A cool list to spark ideas from online journal Penzu. These could be some great starting points for a video diary or 1st person documentary project as well...
Why Keep a Journal?: "Don’t know where to start? If you would like to achieve the therapeutic effects of journaling, writing in an expressive journal is a good place to start. Here are some quick tips from Dr. James W. Pennebaker to guide you along."
Friday
Monday
Watch the Webisodes | Contest | ACT for me
Watch the Webisodes: "We asked people to tell us their AC Transit stories by creating an ACT for Me webisode. Entrants gave us a quick look at the AC Transit community and showed us how the bus plays a part in that community. The stories didn’t have to be specifically about the bus or take place on the bus, but had to take place in areas accessible by the bus. Documentary, comedy, romance, and above all, originality were encouraged."
Nice work folks. I *love* that the judges gave first prizes in both youth and adult categories.
Nice work folks. I *love* that the judges gave first prizes in both youth and adult categories.
A Little Old, But I'm Loving This Post
I'm so enjoying watching all the videos in this Archive. It's from the CR Blog which covers "News and Views on Visual Communication from the Writers and Readers of Creative Review" - a trade magazine in England.
The State of Music Video
The State of Music Video
Saturday
Why Shoot? Why Capture? Why Edit
Nice post from the always articulate David Pogue about Why We Shoot Home Videos on NYTimes.com: "Two weeks ago, writing about Apple’s new flagship laptop, the MacBook, I noted with dismay that Apple appears intent on eliminating the FireWire jack. FireWire is a connector, originally developed and promoted by Apple itself, that lets you import video from a tape camcorder for easy editing. It was a cornerstone of Apple’s “anyone can edit video” revolution."
A lot of what he writes about would apply to the average A/V club - video yearbook - after school program too. It's a risk we're happy to take: if we make it, someone will watch it.
A lot of what he writes about would apply to the average A/V club - video yearbook - after school program too. It's a risk we're happy to take: if we make it, someone will watch it.
Monday
A little tutorial on our old friend GIMP
Image Editing: Apply Antique Color Tones to a Photograph: "Antique photographs have a certain warmth to them imparted by the development process that can't be replicated by simply dumping the color data from a photograph. At wiikiHow there is a tutorial on using GIMP, a free Photoshop alternative, to take the rich tones from an old photograph and apply them to a brand new photo. The process works with both black and white and sepia toned photographs, and can easily be adapted from the given steps to work with Photoshop too. The above image is a blend of the before and after sample photo from the tutorial. If you don't have any antique photos handy, the tutorial covers where to find public domain images to lift tone samples from. If you're looking to take the opposite route and inject color into a black and white photography check out how to color black and white photos and isolate colors for emphasis."
Tuesday
Wednesday
Should Students Intern Before, After, or only During Their Studies?
Recently, this showed up in my email Inbox:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 1:09 AM
Subject: Documentary intern/volunteer needed. (oakland north / temescal)
Please be/have:
• Local to the Oakland/Berkeley/Emeryville area
• Willing to commit at least 12 hours per week initially.
• Intermediate computer skills, with the ability to make decisions about what to save where
• Filemaker Pro and Excel experienced or have the desire and ability to pick up those skills quickly.
• Consistently on time, as in, rarely, if ever late.
Additional Qualifications: Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communications skills, strong online research skills, the ability to work well independently, and a strong commitment to social, racial and economic justice. Candidates should be computer savvy (Mac) and comfortable on the phone.
This will be a 12-hour per week, 6-month or end-of-pre production internship, whichever comes first. There is potential to grow into a more substantial and possibly paid position within the next six months.
Compensation
In return for your investment of time and energy, ___ will provide you with access to video production equipment, training in filmmaking basics, opportunities to get your hands dirty on various sets and locations and access to the ___ edit suite once trained if not already.
