Friday May 31

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Due to the internet being down for the majority of today's class, you will have most of today's class to work on completing your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects.

I will hand out your rubric for your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects at the beginning of the class. We will go over the rubric together and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. Please make sure you refer and go over the rubric and the outline while you are working on your project to ensure you have covered all components and criteria. Don't forget that your Photography and Film components are due on MONDAY.  Your written component will be due at the beginning of TUESDAY's class.

We will go over some basic editing in iMovie at the end of the class.  I find that the best way to teach/review iMovie is by using video tutorials, so I have added a few of the best tutorials below.  For the film component, you will only require the basics.  The videos below will help you complete your film component.  Please ask me any questions and you can also e-mail me on the weekend and I will do my best to answer any questions.  Please do not leave all of your editing until Sunday night.

At the beginning of Monday's class you will complete your self-assessment and group-assessment.  We will begin the class by watching each of your Part 1- Photography stop-motion films and then move onto your Part 2- Films with your partner.  We will complete the Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects with a class discussion.  Don't forget that your written component is due at the beginning of class on Tuesday.  At the end of Monday's class we will also be going over your Independent Study Unit- Unit 4: New Generation... Video Games and the Internet (ISU).

Have a great weekend!

Thursday May 30

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Today I will be handing back your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Major Project marks.  Your marks have now been updated on Maplewood.  Please ask me if you have any questions.  Overall, I am very pleased with your first major project.  Keep up the good work!
Just a few things:
- Make sure you read the outline and rubric thoroughly.  We did go over the outline in class, however some key aspects were missing from the presentation (key concepts/theories)
- Please use your class time wisely.  I am beginning to think that I should give less time in class dedicated to work periods due to lack of work completed during class.  I will not be as generous for any of the other projects regarding use of class time.

Next, we will go over how to use iMovie to create your stop-motion component for your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects.  Remember that ALL components of your project are due on MONDAY.  I found a great video that illustrates how to create the illusion of movement for your Part 1- Photography component.  We will watch this video as a class and can ask me any questions you may have.

Here are a few of my favourite stop-motion videos.  If we have time, we will watch them together as a class.  For tomorrow's class you will post your favourite stop-motion video in your blog and we will watch them as a class tomorrow.

Tomorrow I will be providing you with your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects rubric and we will be going over some basic editing techniques.

Wednesday May 29

Good Morning TGJ4M!

I will be collecting your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Test  responses first thing in the morning.  Remember, that you will only get marks added to your test if you had the key idea in the first place and you are expanding.

Today you will have the class to work on your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects components.  You should be discussing and planning with your partner.

I will be handing back your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Major Projects marks first thing tomorrow morning.  Tomorrow we will also be going over a few technical things regarding editing and putting the final touches on your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects.

But yes, it's Wednesday.  Post a cat on your blog for a bonus mark on your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects!

Tuesday May 28

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Today we will begin with your brief presentations on your key photography/film figures.  Be sure to post the information from your handout on your blog and be sure to e-mail me your handout your works cited.  Those of you who did not submit your handout to me yesterday, I will be collecting them from you today.

I will be handing back your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Tests and your War of the Worlds assignment.  Please ask me if you have any questions.  I will be handing back your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Major Projects tomorrow, but I need your works cited before I can mark them.

I want to see all of you working and discussing your ideas for your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects.  Remember that yesterday we changed parts of the project...
Part 1: Photography- will be done individually
Part 2: Film- will be done in partners

Don't forget that your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects are due THIS MONDAY!

And remember to...

... during today's class!

Monday May 27

Good Morning TGJ4M!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

You will have today's class to work brainstorm and work on your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects.  Remember that the due date for this Unit is on  Monday June 3.  That is a week from today, so be sure to use your class time wisely!

We will begin tomorrow's class with your key film/photography figures.  Thanks to those of you who submitted your handout to me on time in class today!

Tomorrow I will be handing back your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Tests, Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project and your War of the Worlds Assignment.

Friday May 24

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Happy half day!

I will collect all late War of the Worlds assignments.  Keep in mind, this assignment is now three days late (-15%).  If I do not receive your assignment by email tomorrow you will receive a ZERO.

