Weird Al

After watching 'David After Dentist' on youtube several times, I've come to realize that this action isn't as strange as one might think. We question the reasons for remixes and in fact, the reason for the posting in the first place. Is the answer to this question not - for entertainment???
We revel in other people's misery. It is entertainment to many of us. Just look at adult cartoons such as Family Guy and Simpsons, or even Married With Children - how many of us would actually enjoy living the lives depicted in these sitcoms -- although there are many aspects of the show that hit a close to home? The humor and 'realness' of some situations makes us laugh. How true to life some of these shows really are - they are moments we look back on (often years after such embarrassing incidents) and laugh at. Perhaps David too will find his 'escapades' in the back seat entertaining one day.

Posting these videos aren't meant to do any harm - although sometimes innocent people (David in this case, being that he is too young to distinguish between right and wrong) are caught in the crossfire. This reminds me of the good ol' Weird Al days. Look how many parodies he created, much to the chagrin of many, and made a fortune doing it. Sure, he followed the correct procedures by obtaining permission from the artist, paid royalties, etc., but in essence, is he not doing the same thing - just on a bigger scale? Why do we think it is funny when it comes from him . . . it still belittles some people, pokes fun at artists and pushes many limits -- but we see it as entertainment. What is the difference between what he is doing and what David's dad did?

Just for the record, I love Weird Al and Amish Paradise is one of my favorite videos - check it out if you time!

Interesting Points to Ponder

During tonight's class, several comments were made in the chat room that are worthy of addressing.

The question, "Has technology changed the learner -- for the better or the worse?" was raised. When I reflect back on my childhood (pre-texting), I smile at the simplicity of it all. Life seemed so much easier back then (even though I'm sure people worked much harder - at least from my perspective). Has technology taken us a step back? Do we rely too heavily on it?

Stephen King eluded to the fact "that teachers are often dinosaurs before they even start (technologically speaking!)" If this is the case, how do we adequately prepare our teachers for the world they will face? How do we keep up with the times when the times are changing exponentially?

The last idea that really struck me was "you have to be energetic about the change yourself to make it work . . . pass on the enthusiasm!" How true this is!!! This class has inspired me try new things and I can already see my growth in just a few months - as can my students. I have brought more technology into my classroom and have given my overhead a well-deserved break. I use the LCD projector more than ever before (okay . . . twice), I show youtube videos in class, I am attempting to make videos with my French students, and I am starting up a cooking wiki. The students are excited when I walk into the class with a new gadget and big bright eyes indicating I have just learned something new. They become excited because of my reactions. It kind of reminds me of when I was younger and I'd watch my brother eat turnips with a smile - before eagerly trying them myself (only to find out that I hated them - but at least I tried - okay, maybe this wasn't such a great example but you get the idea --- show enthusiasm about something and it is sure to be catchy!)

Proper Comment Etiquette

Being new to the whole blogging world - I have a question . . . is it expected by the 'commenters' to receive a 'comment' from the 'commentee'? What is proper blogging etiquette?


To begin with, what an elating feeling - to know that someone is taking the time to check out my posts. Not only are they reading my thoughts, but they are providing feedback which helps me grow and even more importantly - find reason to continue on my learning journey. I now know how students feel when they receive a sticker on their work - even when they are in grade eleven! Secondly, receiving a comment instills a feeling of 'belonging'. It is true - an online social network can bring someone out of their 'shell'. There is no threat! There is no judging! There is no pressure! Everyone is so eager to help and share. If only the real world were like this!

Digital Identity

Your Digital Dossier, is a scary coming-to-terms with the information that exists 'somewhere' about our personal lives. As noted earlier in my blog, I am very concerned with privacy when it comes to technology. The video (sent by Couros) is mind-boggling! It validates my concerns. What is being done with the vast accumulation of information?

My Continuing Privacy Rant

I just returned from Privacy Training (which is required for my second job with the Ministry of Corrections) where I obtained a number of pamphlets from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. I again found myself in a dilemma.