You will be able to:
Get a detailed letter explaining what you helped with and what you learned
Sign off on community service or school mandated service hours
Be able to add something to your portfolio (highly likely)
Use ___ team, equipment and expertise at you disposal
Film treatment and other documents available to interested and qualified candidates.
Please contact us with a up-to-date resumé and short statement of interest outlining your desires for a film production internship.
this craigslist posting was forwarded to you by someone using our
email-a-friend feature - if you want to prevent these, please go to:
Which begs the question, once again, When to Work for Nothing? In fact, there's even this website dedicated to encouraging young designers to stop doing work on spec. (Thanks to Lifehacker for both of these links.)
Here's a copy of my response to that original email.
In general, I'm not a big fan of asking people to work for free on films - including documentaries.
I think it is an old holdover from the days when filmmaking was restricted to a small group of privileged people who "paid their dues" as a way of working off favors from the nepotism that got their "foot in the door".
If you can go through the process of becoming an internship site for a local school or university that has a film program I think that's the best way. Then the young person is being paid for their time in course credit and can easily document their un-paid work experience.
This also allows for some oversight. I know you all at _______ would never exploit free labor, but others have and do and youth need their rights protected. (Many of them don't even know the rights they have.)
That's just my two cents. But don't be surprised if you get flagged on Craigs List. They're pretty sensitive over there too.
As for local schools with internships, here's a list off the top of my head...
___, ___, ___, ___
I'm sure there are others, but I can't think of them right now. Good luck with your project. Funding is always a good indicator of your eventual audience/impact. So I'm glad to hear that folks have been making that investment.
ps -
I think it's a little different to ask people for a short amount of time or to work on/complete one specific task, like logging 10 hours of tape in your spare time.
Also, people will often do work here and there for their friends for free.
But the big red flag here is that you're looking for someone to work 12 hours a week for 6 months or so for no pay.
Can you think of any other industry that would ever ask for that? Not a restaurant, not a factory, not an insurance office...It's only done in the 'glamour' fields like Film, Television, and Magazines.
Sincerely,
Ms. Smitty B
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 1:09 AM
Subject: Documentary intern/volunteer needed. (oakland north / temescal)
Please be/have:
• Local to the Oakland/Berkeley/Emeryville area
• Willing to commit at least 12 hours per week initially.
• Intermediate computer skills, with the ability to make decisions about what to save where
• Filemaker Pro and Excel experienced or have the desire and ability to pick up those skills quickly.
• Consistently on time, as in, rarely, if ever late.
Additional Qualifications: Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communications skills, strong online research skills, the ability to work well independently, and a strong commitment to social, racial and economic justice. Candidates should be computer savvy (Mac) and comfortable on the phone.
This will be a 12-hour per week, 6-month or end-of-pre production internship, whichever comes first. There is potential to grow into a more substantial and possibly paid position within the next six months.
Compensation
In return for your investment of time and energy, ___ will provide you with access to video production equipment, training in filmmaking basics, opportunities to get your hands dirty on various sets and locations and access to the ___ edit suite once trained if not already.
You will be able to:
Get a detailed letter explaining what you helped with and what you learned
Sign off on community service or school mandated service hours
Be able to add something to your portfolio (highly likely)
Use ___ team, equipment and expertise at you disposal
Film treatment and other documents available to interested and qualified candidates.
Please contact us with a up-to-date resumé and short statement of interest outlining your desires for a film production internship.
this craigslist posting was forwarded to you by someone using our
email-a-friend feature - if you want to prevent these, please go to:
Which begs the question, once again, When to Work for Nothing? In fact, there's even this website dedicated to encouraging young designers to stop doing work on spec. (Thanks to Lifehacker for both of these links.)
Here's a copy of my response to that original email.
In general, I'm not a big fan of asking people to work for free on films - including documentaries.
I think it is an old holdover from the days when filmmaking was restricted to a small group of privileged people who "paid their dues" as a way of working off favors from the nepotism that got their "foot in the door".
If you can go through the process of becoming an internship site for a local school or university that has a film program I think that's the best way. Then the young person is being paid for their time in course credit and can easily document their un-paid work experience.