Today you will be working on completing your blog post which is due on Monday May 27.  On Monday, we will also have brief presentations.  You will discuss your key figure and their role in film/photography and explore and discuss why they are key figures.  You will include images and discuss key works.  You will reference a minimum of three sources and finally you will create a one page handout for your classmates.  The information from your handout will be the information you post to your blog.  Please do not hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions.  In case you forgot, here are the key figures you will be researching.

Etienne-Jules Marey: Hakam
Eadweard Muybridge: Alex
August and Louis Lumiere: Sarah
Edwin Porter: Nick


You will also begin brainstorming for your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects.  Remember that this is due on Monday June 3.  That is one week on Monday!

Thursday May 23

Good Morning TGJ4M!

I will collect all late War of the Worlds assignments.  Keep in mind, this assignment is now two days late (-10%).

We will begin today's class with the final Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Presentation.  A self-assessment and a group-assessment will be completed prior to the presentation.

Once the presentation is complete, I will hand out your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Test.  You will have 1 hour to complete the test.  Remember to take your time answering the questions, ask me if you need anything clarified and proofread your work.

Finally, I will be going over your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects.  We will go over the outline as a class and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions.  Please note the due date on Monday June 3 and be sure to use your class time wisely.

Remember that your next blog post is due on Monday May 27.  Please see the previous blog posts for outline and instructions.  Below is the list of key figures in early photography and film that you have chosen:
Etienne-Jules Marey: Hakam
Eadweard Muybridge: Alex
August and Louis Lumiere: Sarah
Edwin Porter: Nick

Don't forget that tomorrow's class will be 1 hour.  You will have the period to work on your blog post and to ask any questions about the Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects.

Remember that our class blog works as the class calendar.  You should be looking at it on a daily basis, at the beginning of the class.  If you read today's post, post a picture of a cat on your blog.  I will be doing this once every week or so.  Be sure to check the blog daily for bonus marks.

Wednesday May 22

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Since yesterday's class was a bit hectic...

Today you will be presenting your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Projects with your partner at the beginning of the class.  Please make sure you arrive to class on time.  Prior to the presentation, you will be completing a self-assessment and a group-assessment.

I will collect all late War of the Worlds assignments once your presentations are complete.  Remember, late assignments will continue to be deducted -5% per day.

I will be introducing your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects.  We will go over the outline as a class and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions.

You will each be choosing your key figure for your blog post as a class, you will have a few minutes to do some brief googling to see which key figure interests you the most.

You will have the rest of the class to work on your blog post, outlined in yesterday's post OR study for your tomorrow's test OR begin to work on your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Projects!

A few reminders...
- Your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Test will take place at the beginning of tomorrow's class.
- Friday is a shortened day, your classes will each be one hour.

Tuesday May 21

Good Morning TGJ4M!

I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend and enjoyed the beautiful weather!

Today you will be presenting your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project with your partner to the class.  You will have 30 minutes at the beginning of the class to prepare and practise with your partner.  I will have you fill out an self-assessment and a group-assessment sheet prior to your presentations.

I will be collecting your War of the Worlds assignments once your presentations are complete.  For those of you that did not complete your assignment, you must e-mail it to me by 4:00pm or you will be deducted 5%.

Tomorrow I will be introducing your Unit 2: Flash to the Rescue... Film and Photography Major Project.

For the remainder of the class, you will work on the following blog post which will be due at the beginning of class on Friday.  Brief presentations will also take place.  You will each be choosing one of the following key figures from early photography and film: Etienne-Jules Marey, Eadweard Muybridge, August and Louis Lumiere or Edwin Porter.  You will discuss your key figure and their role in film/photography and explore and discuss why they are key figures.  You will include images and discuss key works.  You will reference a minimum of three sources and finally you will create a one page handout for your classmates.

Friday May 17

Good Morning TGJ4M!

You will have today's class to work on completing your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project with your partner.  Be sure to include theories, concepts and media we have discussed and to refer to the outline and rubric I have provided.

Again, your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project is due and will be presented on Tuesday May 21st. Your War of the Worlds assignment is also due on Tuesday.  Please do not forget to e-mail your assignment as well as hand me in a printed copy.

At the end of today's class I will be handing out the review sheet for next week's test.  Please ask me any questions you may have.  Don't forget that your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Test test will take place on Thursday May 23 at the beginning of the class.  Also, please be advised that we have a shortened day on Friday May 24.  Each class will be one hour, therefore our class will go from 9:00-10:00.

