My Educator's Lense

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

"The more I grasp the pervasive influence of media on our children, the more I worry
about the media literacy gap in our nation’s educational curriculum. We need a sustained K-12 media literacy program—something to teach kids not only how to use the media but how the media uses them. Kids need to know how particular messages get crafted and why, what devices are used to hold their attention and what ideas are left out. In a culture where media is pervasive and invasive, kids need to think critically about what they see, hear and read. No child’s education can be complete without this."

FCC Commissioner Michael Copps (prepared remarks at June 2006 event)

CML- Critical Media Literacy

I have always thought about the need for tech education but now really looking at what it can offer students in connecting with their everyday lives I am intrigued. I want to offer opportunities for students to think critically at what they are looking at and using everyday. It is important for young people to look at what the media offers them as a society and if they accept it.

I grew up looking at my grandmother's fashion magazines full of white models, playing with white barbies, and cutting out white women from the Sear's Catalog. I firmly believe that during my young and growing days, that affected my worth as a young black girl in a white society. If I had the tools to critically evaluate what the media was telling me was beautiful and not comparing that to what I saw in the mirror I think I would have had a different experience in my adolescent years.

We must remain informed and stay inquisitive. Always asking who, why, and how. Engage in popular culture and connect to our students with what they are interested in. Bringing these ideas to the classroom along with CML is what we need for our new digital learners in our digital age.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Organizing reading for Review

After careful reflection I have come to an understanding that the way I was organizing my information was not good and I should have done things differently. While reading my literature journals I should have made notes about what I was reading and dropped each idea or thought in to categories. This would include the author and year at the top so that I can easily identify the source for referencing it in my paper.

Right now I feel extremely confused and bogged down by the information and it's really frustrating me to no end. Having words all over the place and notes that I took in my notebook should have been more strategic. Now I am suffering the consequences of not starting out with a more meticulous arrangement for my reading.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Youth and Digital Media

This cartoon cracked me up when I first saw this on Huffpost. Today I finished all my reading for my "YOUTH AND DIGITAL MEDIA" class and then this was on my twitter feed. This is supposed to describe today's youth but I'm really not ashamed to see this is ME too.

How funny is that rabbit! ROFL....LMAO!!!!

I'll be posting more as I got a few really good ones about today's kids and their digital lives.

Strength Comes From Inside

I just finished the hardest class that I ever had in my life (RESEARCH & METHODOLOGY), (Thinks back to undergrad: the anatomy class my senior year or stats class was a walk in the park). I am just grateful I made through, although there were some days I wanted to throw in the towel and just not do anything. I was able to muster up some courage and actually get it done.

Sometimes I really do surprise myself. I get really down and negative about myself, although I should always realize I am a super strong chick. Just thinking about all the crap I've been through, yet I still continue to live. I am amazed and proud. Although there are days but mostly nights where the depression takes over and the dark blanket wraps around my body. Life looks gloomy and dark. I went back to school so I wouldn't be in my thoughts of depression and so far it's worked. Now I'm just extremely stressed out! Ha! Go figure. What will happen after I graduate? I don't know but I am looking forward to actually doing NOTHING for at least 4 weeks come June 2016.

I may be alone.... but I am my own cheerleader. In and out....I must prevail! I really don't know how but it happens. One more summer class...fall and spring...and voila....Cap, gown, and hood!

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Educational Research

Educational Research and it's importance in my field is key in developing strategies and new ideas. We've come a long way from the first compulsory education systems and we will continue to evolve. Being a teacher is not stagnant. We have to constantly evolve and reflect on our practices. Each student is like a flower in a garden and some need different things to thrive and grow. Students have issues in school and home and that will also change due to the dynamic of personalities and moods. I believe education research is beneficial to my practice. Both descriptive and experimental research will help in my field and department. The ideal relationship between research and educational practice is yet to fully be determined. I know they go hand in hand but for me specifically I am at the beginning of this action research journey.