Post to Tifanny
I like your comment about collaboration, and such a true statement it is. But I have seen that when people collaborate, they keep their groups to a small cadre of individuals, and are always afraid to expand and find new talents. I wonder if they also permit this in their classrooms and at their jobs. We should never stick to be complacent in working with the same individuals, Even if they are friends, we can look further and find those stars that will help us shine. All stars are different, some are warmer than others, some are farther or closer, and some are in the verge of collapse (super nova). But they still shine, and with the right gravities, they can help shine other stars (even though in space that would probably induce a catastrophe). So we should never stop finding more stars in our galaxy, and then we can go to other galaxies and find other stars that we normally don't think about as part of our universe.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wk4 Reading: Blog Post to Brenda McGee
Post to Brenda
I really like your two points, Thinking on what we can do something about, and to remember that the plural is stronger than the singular. Our perceptions are many times the main source of our pains (other than physical pain), and when we think we have been wronged, we in a sense self inflict pain to ourselves, many times without checking the veracity of those perceptions. This can lead to rancor and other feeling that may be wrongfully placed on others, specially loved ones. I've felt both sides of that coin and I have also vowed to never let my perceptions control my life. One thing that I always think about is how we as a species are very interconnected to each other, even akin to how ants or bees are. Once we forget how our decisions or lack of them affect everyone around us, we begin to accumulate a sort of mass hurt, or negative feelings that spread like a disease. I've seen people even hurt themselves after a long road of blocking themselves from others. We are complete social creatures and as such, we have to acknowledge the existence of others, and even check on what we do, as to not hurt or offend someone else, then we can have a better more peaceful life...
I really like your two points, Thinking on what we can do something about, and to remember that the plural is stronger than the singular. Our perceptions are many times the main source of our pains (other than physical pain), and when we think we have been wronged, we in a sense self inflict pain to ourselves, many times without checking the veracity of those perceptions. This can lead to rancor and other feeling that may be wrongfully placed on others, specially loved ones. I've felt both sides of that coin and I have also vowed to never let my perceptions control my life. One thing that I always think about is how we as a species are very interconnected to each other, even akin to how ants or bees are. Once we forget how our decisions or lack of them affect everyone around us, we begin to accumulate a sort of mass hurt, or negative feelings that spread like a disease. I've seen people even hurt themselves after a long road of blocking themselves from others. We are complete social creatures and as such, we have to acknowledge the existence of others, and even check on what we do, as to not hurt or offend someone else, then we can have a better more peaceful life...
Wk4 Wimba: Thoughts
I hate to hear myself, so I don't dare to listen to my part on Wimba, but I was surprised how smoothly I went on my presentation (even though it was a little unfamiliar to me). Because I'm thinking on doing some major changes to my action research, I still have a long road ahead on my presentation and my research statement. No one really asked me any questions related to my study, other than the teaching assistant, so I'm not sure if it is a truly valid position into thinking that online course development should be left to a team of experts (even though this might sound obvious) instead of the faculty member who is teaching the subject. I'm working on doing a continuation of the cycle process to collect more data. I really hope to finish everything on time before graduation time, as I already have all the preparations to go to Winter Park to graduate...
Wk4 Reading: Art of Possibility Chapters 9 – 12
The strongest warmth is usually the one that we can't touch; someone has to protect us from our own curiosity, right?
-- David Cheng
I really liked "Creating Frameworks for Possibility" mainly because, without a new framework, everything else would really stay the same. Have you ever lost something, like keys, and when you start looking you just concentrate in certain areas? Then you repeat the same areas you just finished looking, just wishing that the item would mysteriously appear? When we want a real solution to something, trying the same things will not work. Finding a new angle unrelated to past tactics usually gives better results, or at least doing something different will change our perspective enough to have a higher chance of success. In my first year in college, I lived in a rural area maybe 4 miles from the university, but where I lived was a remote rural area at the top of a small mountain ridge. Going up the mountain on foot was exhausting and dangerous, with no street lights or sidewalks. I didn't have a car, and my last class ended at 7:30pm. I had to depend on hitchhiking to get home (taxis had the area off bounds), and sometimes I had to wait for many hours to get a ride. But not ever had I a doubt that I would find a ride. My area of possibility was that no matter what, I would always find a safe ride, and I did for a whole year. I was sure that on the day I would doubt it, I would have to walk on foot on those dark roads, which over hung cliffs of thousands of feet. Even though this is an example of an internal possibility, I'm sure any of you could apply this to outside sources also. I'm ready for the new changes that will come after graduation... are you?
-- David Cheng
I really liked "Creating Frameworks for Possibility" mainly because, without a new framework, everything else would really stay the same. Have you ever lost something, like keys, and when you start looking you just concentrate in certain areas? Then you repeat the same areas you just finished looking, just wishing that the item would mysteriously appear? When we want a real solution to something, trying the same things will not work. Finding a new angle unrelated to past tactics usually gives better results, or at least doing something different will change our perspective enough to have a higher chance of success. In my first year in college, I lived in a rural area maybe 4 miles from the university, but where I lived was a remote rural area at the top of a small mountain ridge. Going up the mountain on foot was exhausting and dangerous, with no street lights or sidewalks. I didn't have a car, and my last class ended at 7:30pm. I had to depend on hitchhiking to get home (taxis had the area off bounds), and sometimes I had to wait for many hours to get a ride. But not ever had I a doubt that I would find a ride. My area of possibility was that no matter what, I would always find a safe ride, and I did for a whole year. I was sure that on the day I would doubt it, I would have to walk on foot on those dark roads, which over hung cliffs of thousands of feet. Even though this is an example of an internal possibility, I'm sure any of you could apply this to outside sources also. I'm ready for the new changes that will come after graduation... are you?
Wk4-2 DB Quickies: my dream teaching/presentation environment
Copy from post
Wow, another hard question. I think the thing that stands most in my way of my dream job is to know what that would be… I think of a dream job as a job that utilizes all your skills to the max, and that it becomes rewarding to do. I have done so many types of jobs and been so curious in my life (in my StrengthsFinders ‘do a search in your bookstore’ my main skill is input, or the ability to collect and hoard data) that doing a job that covers those skills would probably not make sense. In terms of deserving working a “dream” job, I think I will always deserve it, no matter what positives or negatives I do. It would not make sense being your own enemy or depriving yourself of anything, there are enough barriers in the world, I don’t need any more of those. From all the abilities I have, I think my biggest one is to be curious and willing enough to want to learn new skills at a rapid pace, and to never give up. :) And I mean this in an obsessive manner
Wow, another hard question. I think the thing that stands most in my way of my dream job is to know what that would be… I think of a dream job as a job that utilizes all your skills to the max, and that it becomes rewarding to do. I have done so many types of jobs and been so curious in my life (in my StrengthsFinders ‘do a search in your bookstore’ my main skill is input, or the ability to collect and hoard data) that doing a job that covers those skills would probably not make sense. In terms of deserving working a “dream” job, I think I will always deserve it, no matter what positives or negatives I do. It would not make sense being your own enemy or depriving yourself of anything, there are enough barriers in the world, I don’t need any more of those. From all the abilities I have, I think my biggest one is to be curious and willing enough to want to learn new skills at a rapid pace, and to never give up. :) And I mean this in an obsessive manner
Wk4-1 DB Quickies: my dream teaching/presentation environment
Copy from post
It is a little hard to think where I would like to present, as I’m really bad in front of people. I get anxious quickly, specially in smaller crowds (if that makes sense). I would think that presenting in a TED conference would be a dream, but with the pressure that type of venue gives, I’m not sure I would make it alive. I’m only able to present things in front of a camera by repetition and familiarization. But I think I would be most comfortable with a theater setting, with strong lights that blank out the audience. I have been on stage in theater and it is not the same as presenting at all. You pretend to be someone else, with a few rehearsed lines, and you only have to convince yourself (and fellow actors if any) about your performance. This probably doesn’t sounds right to most, but you only need to convince yourself while on stage. I would probably pretend to be a great speaker and say his lines… That’s probably the only way for me.
