Kist post # 6

Publish or Perish:

I own an iPad and an e-reader. I wanted an e-reader for Christmas, so I did some researching between Amazon (Kindle), Borders ( Kobo), and Barnes and Noble (Nook). What I found was all the book prices were relatively the same. Depending on the features of the e-reader, that is where the cost comes in. Ultimately, I went with the Nook and I am happy with it. I was skeptical about e-readers because I did not think I would like reading off it. However, I do not mind it. I like the convenience of it and being able to buy a book in thirty-seconds for cheaper than it would be in the store. I bought the colored e-reader; therefore, I am able to go on the internet and everything is in color, compared to the Kindle and Kobo that only comes in black and white. There are many features to the Nook, for example, I am able to highlight words, look up definitions, make notes, and bookmark my page. I did not know that you were able to do all that, so that is convenient when I have to read a book for class. The iPad and Nook are about the same, but obviously the iPad can do more. I have books downloaded and have not had any trouble reading them. However, on the iPad I am not able to make the notes that I would need. Now what is nice is that you can download the Nook app from iTunes and share books between the iPad and Nook.

I am a diehard reader, and I will say I am pleased with my e-reader. There are many features you would not imagine it can do. Here is a link to the Nook:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nookcolor/index.asp?cds2Pid=35607

I find it amazing with all the technology and the way books are at our fingertips that more people are not reading. “Forty per cent of the people in the U.S. read one book or less last year.” That is insane to me, I can read one book in a week. During summer break, I average 10-12 books. I believe e-readers or iPad are a way to get people to read more because the availability is instantaneous. There are so many types and genre of books to choose from. People who do not read say they do not have time, but they can watch television for hours. It makes no sense!

I <3 Novels:

I found this article so fascinating and it gave me such a great idea. Technology is such a major part of our society, and the generations to come are going to be far more technologically advanced. I thought it was amazing how there are people who write entire books from their cellphones then are able to upload those onto a website. The stories are mostly directed towards girls: “pregnancy, miscarriages, abortion, rape, rivals and triangles, incurable diseases.”

“Everyone is suffering over their loves and trying to figure out their lives, but my particular struggle was something I wanted to let other girls know about,” she says. “Like, ‘Hey, girls, I’ve been through this, you can make it, get up!’”

Maho i-land: “offers templates for blogs and home pages, is visited three and a half billion times a month.”

I looked at the website and it is solely in Japanese, but there is probably a similar way to upload the stories onto another website. Talk about incorporating technology into the classroom! You could have each student set up a page with a pen name, and they would upload their stories or assignments to it. Obviously, parental permission would have to be obtained and it may take some convincing from the teacher. This would be a twist to a writing class or literature circles.

“A generation is growing up using their phones to shop, surf, play video games, and watch live TV, on Web sites specially designed for the mobile phone.”

Great Films and How to Teach Them:

In the book, it talked about how movies give different people stereotypes. I think it would be a good lesson to have students write down times when they felt their gender, culture, race, ethnicity, religion, etc. were misrepresented in a film. “The persistence of stereotypes has confined many actors to typecast roles” (p.96). Being a woman, it makes me so annoyed when women play dumb-helpless, sexual characters. To see the misrepresentation of who you are on a film gives the representation that that is how most are.

I think teaching the mechanics of film, students will have a better appreciation and understanding of films. The one activity we did in class where we were divided and had to focus on one particular aspect, really shows how much goes into even a short clip. I also think it would be interesting to have students read the book and then watch the movie and find the major differences using literature and film concepts (p. 301).  Another idea is a behind the scene activity. Have students watch a film outside of class individually or in a group (provided you give them a list to choose from) and have them write on topics like: script writing, photography, set design, music, direction, acting, and reception. (p. 297). You can show movies in the classroom, but I think there has to be a purpose to show it. You can get great lessons from showing films and students will think it is enjoyable. I think a unit on film would be fun and show movies from all genres and eras. In one of my classes, my professor showed us a Charlie Chapman silent film and I loved it. I never would have watched a silent film, but it really is incredible to seeing the acting and “special effects” since it was in the early twentieth century.