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act are designed to protect our privacy. They focus on our rights as individuals to have our personal information protected. These laws are applicable in the cases as outlined in the handbook, but no mention is made of cases that pertain to our personal everyday lives. Many of us do not realize how much personal information we unknowingly release every day or are oblivious to the conditions in which we release it. For example, even this posting reveals information about myself that you don't need to know.

How many times have you been at a store where they required a piece of identification to return items? How many over-the-phone surveys have you responded to and given information such as yearly income, age, number of persons living in the home, etc.? How many times have you applied for jobs where information was required about about your references? How many times have you made purchases at stores where they asked for your postal code and phone number? How many times have you 'confided' in your hairdresser or masseuse, only to find her confiding in you about a number of her other clients? What do these places do with all this information?

For fun, I had a number of friends do google searches on themselves. The information they found (some true, some not) was alarming. Where did all this information come from?

It is a scary world out there and the amount of personal information available is staggering. The internet makes accessing this type of information much too easy. It also makes it effortless to post incriminating, misleading and bogus information - unfortunately, it is left to the reader to decide what is real and what is phony!

A Day In My Life

I finally did it! I figured out how to post something to youtube! Interestingly enough, I sit here wondering "who would ever want to watch this?" and then I recall some of the other postings I have viewed - scary as they may be - and if there is an audience for watching someone sleep, or someone defecating, or a dog humping a leg - then I think there just may be an audience for me too!!

Privacy

As noted in class, there are many issues surrounding digital media literacy. The most applicable in my life, would be that of privacy. Wikipedia defines privacy as "the ability of an individual or group to seclude themselves or information about themselves and thereby reveal themselves selectively". Unfortunately, the internet is a massive sieve that allows information - both factual and fictional - to flow freely, sometimes, unannounced to the stakeholder.

I am well aware of the fact that anything and everything entered on the internet is cached away someplace in computer land and can be instantly recovered - even years later! It is vital, for this reason, that users are aware of the implications that may ensue should they decide to post anything personal about themselves, or about others for that matter. This is where my concern lies. As mentioned, I understand the repercussions of posting factual, fictional and/or questionable material - however - I am leary about the postings of others.

Just the other day, I had students bring cameras with them to class. I don't mind them taking pictures, and even find it a bit flattering that they would find my class interesting enough to document through photographs. I'm also known as a teacher who likes to goof around with her students (I'm trying to relive my youth), and you'll often find me restraining students, headlocking students - you know - the things teachers normally don't do. This, however, is always done in good taste. Everyne in the photos are laughing and having a great time. After the class discussion this week, I starting reflecting on my actions. What if one of these photos ever made it to facebook or some other social network where it became a - dare I say - viral photograph! What would the implications be for me? Viewers don't necessarily know - or care to know - the context in which the pictures were taken and they may be perceived in an unfavorable manner. Where do my rights lie? I know now that I will be more consciously aware of cameras in the classroom, but fear losing my 'personality' due to my fright of appearing on the net.

How is it fair that someone else can post photos or information about myself without my knowledge or permission?

Just recently, I also managed to find a picture of myself in grade four, smiling sheeishly in the front row - and it wasn't me who posted the photo! Someone else had taken the liberty to post a photo of their class from decades (whew, that was difficult to type) ago and attached our names to it. Where is my right to be censored? How can I protect my privacy when I don't know when I'm being exposed?

Where Are We Going?

I just perused a rather lengthy reading by Stephen Downes entitled The Future of Online Learning: Ten Years On' that outlines some of the changes that have taken place in technology over the past ten years. It made some interesting revelations and made me reflect on my personal experiences with technology.