Lastly...

Thursday May 16

Good Morning TGJ4M,

Today you will be applying Marshall McLuhan's concepts: The Medium is the Message and The Global Village to Orson Welles rendition of H.G. Wells War of the Worlds broadcast from 1938.  This broadcast led to mass mayhem and even death on the October 30, 1938.

We will listen to the broadcast as a class and you will write a brief response responding to questions on the handout.  I will provide you with the outline and rubric.  You will likely have to listen to parts of the broadcast again and you can do so by clicking on the link to the video below.

Please be advised that the due date for this assignment is Tuesday May 21st.  This is also the due date/presentation date for your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project.

You will have most of tomorrow's class to complete your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project!

Also, please be advised that your  Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Test will take place next Thursday May 23rd!

Wednesday May 15

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Today I will be presenting my Marshall McLuhan PowerPoint.  The presentation includes key concepts and videos.  Get ready to be amazed!

I will be e-mailing my PowerPoint once the presentation is complete.  I suggest you take notes during the video components of the presentation.  We will also review the key concepts: The Medium is the Message and The Global Village.

Remember that your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project due date has been changed from Friday to Tuesday.  I will be handing your rubric for this project out today.

For the remainder of the class you will be working on Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project with your group member.  I highly recommend that you use some of the key theories presented in class today in your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project presentation.

Finally, remember that the information from today's presentation will also be on next week's Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Test.

Tuesday May 14

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Today you will be completing your current blog post.  Please make sure you have followed all the guidelines.  I will be marking them tonight!

Tomorrow, I will be presenting my Marshall McLuhan PowerPoint.  The information from the presentation will be on next week's Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Test and will provide you with key concepts and information.  I will go over what will be on the test on Thursday and I will provide you with a study review sheet.  Also, I highly recommend that you use some of the key theories presented today in your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project presentation.

NOTE:  I have decided to move your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project due date from Friday May 17 to Tuesday May 21.  I will remind you about this in class tomorrow.

Monday May 13

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Today I will be handing back your blog post marks from all posts you have completed to date.  Please read through the detailed comments and ensure you ask me any questions.

You will continue to work on your previous blog post.  Remember, I will be marking them tomorrow!  You will have the remainder of the period to work with your partner on your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project.  Please use your class time wisely, you only have a few more days to complete your project.

GO LEAFS GO!

Friday May 10

Good Morning TGJ4M!

As most of you informed me you will not be in class today, please take the time to look at yesterday's blog post and continue working on the assignment.

Watch Jonathan Klein's TED talk discussing the power photography has to shape history at https://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_klein_photos_that_changed_the_world.html.
Think about the video's message and how it is relevant in current blog post.

Don't forget this post is due on Tuesday!

Thursday May 9

Good Morning TGJ4M!

"A picture if worth a thousand words"
- Napoleon Bonaparte

Today we will be discussing the impact of photography on society.  Photography as a medium, has evolved tremendously making the process of taking a photograph a simple click of a button in comparison to having to manually choose your aperture or f-stop setting.  Photographs provide us with the opportunity to view captured moments in time that we would otherwise not see.  They have the power to bring about social change.

You will choose three photographs from 100 Photographs That Changed The World http://www.scribd.com/doc/37193584/100-Photographs-That-Changed-the-World and/or Ten Photographs That Changed The World http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/6152050/Ten-photographs-that-changed-the-world.html
Please be warned, these websites contain some very graphic photographs.
You will comment on the photograph (describe, analyze, interpret, evaluate), the time period, what is happening in the photograph and discuss how the image made an impact on society and history.

A few things to think about:
- Think critically about how viewers respond to the photograph.  That being said think about the story and what the photographer was trying to say in that single frame, consider emotions.
- Think of the audience and their initial response and how these could differ from gender, age, ethnicity, belief.  Consider if the photographer was trying to have a specific outcome.
- Think about the composition and style: colour, black and white, close up, shows movement, etc.?

This blog post will be due on Tuesday!

I will be handing back your blog marks towards the end of class.  Please read over the comments and ask me any questions.

Have a great time at prom tonight! 