It is a little hard to think where I would like to present, as I’m really bad in front of people. I get anxious quickly, specially in smaller crowds (if that makes sense). I would think that presenting in a TED conference would be a dream, but with the pressure that type of venue gives, I’m not sure I would make it alive. I’m only able to present things in front of a camera by repetition and familiarization. But I think I would be most comfortable with a theater setting, with strong lights that blank out the audience. I have been on stage in theater and it is not the same as presenting at all. You pretend to be someone else, with a few rehearsed lines, and you only have to convince yourself (and fellow actors if any) about your performance. This probably doesn’t sounds right to most, but you only need to convince yourself while on stage. I would probably pretend to be a great speaker and say his lines… That’s probably the only way for me.
Wk4 Publishing Leadership Project, Update 2 of 2
Because there is so little time for my conference of choice, I would like to try for the League of Innovation conference next year. It is going to be in Philly, which is where I graduated for my bachelors. I love Philly, and lived there for two years, and lived close to it for another two before moving to Arizona. And the League conference is specifically for community colleges, which is my primary target. I have a place to stay over there also. Another thing I like about the League is that you can choose the type of presentation you want, and they have forum sessions, roundtable discussions and poster sessions. I have until September 16, which should give me enough time to really polish my presentation and data. If you are also thinking in going to this conference, please let me know... Maybe we could collaborate in a joint session!
Wk4 Publishing Leadership Project, Intro 1 of 2
I thought for a while if to publish or present my research. At first I wanted to get published, but looking at my research goals, it seems that what I want to do is to help further validate the purpose of instructional design, and I decided to make a presentation. This might sound as a given but in my workplace and in many other places, faculty staff question the existence of instructional designers and excuse it as a way to cut expenditures just because they want more control of their hybrid and online courses. I think a presentation has a much better chance to put people in action, and to find solutions quicker. I would record my presentation (I will try as much as I can to make that happen) and take it to other places and I would place it online and distribute the link to as many places (that would benefit from what I have to say) as I could. I would like to do my presentation here http://www.qmprogram.org/3rd-annual-conference-2011 but I might be already late for this year (deadline is June 10). I'm not a good presenter, so I would have to practice a LOT, and even though English is my first language, I've spoken Spanish for so long that I have an accent, and I also get anxious while talking to a crowd. I'm still improving this presentation but you can check it here. If anyone has any questions, you can leave me a comment, thanks.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Wk3 Reading: Blog Post to Monica Heaney
From Monica
I liked your interpretations of the different chapters. For chapter 5, I can truly relate in the differences of having a leader that believes in you, and one that doesn't. Having a good leader gives you such a refreshing feeling when you go to work, versus having an enemy for a boss. I feel that there is no true in-between either, you have a good leader or a bad one. Of course it is a challenge when you are in that chair, because we usually emulate what we had the most, and if we had a lot of bad bosses, then you can figure out what happens. But I strive every day to understand my role and to help those around me, and to wish for a better boss... :)
Chapter 5. Leading from Any Chair:
I can specifically remember what it felt like to have a leader (principal) who believed in his staff’s enough to let us lead. I remember being more excited about going to work each day and willing to take risks. There were times when he would present us with ideas that were new and although we were a little scared to take on the challenge, we did it because he assured us that he believed we could. Even when he spoke of the staff or introduced us at Back to School Night, he would say things that made us feel valued. I imagine that the way he spoke about us to the parents also made them see the best in us and gave them a sense of comfort to know that their children were in the best hands.
...
I can specifically remember what it felt like to have a leader (principal) who believed in his staff’s enough to let us lead. I remember being more excited about going to work each day and willing to take risks. There were times when he would present us with ideas that were new and although we were a little scared to take on the challenge, we did it because he assured us that he believed we could. Even when he spoke of the staff or introduced us at Back to School Night, he would say things that made us feel valued. I imagine that the way he spoke about us to the parents also made them see the best in us and gave them a sense of comfort to know that their children were in the best hands.
...
I liked your interpretations of the different chapters. For chapter 5, I can truly relate in the differences of having a leader that believes in you, and one that doesn't. Having a good leader gives you such a refreshing feeling when you go to work, versus having an enemy for a boss. I feel that there is no true in-between either, you have a good leader or a bad one. Of course it is a challenge when you are in that chair, because we usually emulate what we had the most, and if we had a lot of bad bosses, then you can figure out what happens. But I strive every day to understand my role and to help those around me, and to wish for a better boss... :)
Wk3 Reading: Blog Post to Lionel Jacques
From Lionel
There was more great info – or I should say reminders – in this weeks reading. I am still enjoying the book and the stories shared within but this week found more of other inspirational and guide books sort of “wrapped up” in the book. Not that the message isn’t good or a different take on it – just that there is an echo of those other books within this ones message.
...
Chapter 6 is a delightful reminder that we can have fun at our job and in our lives and that will lead to a richer return. Prepare yourself for the role you have in your classroom of course, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience and make it your own. Laughing and letting go of the minutia to see the overall picture is a better option for our lives and increases the impact to those around us.
...
I liked the way you explained the different chapters for your own life. But when I read your chapter 6 interpretation, I couldn't resist to say that sometimes, to have fun, you have to change your focus elsewhere. Of course it would be a little different for a teacher, because that would mean abandoning the students, and I'm not advocating that. But there are work environments that have the air of terror, and having fun in those places is a sure way to lose your job. Maybe the fact that, with certain constraints, a teacher could have all the fun they can muster in their classroom; I would feel a little envious of that. I don't have a good memory of my teachers in 1-12 (I never went to kindergartner) and I don't remember having much fun (I was the geek in class). But now looking back I could say that I can laugh at those experiences and be a little less serious with myself, but outside of work...
There was more great info – or I should say reminders – in this weeks reading. I am still enjoying the book and the stories shared within but this week found more of other inspirational and guide books sort of “wrapped up” in the book. Not that the message isn’t good or a different take on it – just that there is an echo of those other books within this ones message.
...
Chapter 6 is a delightful reminder that we can have fun at our job and in our lives and that will lead to a richer return. Prepare yourself for the role you have in your classroom of course, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience and make it your own. Laughing and letting go of the minutia to see the overall picture is a better option for our lives and increases the impact to those around us.
