of the songs, or beats of the music in new creative ways. In my opinion, this aspect of copyright needs to change as we have a shift in culture to protect the artist from piracy.

If artists could share original content through a site like Creative Commons and give rights to others to use the works in new and creative ways while they still got credit and possibly profit, it could be more effective for today’s culture.

I see the use of sharing sites like Creative Commons becoming more and more popular in our 21st century culture of Internet song sharing and digital creation sharing electronically. I do, however, also see the trouble for artists ability to keep the music, video, or work as it was intended. Quite an interesting time as this change comes. As for my dog, I plan to post him on Creative Commons!"

Posted by Mrs. Kristi Swartz at 10:46 AM


Annie Woodle said...


Kristi,

First of all your dog is very cute and should be shared.:) I agree that our current copyright system is outdated, it is comforting to know that there are alternate venues popping up online where we can find and share content. I too see the other side of the problem, where protection is needed. For instance, in the portrait photography industry there is a real need for protection from copyright infringement. Most portrait photographers make their money from reprints of images - not the actual shoot. Many people get upset about not having the right to reprint an image of themselves and it causes a lot of conflict between photographers & customers. But...without protection most photographers would go out of business...I do think we should revert back to the 14 year law instead of these lifetime +70 years or 100 year terms for the protections. Chances are...even 1 or 2 years after I take an image I will give someone a copyright release form to print it on their own. I have added an option for customers to buy a disk with retouches & release forms included now - and I could be losing money from reprints, but it seems to even out. Beyond the business aspect, I am pretty liberal with my works and their use.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

MAC Week 1: BP1 Copyright Issues

Image above is a mash up I created out of 3 copyright free photos from www.morguefile.com


Will the prevalence of new online media creation tools reduce the amount of copyright infringement and piracy?

Low cost or free Web 2.0 tools that can be used to create original or almost original media are everywhere these days. Here are a few I have appreciated; www.creaza.com, www.prezi.com, www.gimp.org and the list goes on and on.

www.go2web20.net alone, has a list of about 70 different tools that can do anything from creating cartoons, publishing original music (which can be made in GarageBand at home) to editing photos and film. It seems like in a world with such easily accessible creative tools there would be no need to hijack the creativity of others…yet it happens everyday.

Why do so many people borrow the content others have created?


Well the answer is…because they like it…a lot. In our current world everyone is a creator and so I suppose it is difficult to have an original idea that was not posted to the Internet last week. We are inundated with ideas, images, music, film, and advertisements everyday …isn’t art an expression of our experience? If our experience is media than how do we express our ideas without falling into the gray area of copyright from time to time?

I have worked in the media creation field most of my adult life and have probably wandered over the line of infringement on more than one occasion…being that I do not make millions of dollars off my work I suppose seeing someone copy me involves a mixture of feelings from violation, flattery, and I wish I would of thought of doing that with it ☹…I am the type of person that if asked permission I would probably say yes…if someone wanted to sell my stuff and keep the profits for themselves…NO! I want some of that…cause its nice to get money especially for something you do without even getting paid sometimes.

Copyright laws do need an overhaul in our time. We are a society of information sharers and if we lock up all of the information… knowledge would be privatized…that’s frightening. A million times more frightening than a mashed up song being played at a dance party. So on the topic of copyright infringement I feel conflicted…sure hope someone gets it figured out soon.☺