Wednesday May 8

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Today's class will be dedicated to working with your group member on your first major project Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media.  Please use your class time wisely, since there will be other small assignments due prior to next Friday's due date.  This will be one of the few full classes you will have to work on your project.

This is my FINAL reminder that you must complete your blog posts by the end of today's class or you will receive a zero.

Tuesday May 7

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Today I will be introducing your Unit 1: Once Upon a Time... A History of Media Major Project.  We will go through the outline as a class and you will have the opportunity to get any clarification or ask any questions.  The due date for this project is next Friday May 17.  Please take note of this date.

I will be reading over your responses to the questions from SHARKWATER and we will be discussing them as a class.  We will also be reviewing an article I came across yesterday regarding Mississauga's vote to repeal the shark fin ban at the link below:
http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2013/05/01/shark_fin_ban_gets_voted_down_in_mississauga.html

For the remainder of the class you will be choosing your partner for your project and beginning to brainstorm.  You will also complete any unfinished blog posts.  This will  be your final opportunity to complete any outstanding blog posts.  I will be marking them after class.  Please refer to my blog posts to ensure you have followed all guidelines.

Monday May 6

Good Morning TGJ4M!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed the beautiful weather!

To begin today's class we will share our final thoughts about the film SHARKWATER.  We will have a brief class discussion about Rob Stewart's message in the film and how it was communicated.  We will then be briefly discussing your documentary proposal ideas and your thoughts on Google Glass.

I will be reading and marking your documentary proposal and Google Glass thoughts this evening.

You will have the remainder of today's class to work on or complete your questions about the documentary film.  They are due tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will begin with the introduction of your first major project!

Friday May 3

Good Afternoon TGJ4M,

After watching SHARKWATER in class this morning, be sure to respond to the questions below.  They are the same questions from the handout I gave you all before we began watching the film.

1) How does the film respond to complex problems occurring in our society?

2) How does Rob Stewart make an impact in this film?

3) Did this film help you make informed decisions about the humane treatment of living creatures and shark finning?

4) Would you ever think of making a documentary as a career?  List some of the technology Rob Stewart uses to communicate in this film. 

Due: Tuesday

Don't forget that on Monday I will be reading your blog post about what type of documentary you would create, given the chance.  This should be 150-200 words.  Please do not forget to include clips of documentary films you have seen or wish to see.  You must also complete your blog post about Google Glass and write 100-150 words regarding this new technology.  We will be having a class discussion about this on Monday.

I will also be introducing your first project on Monday Tuesday!

Thursday May 2

Good Morning TGJ4M!

Today we will be completing the final app presentation, as well as the final documentary presentation.

For the remainder of the class, you will continue to research documentary films that you have seen or wish to see.  Choose a minimum of three.  You will post the trailer(s) on your blog.  Finally, you will write 150-200 words discussing a social issue you that you are passionate about and one you would make your own documentary film about, given the opportunity. This will be due at the beginning of Friday's class.

Finally you will watch the following promo clip for Google Glass.  You will discuss your first impressions regarding this new technology.  You will do some research and write a summary which describes, analyzes, interprets and evaluates the product in 100-150 words.  Be sure to include images to your blog post.  This will be due on Monday.  A class discussion will follow.

Don't forget that tomorrow we will be watching documentary film: Sharkwater by Rob Stewart.  There will be a handout to complete and a class discussion to follow.

Wednesday May 1

Good morning TGJ4M!

Today you will be presenting one of your apps.  Be sure to describe, analyze, interpret and evaluate your app.  You will show the images you have included on your blog and you may also go though the steps to using the app on your phone.  I will be marking you apps after class.

You will then present your documentary film clip blog post.  You will show your clip and we will watch it as a class.  We will then discuss the impact of your documentary film and the role documentary films play in society.

Happy May!

Revolution

Documentary Film

Film Title: Revolution

Producer: Rob Steward

Rob Stewart, producer of Sharkwater takes us on another powerful journey to educate the world about taking a stand and fighting for a better world.  With the help of people around the world, he shows the effect one person can have on making the world a better place and that we must make a change so our planet can continue to exist.  Not only is Rob Stewart a beautiful film maker, but a brilliant activist showcasing the issues of climate change, environmental degradation, species loss, ocean acidification, pollution and food/water scarcity as we travel around the world with him.  The message: we can and we must change!  A definite must see!