...
I liked the way you explained the different chapters for your own life. But when I read your chapter 6 interpretation, I couldn't resist to say that sometimes, to have fun, you have to change your focus elsewhere. Of course it would be a little different for a teacher, because that would mean abandoning the students, and I'm not advocating that. But there are work environments that have the air of terror, and having fun in those places is a sure way to lose your job. Maybe the fact that, with certain constraints, a teacher could have all the fun they can muster in their classroom; I would feel a little envious of that. I don't have a good memory of my teachers in 1-12 (I never went to kindergartner) and I don't remember having much fun (I was the geek in class). But now looking back I could say that I can laugh at those experiences and be a little less serious with myself, but outside of work...
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...
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...
Wk3 Discussion Deeper: Video Use in Education
Copied from here
I posted most of my video podcasts I watch for work last week, so I’ll be short here with the videos. I do a lot of special effects and video repurposing so they concentrate on video tutorials and such.
Creative Cows After Effects tutorials
http://podcasts.creativecow.net/after-effects-tutorials-rss.xml
Eran Stern’s After Effects tutorials and ideas
http://www.sternfx.com/tutorials
Adobe Lightroom tutorials from Adobe TV
http://tv.adobe.com/product/lightroom/
Great video podcasts from PBS
http://www.pbs.org/podcasts/
Film Riot, with tips and how-tos about filming and post-production
itpc://revision3.com/filmriot/feed/mp4-hd30
AV Talk, which talks about the latest movies, and their production
itpc://revision3.com/avtalk/feed/mp4-hd30
For the last two, if the links don’t work for you or if you are interested into more, check the whole Revision 3 video podcast selection.
http://revision3.com/shows
I posted most of my video podcasts I watch for work last week, so I’ll be short here with the videos. I do a lot of special effects and video repurposing so they concentrate on video tutorials and such.
Creative Cows After Effects tutorials
http://podcasts.creativecow.net/after-effects-tutorials-rss.xml
Eran Stern’s After Effects tutorials and ideas
http://www.sternfx.com/tutorials
Adobe Lightroom tutorials from Adobe TV
http://tv.adobe.com/product/lightroom/
Great video podcasts from PBS
http://www.pbs.org/podcasts/
Film Riot, with tips and how-tos about filming and post-production
itpc://revision3.com/filmriot/feed/mp4-hd30
AV Talk, which talks about the latest movies, and their production
itpc://revision3.com/avtalk/feed/mp4-hd30
For the last two, if the links don’t work for you or if you are interested into more, check the whole Revision 3 video podcast selection.
http://revision3.com/shows
Wk3-2 DB Quickies: Difficulties starting new programs/breaking the norm
Copied from here
I’m not an educator and my colleagues are not either, but we embrace new technologies all the time. I would think that the main reason that many educators resist technology is that they are afraid of wasting their own time, and that for them, technology changes too fast. I would understand that if you start learning a new software for example, and then you find out that as soon as you start using it, there is a new version of the software, and that it is significantly different or worse than the prior software, and that the older software doesn’t runs in your machine any longer. Even though these challenges exist, I’m always an early adopter of technology (time and money permitting). Not long ago I wanted to buy a professional HD video camera, but they’re expensive, and I also needed a machine that could handle the video stream load. I then found that Canon digital photo cameras were starting to be used for video. I didn’t hesitate twice to buy one of those cameras and try it out. The quality was phenomenal, and it was almost 7 times cheaper. It didn’t do zooms or rack focus very well, but I learned and adapted. After almost two year since then, now my production coworkers are starting to use these types of cameras for video. Where I work is a community college, so I don’t think it counts as a business, but I did work in some prior businesses, and I remember being amazed at how they can keep some very old technology, right next to the latest stuff. They would buy a great piece of hardware, and connect it to dinosaur systems and lower their prime potentials.
I do remember a while back, I went to visit a friend librarian, and he was showing me a smartboard (the only one in the school) that no teacher could figure out, or find a good use for it. I was flabbergasted at this. I started to explain how you needed a projector to illuminate the smartboard, when he stopped me and said that the teachers thought that projector were too new to the classroom, and that transparencies were easier to make and control. If I had coworkers like that I would go insane. This was maybe 5 to 6 years ago… Let’s learn to take risks and sneak in a new technology to the classroom every week…
I’m not an educator and my colleagues are not either, but we embrace new technologies all the time. I would think that the main reason that many educators resist technology is that they are afraid of wasting their own time, and that for them, technology changes too fast. I would understand that if you start learning a new software for example, and then you find out that as soon as you start using it, there is a new version of the software, and that it is significantly different or worse than the prior software, and that the older software doesn’t runs in your machine any longer. Even though these challenges exist, I’m always an early adopter of technology (time and money permitting). Not long ago I wanted to buy a professional HD video camera, but they’re expensive, and I also needed a machine that could handle the video stream load. I then found that Canon digital photo cameras were starting to be used for video. I didn’t hesitate twice to buy one of those cameras and try it out. The quality was phenomenal, and it was almost 7 times cheaper. It didn’t do zooms or rack focus very well, but I learned and adapted. After almost two year since then, now my production coworkers are starting to use these types of cameras for video. Where I work is a community college, so I don’t think it counts as a business, but I did work in some prior businesses, and I remember being amazed at how they can keep some very old technology, right next to the latest stuff. They would buy a great piece of hardware, and connect it to dinosaur systems and lower their prime potentials.
I do remember a while back, I went to visit a friend librarian, and he was showing me a smartboard (the only one in the school) that no teacher could figure out, or find a good use for it. I was flabbergasted at this. I started to explain how you needed a projector to illuminate the smartboard, when he stopped me and said that the teachers thought that projector were too new to the classroom, and that transparencies were easier to make and control. If I had coworkers like that I would go insane. This was maybe 5 to 6 years ago… Let’s learn to take risks and sneak in a new technology to the classroom every week…
Wk3-1 DB Quickies: Difficulties starting new programs/breaking the norm
Copied from here
A little bit over a year ago one of the instructional designers had a class that a faculty member hated to teach, and the ID wanted to find ways to stimulate student participation. It was a humanities class and we were going through the materials to see what sort of videos I could produce for it. I noticed that there were some paintings of Dante Alighieri (the writer of the Divine Comedy) and I started to wonder if I could find an actor to play him, and she said, could we animate one of those paintings. I did some research and found a program called Crazy Talk, and it can animate almost any face to follow an audio script. I found a voice-over talent that sounded regal and sophisticated (instead of going cliche and using an Italian accent), and I found a glass mural of him that served my purposes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhf9hE1UffU To see the animation, please skip to the first minute (the video is truncated for copyright reasons). The faculty member loved it, and she now only teaches either online or hybrid because of this.
