Tuesday Oct 30th - TEST DETAILS

Today we spent some time working on spoof ads (due Nov 5th) and started to work through different types of writing (6 kinds).

Section 1 - Vocab - choose 5 of 7 - in your own words, give examples
Section 2 - Multiple Choice - 10 marks
Section 3 - Short Answers (2-3 sentences) each - 3 questions
Section 4 - Paragraph Answers - (2 paragraphs each) - choose 2

Topics Covered:
Vocab
Maslow's Hierarchy- needs and examples
Types of Media- tv/radio/newspaper - what each media type does
People - J. Kilbourne, A. Maslow, M. McLuhan
6 roles of the media-
advertising techniques- chart
review Kilbourne notes/response
Big Question -  how does the media construct reality? Are you fairly represented?
Explain - "the medium is the message"

Oct 24th - TV Tango Link

Today we considered violence in the media and talked about the issue, what to do, and why violence 'sells'.  We also began our discussion of satire and how we can 'talk back' to the media.  Next up - Spoof Ads.

Here is the link to the video that we weren't able to see in class today...harumph!

Fingers crossed that your computer will allow you to view this.

http://www3.nfb.ca/animation/objanim/en/chanima/films_a_voir.php?sort=title&id=136632

Homework:  Media Log #5 (the last one) stamp checked on Oct 26th
                     Media Log #1-5 DUE NOV1
                     Media UNIT TEST NOV 1
                     READ READ READ READ READ READ READ!!!!!

Monday Oct 22nd

Today we discussed media choice and how different forms of media affect the portrayl of the story itself.  What types of stories does TV/radio/newspaper cover and why?  Students were introduced to Marshall McLuhan, a Canadian communications expert who said "the medium is the message."  We talked about what this actually means.

Here is a Canadia Heritage Minute that features Marshall McLuhan - you might have seen this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtycdRBAbXk

Two more clips that might help explain McLuhan's idea:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFBlGaoAbfI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6eJyth8Dvo&feature=related

Unit test coming....feels like November 1st.  Details to come. 

Homework: READ!!!!

Wed Oct 17th

Today we finished off our "Growing up Digital, Wired for Distraction" SMART Reading with all the post-reading activities.  Students handed this in during class today.

Homework:  READ READ READ READ READ READ!!! (maybe some poems by Ms. Reichert's favourite poet?)

As promised, here is the link to the wonderful, fabulous, talented, and magnificent poet Lemn Sissay's blog.  Check out some of his writing...there are some audio links to him reading his work. 

http://www.lemnsissay.com/writing-2/pttt/

Enjoy your long weekend!

Monday Oct 15th

Today we talked about the importance of and types of connections that effective readers make before and during reading.

We listened to a few audio clips of students prior to reading the article "Growing Up Digital Wired for Distraction" and completed a SMART Reading for the article.

Homework: READ,  finish off Chunk 4 (summary and connections) for next day.

Here is the link that compliments the article:  

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/21/technology/20101121-brain-interactive.html?ref=technology

Tuesday Oct 9th

Today was really busy!  We began by learning about 'bias' and looked at an example of a 'letter to the editor' from a writer who was 'Sick and Tired' of teenagers.  We discussed how damaging stereotypes can be and the differrences between fact/opinion/bias.  Students began writing Media Log #3 - Teen Misrepresentation, which will be stamp checked on Thursday.  We had a great discussion about the role of stereotypes directed towards teenagers!

In preparation for watching  the documentary "Still Killing Us Softly 4" on Thursday we briefly looked at what gender stereotypes exist.  Students began looking up vocabulary words so that the documentary is more easily understood when we watch it.

Homework:  READ, finish Media Log #3 (draft only), finish vocabulary

Thursday Oct 4th

Today was busy!!!  We finished off our Advertisement Observation activity and then began a conversation about stereotypes.  What are stereotypes?  Why do advertisers use them so much?
We watched 'Real Bugs' and considered the stereotypes included in this short ad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te5Mtjqvs8k

We also learned about PSAs (public service/safety announcements) and advertising techniques before watching some examples of both.

Homework:  READ, Media log #1  (analysis of 3 ads) will be stamp checked on Tuesday Oct 9, Media log #2 (Screen Time Diary) will be checked Oct 30.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Enjoy time with friends and family this long weekend.  See you Tuesday.

Tuesday Oct 2nd

Today we talked about the six roles of the media.  All students should have a complete list of the six roles in their notes.
Two new concepts today: target audience, slogans.
We also learned about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and began to consider the implications for advertisers and consumers.

Homework:  READ