Expression Through Video Remix

After completing our still image mash-up assignment, we were asked to incorporate video and audio to enhance our arguments. This assignment has been somewhat problematic for me. At first, I wasn’t sure which direction to go in for my still image mash-up, to be able to display an argument visually. After settling on obesity in children as my topic, my still image mash-up came together, although not as effectively as I would have liked. In contrast, I think my video mash-up is better and more effective because of the new way in which video and audio could be used.

By using images such as fast food, video games, and parents feeding their kids unhealthy food, I was hoping to show some of the contributing causes to such a sedentary lifestyle by today’s youth. I was able to use a video clip from South Park showing how one of the characters, Stan, becomes obese by playing video games while his classmates are outside at recess. More than this, because South Park is a fairly well known and watched program, I think that the context of the whole episode adds to the effect. I was able to use Ken Burn’s effect on one of these images, which shows the progression of a healthy kid to an obese one. I was also able to use Ken Burn’s effect to zoom in on parents offering unhealthy food to their kids, to the effect of showing that parents could be another contributing factor to childhood obesity.

Finally, using a clip from Rocky showing him working out, and images of children at play and healthy food choices, I hope to show potential solutions to the problem. For this part, I used the Rocky theme song because when heard, I hope it instills a sense of motivation and change. Overall, I think that the video mash-up assignment went much better than the still image assignment because of the way video can help shape the argument.

The benefits of remix: stealing or creation?

The still image mash up assignment for New Media Writing applies very well to the central concepts discussed in Lawrence Lessig’s article titled “RW Revived.” Remix: Making Art and Commerce Thrive in the Hybrid Economy. By defining how the ability to use something old and established in order to create something else, the value and importance of being able to do so without being limited by the law becomes clear.

An example of this would be Lessig’s reference to an old friend named Ben. Lessig states, “the words of others are used to make a point the others didn’t directly make. Old cases are remixed. The remix is meant to do something new” (Lessig 2009). This passage is explaining that using an established piece of writing or other forms of media, as long as it is used to create something new, is an effective way to write and create. This can be shown in our own still image mash up. By using images already created, we have borrowed an image from someone else; however, it is important to understand that the way in which the images are being used does not imitate or steal from anything the original author or creator intended. By putting twelve images together in a sequence in order to make a point about a social phenomenon or controversy is completely different than how the images are being used by themselves.

Lessig also comments on the benefits that the ability to remix has in education stating, “when kids get to do work that they feel passionate about, kids (and, for that matter, adults) learn more and learn more effectively” (Lessig 2009). As a future educator I have seen effectively seen this in the classroom, and understand the value of learning from others example. Again our project illustrates this example by using existing media (images) and incorporating them in new ways through the use of new technology (i Movie).

Finally, Lessig seems to argue against the limiting of our ability to remix stating, “More people can use a wider set of tools to express ideas and emotions differently. More can, and so more will, at least until the law effectively blocks it” (Lessig 2009). I think Lessig makes two great points, the first being that we have the tools to express ourselves more effectively. Technology does allow us to reach a great number of people very quickly and as long as previously existing media whether it be writing or other forms of media are used to create something new, we should be allowed to do so.

Twitter: A Reflection of real identity?

In Freishtat and Sandlin’s article, we learn that while Facebook imitates a social networking website, in many ways it is limited by its own culture. Users generally conform to those around them, following the unwritten rules of what is acceptable online behavior, limiting expression. When comparing what Freishtat and Sandlin say to another social networking platform such as twitter, it is important to note the differences and similarities. I would argue that the function of Twitter is much different than that of Facebook. While Facebook can be used to keep in touch with friends, meet new people, and in some ways express yourself, Twitter encourages more self-expression. By following certain people and having other people follow you, I would say you are far more likely to receive information and viewpoints that you care about, lessening the chance you are to be criticized for expressing an opinion. Also, twitter is specifically designed for you to express your ideas and feelings on recent events, making it more acceptable to be controversial on topics ranging from politics and sports events. Finally, I would say that Twitter and Facebook function differently and that is why Twitter is less limiting in its ability to allow users to express themselves.

Facebook: Democracy or Dictatorship?

Freishtat and Sandlin make several great arguments in their paper about aspects of Facebook that others seem to have overlooked. Of course, Facebook is neither a democracy or dictatorship but in my opinion could be seen as an oligarchy. Freishtat and Sandlin say, “Facebook uses a rhetoric of control to attract, maintain, and discipline users, and to help shape a public environment that appears to foster, but in fact is hostile to deliberative possibilities” (515-16). This means that despite the many different ways Facebook allows users to express themselves, (wall, status, pictures, apps, games, etc.) the social rules that govern facebook defines how users actually express themselves. This is similar to the argument that social networks and values carry over, no matter what the medium. By allowing people to “gather” on one internet site, online communities are formed with their own set of values, rules, etc. I would argue that some of these rules can be defined, such as being too personal on Facebook. By posting status’ or public remarks concerning stuff that is intimately personal to yourself is not accepted. More than likely you will freak out anyone who isnt close enough to you to respect a sudden outburst of personal information. Also, by seeing the posts and status’ and other information from other users, newer users are sure to imitate. This creates a “norm” for what is acceptable on Facebook and tends to imitate the rules we use in face to face interaction as well. For example, it would be inapropriate to publicly demean someone whether that is through the internet or in person. Even the function allowing people to post their relationship status online imitates a realistic goal of finding people to form romantic encounters with. I would agree with Freishtat and Sandlin about Facebook, and is partially a reason why I don’t use Facebook anymore.

WriteBoard- The right collaborative writing website?

WriteBoard

WriteBoard is a collaborative writing website that functions much like GoogleDocs. Some interesting features include the ability to collaborate on a writing document, while restricting the users allowed by invite. This website would be useful when writing papers as a student. On a group paper, the individual group members could all work on the document simultaneously and see the changes made in real time. Similarly, when having a paper revised by a friend, a teacher, or anyone else, you would be able to see what mistakes you made as well as how to make the proper corrections. I have personally used GoogleDocs for those reasons and this website provides a similar resource. You can access this website here.

PennTags

PennTags is a website that allows users to upload their and others documents and tag them as they see fit, which allows others to search for relevant materials. This is useful for writing or researching a topic, and allows users to bring up a variety of works and sources on a specific topic. Some of the materials posted include tutorials, tools for learning, and even dentistry. I believe that this site would help not only when writing a paper, but also when completing a paper. When finished, you could tag your own work and the sources you used to make them available to others. You can find the link to this website here.

As a teacher, I would use these websites in a few ways. For example, when lesson planning, it is a good idea as a first year teacher to have a good network of fellow teachers to help you. By using WriteBoard, I could plan lessons collaboratively with other teachers either in my school or anywhere else. Similarly, PennTags would allow me to research others ideas pertaining to English subjects by searching tags like Life of Pi Plans, Poetry Plans, etc.

These websites could definately be used in my career as a student, or my future career as an educator.