I always try to find a new angle to innovate in education and video (that’s why I’m getting this masters), and I love a good challenge. But things at work have turned sour lately and we have a new leader who doesn’t respects our online paradigm. My Action Research deals with this and I tried to find a solution, but with so-so results. Mainly, things change so fast, that you go against something, and before you know it, people are looking at you weird, because the thing doesn’t exists anymore. Now I’m getting Adobe CS5.5 to see what’s new (it comes with Audition) and to see if that could solve some new challenges in education…
A little bit over a year ago one of the instructional designers had a class that a faculty member hated to teach, and the ID wanted to find ways to stimulate student participation. It was a humanities class and we were going through the materials to see what sort of videos I could produce for it. I noticed that there were some paintings of Dante Alighieri (the writer of the Divine Comedy) and I started to wonder if I could find an actor to play him, and she said, could we animate one of those paintings. I did some research and found a program called Crazy Talk, and it can animate almost any face to follow an audio script. I found a voice-over talent that sounded regal and sophisticated (instead of going cliche and using an Italian accent), and I found a glass mural of him that served my purposes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhf9hE1UffU To see the animation, please skip to the first minute (the video is truncated for copyright reasons). The faculty member loved it, and she now only teaches either online or hybrid because of this.
I always try to find a new angle to innovate in education and video (that’s why I’m getting this masters), and I love a good challenge. But things at work have turned sour lately and we have a new leader who doesn’t respects our online paradigm. My Action Research deals with this and I tried to find a solution, but with so-so results. Mainly, things change so fast, that you go against something, and before you know it, people are looking at you weird, because the thing doesn’t exists anymore. Now I’m getting Adobe CS5.5 to see what’s new (it comes with Audition) and to see if that could solve some new challenges in education…
Wk3 Reading: Art of Possibilities Chapters 5 – 8
The one chapter that I really liked was the Rule Number 6 chapter. I'm very relaxed about others, but for my own things, I'm dead serious, and not taking myself serious almost feels like an insult to myself. This has been a hard journey to a more relaxed self, as I'm a firm believer that seriousness and determination go hand in hand.
I guess being hard on myself has always been a natural thing for me. But I have seen the difference between a workplace that is serious and one that likes to have fun, and have found that there is much more productivity in a fun one. This is mainly (in my opinion) because in a fun environment, people take pride and ownership of their contributions, and feel closer to those around them. I wonder how hard it would be to have fun in this working environment (I mean between co-workers or with the boss) in which everyone has to work separately from each other, like in the educational K-12 workplace.
I know that in the military, it depends on the leadership, whether it is one of fear or one of comradeship. And this takes more than one leader to pull it off, just one will make that person look bad or not part of the unit. It is always better in a place where no one take themselves seriously. But some people might have other opinions about seriousness in the workplace. I would like to hear your opinions, thanks.
I guess being hard on myself has always been a natural thing for me. But I have seen the difference between a workplace that is serious and one that likes to have fun, and have found that there is much more productivity in a fun one. This is mainly (in my opinion) because in a fun environment, people take pride and ownership of their contributions, and feel closer to those around them. I wonder how hard it would be to have fun in this working environment (I mean between co-workers or with the boss) in which everyone has to work separately from each other, like in the educational K-12 workplace.
I know that in the military, it depends on the leadership, whether it is one of fear or one of comradeship. And this takes more than one leader to pull it off, just one will make that person look bad or not part of the unit. It is always better in a place where no one take themselves seriously. But some people might have other opinions about seriousness in the workplace. I would like to hear your opinions, thanks.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wk2 Reading: Blog Post to Ann Cannizzaro
To Ann
I know very well what you mean by approval ratings. As a geek since time immemorial (I'm almost a nerd, but I talk to too many people), I have always struggled with those that just think of the "simpler" things in life. I love your flock of words by the way. I usually raise my hand in work meetings (me being the only one that does so), so permissions, and my inability to follow the norms of a group are a constant reminder of being positive about myself and not let others views of me cloud my personal truth about myself (...too many mes in that sentence).
I think that as long as we discover ourselves, and understand our own "game", we don't really have to revisit our ways, as they will always be correct. I do understand about a "migratory" way of dealing with situations, but it seems to me that you mean by that word that you return eventually to old ways of thinking, as migratory refers to going somewhere to then coming back. I have never gone back in any of my ways of being, I always modify myself and go with it, winging it if I have to. To go back for me is to be defeated, to have my time wasted by those experiences I had after the change. Let's put it this way, if you went 15 years to your past and talked to yourself (and this you couldn't recognize you), what would you talk about? Would you like to talk to your younger self even? That's a key to self-analysis and about being a gift to everyone you meet...
I know very well what you mean by approval ratings. As a geek since time immemorial (I'm almost a nerd, but I talk to too many people), I have always struggled with those that just think of the "simpler" things in life. I love your flock of words by the way. I usually raise my hand in work meetings (me being the only one that does so), so permissions, and my inability to follow the norms of a group are a constant reminder of being positive about myself and not let others views of me cloud my personal truth about myself (...too many mes in that sentence).
I think that as long as we discover ourselves, and understand our own "game", we don't really have to revisit our ways, as they will always be correct. I do understand about a "migratory" way of dealing with situations, but it seems to me that you mean by that word that you return eventually to old ways of thinking, as migratory refers to going somewhere to then coming back. I have never gone back in any of my ways of being, I always modify myself and go with it, winging it if I have to. To go back for me is to be defeated, to have my time wasted by those experiences I had after the change. Let's put it this way, if you went 15 years to your past and talked to yourself (and this you couldn't recognize you), what would you talk about? Would you like to talk to your younger self even? That's a key to self-analysis and about being a gift to everyone you meet...
Wk2 Reading: Blog Post to Jeri Kennedy
To Jeri
I don't know you, but you seem hard on yourself. Our mistakes are only our own to know, and we must have the confidence to not let that knowledge cloud who we really are, with only the positive of ourselves out to others. Of course it may seem arrogant at first, but it is about being true to yourself about your qualities. Of course nobody is perfect, but to talk about our imperfections to others does not help them at all. Only talking about lessons learned, and how negatives became positives are what people want to hear. The perspective shift is as easy as thinking that your skills and abilities compensate for your flaws so much, that your flaws become non-existent to those around you (other than your significant other perhaps). We are what we think we are, so no negatives, no Bs or Cs (or worse), only the best of yourself all the time should be on your mind, and the shift will happen by itself...
I don't know you, but you seem hard on yourself. Our mistakes are only our own to know, and we must have the confidence to not let that knowledge cloud who we really are, with only the positive of ourselves out to others. Of course it may seem arrogant at first, but it is about being true to yourself about your qualities. Of course nobody is perfect, but to talk about our imperfections to others does not help them at all. Only talking about lessons learned, and how negatives became positives are what people want to hear. The perspective shift is as easy as thinking that your skills and abilities compensate for your flaws so much, that your flaws become non-existent to those around you (other than your significant other perhaps). We are what we think we are, so no negatives, no Bs or Cs (or worse), only the best of yourself all the time should be on your mind, and the shift will happen by itself...
Wk2 Discussion Deeper: Podcasts in Education
Copy from discussion post
I’m sure some of my colleagues have already posted some of these podcasts but these are some of the ones I listen to on a regular basis (I don’t have a classroom and don’t make decisions in pedagogical issues in my workplace, so I’m posting what I listen to, to be up to date).