We are required to have a minimum of two computers in each classroom. Years ago, I may have jumped for joy to have this opportunity, but today, I am down right annoyed. The computers take up too much space and we never use them!!! I tried to get administration to remove them - but to no avail! Instead, I have two unplugged computers, but with awesome storage capabilities (they are on a cart with a shelf that I can stack full of paper resources) sitting at the back of my room. I believe it is my lack of experience and confidence that prevent me from flicking the switch, so they'll just sit there and collect dust for now.

Sometimes, we require computers for assignments -- being a french teacher -- I find them rather hindering. My students not only use them for research, but they also use them as translators. This wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact that when I ask students to read to me what they have written, they have no idea what their own paper says. How is the translation function helping them here? How do I prevent them from using this feature? How do I make them understand the value of doing the work the hard way - using the dictionary (either online or paper version)? How do I keep them on task?

Yes, technology does have its benefits . . . but when do I find the time to learn how to use it effectively? A parent made a comment the other day about the school website and how teachers should be updating it daily. I'm sure she saw my sour facial expression - but unfortunately, I didn't have time to explain it. To begin with, many teachers have no training or time, many teachers come in early to prep, supervise during breaks, run intramurals, coach after school, correct in the evening . . . and surprisingly, try to have a life outside school! Not all teachers get preps and when they do have them, there are so many things to do that blogging and posting assignments don't take precedence. I see the value in keeping up-to-date information on line, but people have to realize that time is a real issue - especially when learning something new!

Don't get me wrong, our division is very supportive when it comes to technology. We have a wonderful technology consultant who is more than willing to come out anytime to help out with classes or provide PD, we have excellent equipment and cool gadgets, we have student laptops available, the list is quite lengthy of the supports we have . . . but the issue remains . . . lack of time and experience (and confidence in my case)!

I guess I started rambling (since this entry was supposed to be about Stephen's revelations), but I do recommend taking a read of his article. It is interesting - and understandable!

Jackpot!

For all you tech newbies - like myself - I have hit upon an incredible site filled with games, teaching strategies, news, tools, stories and so much more for teachers. Actually, it was a site mentioned during the last online session we had - and it is well worth a check! It is called freetech4teachers.com.

A World Where People Subscribe to People, Not Magazines

Shareski made an excellent point when he made the comment about the world being a place where people subscribe to people, not to magazines! There is so much to learn from others, all we have to do is reach out and ask for the help. Why don't we?

I know in my case, it is a lack of confidence that prevents me from asking others for assistance. I am apprehensive about making the request because I worry about my question being stupid - a question that I should already know the answer to. I am very self-conscious about my abilities and am reluctant to share for fear of judgment. I am intimidated by the wealth of knowledge some people have. For now, I enjoy sitting back and taking in all that I can, but still feel a twinge of guilt for not reciprocating to all those who have helped and guided me thus far. With time and successes come confidence. As well, comments greatly add in this growth. As mentioned in the session, having an audience makes an immense impact on my learning. Knowing that someone is actually reading my thoughts and taking the time to provide feedback to help me with my growth, makes me want to reach out to others and provide the same respect to them.

I recall the old days of sharing, when everything was kept under lock and key, and you didn't dare breathe a word of what your lesson would be for that day - for fear of it being used by another teacher - and then being stumped during class when you realized someone had used the same handouts/lessons/activities the year prior. Now-a-days, sharing isn't so much of an isolated act. It is also much broader, in that it is more of a collaboration between people rather than just a handing-down of information. It is a way of improving our practices and our profession. It is a way of keep in tune with current changes, needs and impacts. It saves time and it imparts a (for lack of a better word) warm and fuzzy feeling!

To all those who have shared with me in the past -- especially when I started my new job as a clueless consultant and non-cooking food studies teacher -- thank you! You have made a difference in my teaching and you have changed my attitude toward helping others - it is a practice I will try to 'pay forward' in the future!

Cool Site!

For all you techies out there - this is a neat site that contains awesome podcasts and great information. A lot of it is over my head, but I did learn a few things and get some great pointers. Just click on the photo and you're on your way!