Ted.com videos as they release them
Great speeches from the greatest speakers in the planet
http://feeds.feedburner.com/TEDTalks_video
NPR’s News Hourly Summary
Hourly update of what’s going on without the opinions
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=500005
Nova Science short videos
New discoveries in science usually come here first
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/rss/nova-vodcast-it.xml
GeekBeat TV
For the latest in tech gadgets, and tech mergers
http://feeds.feedburner.com/calimedium
Dan Carlins Hardcore History
A new perspective in old history
http://feeds.feedburner.com/dancarlin/history?format=xml
Digital Production Buzz weekly podcast
For the latest news in new video and audio equipment, and software
http://www.digitalproductionbuzz.com/Archives/podcast.xml
Media Shift’s 5across videos
Public media awareness at it’s best
http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/video_podcast.xml
This Week in Tech
An hour long podcast about the latest in the tech world, including gossip
http://feeds.twit.tv/twit_video_small
LabCast media
MIT’s educational media videos with media issue updates
http://feeds.media.mit.edu/labcast
I’m sure some of my colleagues have already posted some of these podcasts but these are some of the ones I listen to on a regular basis (I don’t have a classroom and don’t make decisions in pedagogical issues in my workplace, so I’m posting what I listen to, to be up to date).
Ted.com videos as they release them
Great speeches from the greatest speakers in the planet
http://feeds.feedburner.com/TEDTalks_video
NPR’s News Hourly Summary
Hourly update of what’s going on without the opinions
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=500005
Nova Science short videos
New discoveries in science usually come here first
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/rss/nova-vodcast-it.xml
GeekBeat TV
For the latest in tech gadgets, and tech mergers
http://feeds.feedburner.com/calimedium
Dan Carlins Hardcore History
A new perspective in old history
http://feeds.feedburner.com/dancarlin/history?format=xml
Digital Production Buzz weekly podcast
For the latest news in new video and audio equipment, and software
http://www.digitalproductionbuzz.com/Archives/podcast.xml
Media Shift’s 5across videos
Public media awareness at it’s best
http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/video_podcast.xml
This Week in Tech
An hour long podcast about the latest in the tech world, including gossip
http://feeds.twit.tv/twit_video_small
LabCast media
MIT’s educational media videos with media issue updates
http://feeds.media.mit.edu/labcast
Wk2-2 DB Quickies: CD Ownership, Music Sharing or Spontaneous Listening
Copy from discussion post
Wow this is a tough one. After much thinking, the first song that ever touched me in a deep way was a midi song from a NES game called Ultima III. I can still remember that tune immediately just thinking about the game. I played that game for over 2 years and gave me the skill for a lot of roleplaying games after this. If it wasn’t for this game and it’s music, I would have probably never gotten into computers the way I did, I probably would have never joined the military (too long to explain but it really makes sense), and with a lot of certainty, I would have never been a geek.
I remember very well when CDs started to become popular, and the slow transition that it took for people to change from cassettes. I remember that CDs gave music a sort of “class” that wasn’t present when you dealt with cassettes, unless you had a “metal” cassette. It probably was because of how easy it was for CDs to be copied, and how quickly they lost their quality. I didn’t really own any CDs until after high school. I bought a lot of repeats while in the military (check my 2-1 post), my CDs were always getting stolen. I was a very early adopter of the digital compression (I even bought Sony MD recorders when they first came out) and the ways to deal with WAVs, and the advent of mp3. I don’t care much about CDs or music for that matter, and don’t keep music anywhere in the house or computers. I never paid attention to the prices when I would buy CDs in the past, but I would never spend a dime today for a CD.
CDs cut some of the highs and lows of music, so even with all the hype of digital music, LPs still have the best quality (if they’re not scratched that is). If I would ever go back into listening to music, I would probably buy LPs and a vacuum LP player (look these up)…
PS: In my post I said about copying CDs, I meant cassettes, CD copying didn’t come until a few years after (in the context of time I was talking about).
Wow this is a tough one. After much thinking, the first song that ever touched me in a deep way was a midi song from a NES game called Ultima III. I can still remember that tune immediately just thinking about the game. I played that game for over 2 years and gave me the skill for a lot of roleplaying games after this. If it wasn’t for this game and it’s music, I would have probably never gotten into computers the way I did, I probably would have never joined the military (too long to explain but it really makes sense), and with a lot of certainty, I would have never been a geek.
I remember very well when CDs started to become popular, and the slow transition that it took for people to change from cassettes. I remember that CDs gave music a sort of “class” that wasn’t present when you dealt with cassettes, unless you had a “metal” cassette. It probably was because of how easy it was for CDs to be copied, and how quickly they lost their quality. I didn’t really own any CDs until after high school. I bought a lot of repeats while in the military (check my 2-1 post), my CDs were always getting stolen. I was a very early adopter of the digital compression (I even bought Sony MD recorders when they first came out) and the ways to deal with WAVs, and the advent of mp3. I don’t care much about CDs or music for that matter, and don’t keep music anywhere in the house or computers. I never paid attention to the prices when I would buy CDs in the past, but I would never spend a dime today for a CD.
CDs cut some of the highs and lows of music, so even with all the hype of digital music, LPs still have the best quality (if they’re not scratched that is). If I would ever go back into listening to music, I would probably buy LPs and a vacuum LP player (look these up)…
PS: In my post I said about copying CDs, I meant cassettes, CD copying didn’t come until a few years after (in the context of time I was talking about).
Wk2-1 DB Quickies: CD Ownership, Music Sharing or Spontaneous Listening
Copy from discussion post
I used to have CD’s while in the military, but they would get stolen all the time. Once, even customs stole a CD collection I had. Since then I just stopped buying CDs. After deciding on my media and communications career, I just stopped listening to music for recreation altogether. I sometimes listened to over 400 clips a day, making decisions if to use any or not, and eventually, I would prefer to listen to podcasts or news rather than music. I only have the music I have made for my videos in my iTunes library (and they’re only there for iMovie). I have an iTouch that only has apps and podcasts, mostly video ones. When other people listen to music, even to songs that I used to listen to, I tune them out and try to strike a conversation, or leave. I do recognize most songs I hear, and know their tunes. Maybe someday I’ll listen to music, but not at the moment. I have a commercial license for SonicFire Pro with over a hundred fifty albums (don’t ask how much this cost, but let’s say I could buy a nice car with the value of this collection), and it’s my music of choice (to work with, not to listen). I’m excited to hear that finally there is an upgrade for Adobe Audition, mostly to make some mixes that would be too hard to do with Garageband. Well, that’s my story with CDs and music. Hope to hear from you guys…
I used to have CD’s while in the military, but they would get stolen all the time. Once, even customs stole a CD collection I had. Since then I just stopped buying CDs. After deciding on my media and communications career, I just stopped listening to music for recreation altogether. I sometimes listened to over 400 clips a day, making decisions if to use any or not, and eventually, I would prefer to listen to podcasts or news rather than music. I only have the music I have made for my videos in my iTunes library (and they’re only there for iMovie). I have an iTouch that only has apps and podcasts, mostly video ones. When other people listen to music, even to songs that I used to listen to, I tune them out and try to strike a conversation, or leave. I do recognize most songs I hear, and know their tunes. Maybe someday I’ll listen to music, but not at the moment. I have a commercial license for SonicFire Pro with over a hundred fifty albums (don’t ask how much this cost, but let’s say I could buy a nice car with the value of this collection), and it’s my music of choice (to work with, not to listen). I’m excited to hear that finally there is an upgrade for Adobe Audition, mostly to make some mixes that would be too hard to do with Garageband. Well, that’s my story with CDs and music. Hope to hear from you guys…
Wk2 Wimba: Copyright Issues
The issues of copyright are really complex and even dangerous in a workplace. In some workplace, someone else decides what you are supposed to do about copyright (like in my workplace). I'm sure some other workplaces give you freedoms in what to choose, and put the responsibility on you when you make a bad call. Before going into a master course system (in which you, an instructional designer, makes the course and give limited rights to the faculty), we had many courses that had a lot of copyright violations, and when we would fix them, the faculty would do a big stink about it. They would say that they had an "academic freedom" to present any number of copyrighted items without repercussion. It wasn't even about fair use, they thought it was a right. I heard one faculty member say that if he was using copyrighted material and was caught, that our college should pay with no repercussion to him as many times as it took to teach the course. As absurd as that may sound, we battled with him, until he retired not long ago. I wasn't in the Wimba for the first part, so I just wanted to talk about my situation at work.
I saw that many of my classmates had doubts about the use of materials in their classrooms. And there is a disparaging in the different schools budgets, so I know that getting an account with a music library and a photo/video library is out of the question. But as we read in the book, all of this is invented or a game. Why not getting a fund raising with kids for a photo library, and let the kids make a collage of pictures to be hung in the school halls? Or with a music library, and make original CDs with parts of a music library? When I was in middle school, I got into a fund raiser to go to an amusement park, and I sold enough chocolates for my whole class to go (about 36 boxes of chocolate in 45 days). And that was for a one time thing. If I knew that I was doing it for access to a music library for all year, I would do it all over again in a flash. I'm only talking about the easiest route to avoid copyright issues, so I know there would be a lot of different opinions about this. I would love to hear more about your stories of how you avoided copyright issues, besides using open-source or freeware or fair use.
I saw that many of my classmates had doubts about the use of materials in their classrooms. And there is a disparaging in the different schools budgets, so I know that getting an account with a music library and a photo/video library is out of the question. But as we read in the book, all of this is invented or a game. Why not getting a fund raising with kids for a photo library, and let the kids make a collage of pictures to be hung in the school halls? Or with a music library, and make original CDs with parts of a music library? When I was in middle school, I got into a fund raiser to go to an amusement park, and I sold enough chocolates for my whole class to go (about 36 boxes of chocolate in 45 days). And that was for a one time thing. If I knew that I was doing it for access to a music library for all year, I would do it all over again in a flash. I'm only talking about the easiest route to avoid copyright issues, so I know there would be a lot of different opinions about this. I would love to hear more about your stories of how you avoided copyright issues, besides using open-source or freeware or fair use.
Wk2 Reading: Art of Possibility Chapters 1 – 4
The worst thing you can do to yourself is to doubt anything, because every time you do, a door of opportunity closes...
--David Cheng
This is an incredible book ("The Art of Possibility"), and it certified a lot of my life. Many of the things in the book were things I've been doing since I was a kid, including understanding that everything is a "game", about the world of measurement and competition, and about contributing to others. One time, a high school teacher told me after class that I had to "wake up", because I was living life as in a dream world. I told him back "In a few years, let's see what sort of dream I have made for myself." Unfortunately, the teacher died of leukemia, so I was never able to show him my "dream world." I think though that to understand and do some of the things in this book, a person would have to have some good amount of willpower, as I could see people giving up quickly without even trying, always looking for "reality."
I think that one of the things that got me thinking this way was an incident when I was an adolescent. There was a small creek with a waterfall near the house I grew up in. The water right next to the waterfall was very deep (maybe even deeper than 30 feet), and was known to have claimed many lives. When I was about 14 years old, I went swimming with some cousins, who were great swimmers, and had lived at the ocean coast all their lives. I went close to the waterfall and tried to test how deep it was there, when suddenly, I was caught in a whirlpool and couldn't swim out. I tried with all my strength to swim against the current, but it was too strong. I cried for help to my cousins, but they didn't want to help. My life flashed in my mind, and really thought I was going to die. Then I thought this "well if I'm going to die like this then lets play the whirlpool's game, and die with style," as I took my last bit of strength to sink myself inward into the whirlpool. It turned out that going inward through the whirlpool saved my life, as it "spit" me out from underneath and towards the creek's shore. At first, I got really mad with my cousins, but one of them told me "Hey, if you couldn't get out of that situation, who are we to try. We would have died also." They had total confidence in me to figure out what to do and how to save myself (at least that's the positive, non competitive spin I could put into that). Since then, I never cared about competition, and have lived as a gift to everyone that meets me and spends some time with me (sorry guys, emails and phone calls don't count). Overall, it's a great book, and I hope to read some of your stories as well...
--David Cheng
This is an incredible book ("The Art of Possibility"), and it certified a lot of my life. Many of the things in the book were things I've been doing since I was a kid, including understanding that everything is a "game", about the world of measurement and competition, and about contributing to others. One time, a high school teacher told me after class that I had to "wake up", because I was living life as in a dream world. I told him back "In a few years, let's see what sort of dream I have made for myself." Unfortunately, the teacher died of leukemia, so I was never able to show him my "dream world." I think though that to understand and do some of the things in this book, a person would have to have some good amount of willpower, as I could see people giving up quickly without even trying, always looking for "reality."
I think that one of the things that got me thinking this way was an incident when I was an adolescent. There was a small creek with a waterfall near the house I grew up in. The water right next to the waterfall was very deep (maybe even deeper than 30 feet), and was known to have claimed many lives. When I was about 14 years old, I went swimming with some cousins, who were great swimmers, and had lived at the ocean coast all their lives. I went close to the waterfall and tried to test how deep it was there, when suddenly, I was caught in a whirlpool and couldn't swim out. I tried with all my strength to swim against the current, but it was too strong. I cried for help to my cousins, but they didn't want to help. My life flashed in my mind, and really thought I was going to die. Then I thought this "well if I'm going to die like this then lets play the whirlpool's game, and die with style," as I took my last bit of strength to sink myself inward into the whirlpool. It turned out that going inward through the whirlpool saved my life, as it "spit" me out from underneath and towards the creek's shore. At first, I got really mad with my cousins, but one of them told me "Hey, if you couldn't get out of that situation, who are we to try. We would have died also." They had total confidence in me to figure out what to do and how to save myself (at least that's the positive, non competitive spin I could put into that). Since then, I never cared about competition, and have lived as a gift to everyone that meets me and spends some time with me (sorry guys, emails and phone calls don't count). Overall, it's a great book, and I hope to read some of your stories as well...
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Wk1 Reading: Blog Post to Ginny Holm
To Ginny
In thinking of what you said about someone copying your work, I certainly understand. I do video production, but most of my work is someone else's and even in some projects where I would have wanted them in public domain, I was stopped, and the projects were formally copyrighted. I wonder though what would happen if ALL graphic work was public domain, for example, I want to do an advertisement on puppies, go to some collection websites of prior puppy work, copy pieces of what I need, and then put the finished product in the website for someone else to use it (while getting a commission for my work). I think that the biggest problem is the way that people want a commission not only when the do the work, but also for the rest of their lives. Many times, I almost feel embarrassed when I see one of my prior works, as I know that my skills have grown since then, and maybe I don't want to be represented or paid for those prior works.
Well, overall this is a hard issue and it would take a major overhaul of our system to change (and many visits to the supreme court). Let's see what happens...
In thinking of what you said about someone copying your work, I certainly understand. I do video production, but most of my work is someone else's and even in some projects where I would have wanted them in public domain, I was stopped, and the projects were formally copyrighted. I wonder though what would happen if ALL graphic work was public domain, for example, I want to do an advertisement on puppies, go to some collection websites of prior puppy work, copy pieces of what I need, and then put the finished product in the website for someone else to use it (while getting a commission for my work). I think that the biggest problem is the way that people want a commission not only when the do the work, but also for the rest of their lives. Many times, I almost feel embarrassed when I see one of my prior works, as I know that my skills have grown since then, and maybe I don't want to be represented or paid for those prior works.
Well, overall this is a hard issue and it would take a major overhaul of our system to change (and many visits to the supreme court). Let's see what happens...
Wk1 Reading: Blog Post to JeVaughn Jones
To JeVaughn
I see that you regard music as an essential part of culture, so I would like to ask this question. Let's say that Trinidad's copyright laws were the same as in the US (check this link http://www.cott.org.tt/index.php), and that there was a small community that sings folkloric and traditional songs in the streets every day. One day, someone passes by and listens to this music, gets interested in it and chooses to record it, and then copyright it in the US. What would be the ethical view of this? I wonder if music is that unique (not sure if that's the right word for this) that people could get into trouble for "borrowing" a good music sample. I understand that musicians should be compensated, but as in some of the videos we watched and in the article we read, there are middlemen that take most of the money, and do unfair things to people who enjoy music. Let's have a world free of corporate copyright!
I see that you regard music as an essential part of culture, so I would like to ask this question. Let's say that Trinidad's copyright laws were the same as in the US (check this link http://www.cott.org.tt/index.php), and that there was a small community that sings folkloric and traditional songs in the streets every day. One day, someone passes by and listens to this music, gets interested in it and chooses to record it, and then copyright it in the US. What would be the ethical view of this? I wonder if music is that unique (not sure if that's the right word for this) that people could get into trouble for "borrowing" a good music sample. I understand that musicians should be compensated, but as in some of the videos we watched and in the article we read, there are middlemen that take most of the money, and do unfair things to people who enjoy music. Let's have a world free of corporate copyright!
Wk1-2 DB Quickies: DIY Classroom/Presentation Solutions
Copy from Discussion post
I usually setup a small production rig when interviewing or getting live events (in my small business of creating documentaries; does this count as tech in the workplace?). I setup a Canon 60D camera (or an equivalent rented HD camera), I connect a Zoom H4n audio recorder, and with that I either connect lavaliers (mics that clip to your shirt), or a combination of shotgun (long range) and cardioid or condenser (short range) mics. I have some soft box LED lights, some fluorescent lights with umbrellas, and other LED stackable lights. I have some computers that I take on the field to do live shoots, if they are longer than half an hour. I have even invested in a green screen and stand to do studio presentations. I try to keep up with what I need in every situation, but it is not cheap sometimes.
I can understand how many schools wouldn’t have the necessary equipment, or have outdated equipment that can’t be fixed if broken. One thing that I have noticed though, is that some equipment could be reconditioned to do some AV or tech tasks, but because there is no one to do those conversions, the equipment is thrown away or put in auction. For example, in a college I used to work in, there was a BetaCam Sony camera that could still take good video. The tapes for it were hard to find and you usually needed a very expensive deck to ingest the material, but the camera had a firewire port, and after testing, I found you could capture video that way. But after giving the suggestion, the camera was put into auction anyways, because it was “too much trouble.” The ironic thing was that when we became short of one camera, we rented that same camera we had, and it had a small computer hooked to the back (I think it was a Mac Mini but I’m not sure). So it’s sometimes good to check on what you have, and see if it can be re-purposed.
I usually setup a small production rig when interviewing or getting live events (in my small business of creating documentaries; does this count as tech in the workplace?). I setup a Canon 60D camera (or an equivalent rented HD camera), I connect a Zoom H4n audio recorder, and with that I either connect lavaliers (mics that clip to your shirt), or a combination of shotgun (long range) and cardioid or condenser (short range) mics. I have some soft box LED lights, some fluorescent lights with umbrellas, and other LED stackable lights. I have some computers that I take on the field to do live shoots, if they are longer than half an hour. I have even invested in a green screen and stand to do studio presentations. I try to keep up with what I need in every situation, but it is not cheap sometimes.
I can understand how many schools wouldn’t have the necessary equipment, or have outdated equipment that can’t be fixed if broken. One thing that I have noticed though, is that some equipment could be reconditioned to do some AV or tech tasks, but because there is no one to do those conversions, the equipment is thrown away or put in auction. For example, in a college I used to work in, there was a BetaCam Sony camera that could still take good video. The tapes for it were hard to find and you usually needed a very expensive deck to ingest the material, but the camera had a firewire port, and after testing, I found you could capture video that way. But after giving the suggestion, the camera was put into auction anyways, because it was “too much trouble.” The ironic thing was that when we became short of one camera, we rented that same camera we had, and it had a small computer hooked to the back (I think it was a Mac Mini but I’m not sure). So it’s sometimes good to check on what you have, and see if it can be re-purposed.
Wk1-1 DB Quickies: DIY Classroom/Presentation Solutions
Copy from Discussion page
I’ve never taught in front of a classroom (other than in the military to fellow soldiers) so I don’t have any moments in which I had a problem with AV (audio/video equipment). But I did a short internship in which I had to check all the AV in a community college, and we always had to setup the ELMOs and projectors for the professors. Many times, the filters got clogged in the projectors, and one time the bulb went out and I had to wait in the middle of a class until it was cool enough to change (I still got a little burned). The ELMOs were better behaved and we had very few problems with them. There were smartboards also, but as long as the cables were good, they were ok. I have some training and certifications to handle these equipments, so if I would ever teach in front of a classroom, I have the confidence to fix the issue right away. But who knows, I’m sure there will be a new technology that I won’t know how to fix, but if I have access to their technical manuals, then it’s a matter of finding the time in the classroom…
I’ve never taught in front of a classroom (other than in the military to fellow soldiers) so I don’t have any moments in which I had a problem with AV (audio/video equipment). But I did a short internship in which I had to check all the AV in a community college, and we always had to setup the ELMOs and projectors for the professors. Many times, the filters got clogged in the projectors, and one time the bulb went out and I had to wait in the middle of a class until it was cool enough to change (I still got a little burned). The ELMOs were better behaved and we had very few problems with them. There were smartboards also, but as long as the cables were good, they were ok. I have some training and certifications to handle these equipments, so if I would ever teach in front of a classroom, I have the confidence to fix the issue right away. But who knows, I’m sure there will be a new technology that I won’t know how to fix, but if I have access to their technical manuals, then it’s a matter of finding the time in the classroom…
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wk1 Wimba: Introduction
One thing that I got from the Wimba is how close to being done I am. And also how much work I have to put into my Action Research as my cycle 2 didn't end up as I expected. Because I have no way to survey or quantify my data, it seems like it needs a lot more, or I would have to widen the scope of the issues to other institutions (it deals directly with my work department and my co-workers). It seems like week 4 will be a nightmare of hard work... I hope I'm prepared, as this month is very busy (I have two graduations to tape, four commemoration videos to make, and a training session to become a trainer in a new learning management system). I wish I could take a month off of work, but a co-worker went on emergency leave to Norway, and won't be coming back until June 29... my graduation (hopefully). Otherwise, it was good to see and hear everyone again, and to meet the new professor. Too bad there is a three hour difference, and my work ends late many times.
As mentioned in prior posts, copyright is a stinging issue for me (and for many of my classmates as well). This is not only from a user's standpoint, but also from a creator's standpoint. One quote from the reading's Ted.com video (with Larry Lessig) is about a generation of law breakers, that because of their creative impulses, they have to accept the fact that they have become law breakers, being an active part of society. This shocked me as I started to think about my life before this EMDT program. I'm a part-time independent producer and filmmaker, and I know of the pain of creating something (in this case, documentaries about local events and social change), being paid a sum of money for a signature, and then not see that creation again... All in the name of copyright. What about being sued for putting a portion clip in YouTube that YOU created with your own camera (and with permission slips made to you)? I'm glad the cases dropped, or maybe I wouldn't even be here...
Well, I hope I can find the time to get in a Wimba (even though that would mean staying at work), and participate in some of these talks. Thanks.
As mentioned in prior posts, copyright is a stinging issue for me (and for many of my classmates as well). This is not only from a user's standpoint, but also from a creator's standpoint. One quote from the reading's Ted.com video (with Larry Lessig) is about a generation of law breakers, that because of their creative impulses, they have to accept the fact that they have become law breakers, being an active part of society. This shocked me as I started to think about my life before this EMDT program. I'm a part-time independent producer and filmmaker, and I know of the pain of creating something (in this case, documentaries about local events and social change), being paid a sum of money for a signature, and then not see that creation again... All in the name of copyright. What about being sued for putting a portion clip in YouTube that YOU created with your own camera (and with permission slips made to you)? I'm glad the cases dropped, or maybe I wouldn't even be here...
Well, I hope I can find the time to get in a Wimba (even though that would mean staying at work), and participate in some of these talks. Thanks.
Wk1 Reading: Copyright Issues
Greed is what makes us sick; fear is what keep us from finding a cure...
-David Cheng
There are so many things in the world that are happening with copyright..., and the way it has held and stiffened our potential, it should be considered a crime of the highest order. While we (this applies to many countries, but I'm referring to the USA) fight for censorship, we still haven't recovered from the weakening of the "press" and the powers they used to give us. Many companies don't fear the "press" anymore, ...because they own it.
I loved the clips, specially the Ted.com one, and the Remix Culture one (a logo of my Alma matter, Temple University's Media Education Lab appears in one of the pamphlets at 2:08). I think they make you think about the future of copyright, and the urge to fight before everything is off limits, and everyone becomes a pirate.
I apologize if I sound like I'm venting, but this is the issue that broke my dream of becoming a journalist (I studied journalism, and changed it to communications). I went to "The Philadelphia Inquirer" for a short internship, and after being explained what I could do and not do (can't disclose this), I just picked my things and left. This became my fastest internship ever. But I hope that enough pressure can be put to some of these corporations by the next generations, that eventually they will let go and give us our uncensored, free of permissions free speech expression. But to other matters...
There is this case at work that baffles me, and maybe I should ask a lawyer about this, but I put it here anyways, and please let me know what you think. I work in a media and online course department, in a community college, which produces courses and also videos for broadcasting and other purposes. Sometimes I need a stock photo for an internal video (one that won't circulate outside of the institution). We have some web designers that have subscriptions for some of these stock photo websites. When I go to one of them to ask for a photo, they tell me that the license is in their personal name, and that only they can use the photos. I then tell them, we not only work for the same educational institution, but also in the same department. There is no money made for some of these videos, and not even students will see these videos. They say they can only use the photos for their own projects at work, and can't even accept collaborators in their projects, or this would be a copyright violation. If the college paid for these subscriptions, then shouldn't they be open to their employees? I tried to read the copyright notices, and couldn't find much clear information as to confirm or debunk this. Since then, I just take a Canon 5D MkII and the college car, and go take my own pictures for the videos. Neither my supervisor nor the media managers want to take sides on this issue either. Would this fall in fair use if I take a picture (that is crucial to complete the video) that my co-worker used for a similar project and use it? Is this something that would merit a lawyer? Let me know what you think, thanks.
-David Cheng
There are so many things in the world that are happening with copyright..., and the way it has held and stiffened our potential, it should be considered a crime of the highest order. While we (this applies to many countries, but I'm referring to the USA) fight for censorship, we still haven't recovered from the weakening of the "press" and the powers they used to give us. Many companies don't fear the "press" anymore, ...because they own it.
I loved the clips, specially the Ted.com one, and the Remix Culture one (a logo of my Alma matter, Temple University's Media Education Lab appears in one of the pamphlets at 2:08). I think they make you think about the future of copyright, and the urge to fight before everything is off limits, and everyone becomes a pirate.
I apologize if I sound like I'm venting, but this is the issue that broke my dream of becoming a journalist (I studied journalism, and changed it to communications). I went to "The Philadelphia Inquirer" for a short internship, and after being explained what I could do and not do (can't disclose this), I just picked my things and left. This became my fastest internship ever. But I hope that enough pressure can be put to some of these corporations by the next generations, that eventually they will let go and give us our uncensored, free of permissions free speech expression. But to other matters...
There is this case at work that baffles me, and maybe I should ask a lawyer about this, but I put it here anyways, and please let me know what you think. I work in a media and online course department, in a community college, which produces courses and also videos for broadcasting and other purposes. Sometimes I need a stock photo for an internal video (one that won't circulate outside of the institution). We have some web designers that have subscriptions for some of these stock photo websites. When I go to one of them to ask for a photo, they tell me that the license is in their personal name, and that only they can use the photos. I then tell them, we not only work for the same educational institution, but also in the same department. There is no money made for some of these videos, and not even students will see these videos. They say they can only use the photos for their own projects at work, and can't even accept collaborators in their projects, or this would be a copyright violation. If the college paid for these subscriptions, then shouldn't they be open to their employees? I tried to read the copyright notices, and couldn't find much clear information as to confirm or debunk this. Since then, I just take a Canon 5D MkII and the college car, and go take my own pictures for the videos. Neither my supervisor nor the media managers want to take sides on this issue either. Would this fall in fair use if I take a picture (that is crucial to complete the video) that my co-worker used for a similar project and use it? Is this something that would merit a lawyer? Let me know what you think, thanks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)