This also allows for some oversight. I know you all at _______ would never exploit free labor, but others have and do and youth need their rights protected. (Many of them don't even know the rights they have.)
That's just my two cents. But don't be surprised if you get flagged on Craigs List. They're pretty sensitive over there too.
As for local schools with internships, here's a list off the top of my head...
___, ___, ___, ___
I'm sure there are others, but I can't think of them right now. Good luck with your project. Funding is always a good indicator of your eventual audience/impact. So I'm glad to hear that folks have been making that investment.
ps -
I think it's a little different to ask people for a short amount of time or to work on/complete one specific task, like logging 10 hours of tape in your spare time.
Also, people will often do work here and there for their friends for free.
But the big red flag here is that you're looking for someone to work 12 hours a week for 6 months or so for no pay.
Can you think of any other industry that would ever ask for that? Not a restaurant, not a factory, not an insurance office...It's only done in the 'glamour' fields like Film, Television, and Magazines.
Sincerely,
Ms. Smitty B
Tuesday
The Digital Future Looks Bright
LAFD's One-Man Geek Squad Brings Web 2.0 to Firefighting: "Firefighters are known for their bravery (and their popularity with the ladies). But geek cred? Not so much. Brian Humphrey is trying to change that. From a decommissioned bomb shelter four stories beneath Los Angeles City Hall, this 23-year veteran is single-handedly hauling the city's fire department into the Web 2.0 era. He has about 80 projects in the works—involving everything from Twitter to BlogTalkRadio—that will not only help broadcast urgent information to the public but also gather crucial intel to assist first responders on the ground."
Monday
The Third SanFran MusicTech Summit Brings Together Leaders in Music & Technology on Monday, October 20, 2008
San Francisco, California - The Third SanFran MusicTech Summit will bring together the leaders in music & internet technology for panels and discussions on the rapidly evolving digital music industry. The Summit is on Monday, October 20, 2008 from 9 am - 6 pm + cocktails at the Hotel Kabuki (Japantown) 1625 Post Street @ Laguna.
The conference features legendary speakers from all areas of the music-tech ecosystem, including producer Narada Michael Walden, inventor of computer based multimedia Marc Canter, Marin Luther of Rebel Soul Music, representatives from imeem, Lala, MySpace Music, Warner Bros Records, YouTube, Apple iTunes, Google, Parliament / Funkadelic, Pandora, All Music Guide, JamBase, Pivotal Labs, Walden Venture Capital, Bandcamp, The Future of Music Coalition, and many, many more.
Speakers List: http://www.sanfranmusictech/speakers.html
"It is a fabulous event for folks who are (or whom wish to rise) to the level of the digital thought leaders" says Brian Zisk, Executive Producer, "A rare opportunity to meet and mingle with industry leaders in a friendly and conducive to dealmaking environment."
Tickets are currently $150 - $299, with discounts for musicians, developers and students. Raffled items include a Gibson Guitar and more. The Summit is approved for 2 Credit Hours of Continuing Legal Education (including one for ethics) by the State Bar of California.
To register: http://www.sanfranmusictech.com or call 1-866-55-TICKETS
Sponsors include matchmine, Pandora, JamBase, SeeqPod, MusicBrainz, Friendster, Searchme, LyricFind, Purple Haze Ventures, ABB Records, Gibson, Ustream.tv, , Bay Capital Legal, P.C., The Future of Music Coalition, High Flyer Wines, and Sake2Me.
The conference features legendary speakers from all areas of the music-tech ecosystem, including producer Narada Michael Walden, inventor of computer based multimedia Marc Canter, Marin Luther of Rebel Soul Music, representatives from imeem, Lala, MySpace Music, Warner Bros Records, YouTube, Apple iTunes, Google, Parliament / Funkadelic, Pandora, All Music Guide, JamBase, Pivotal Labs, Walden Venture Capital, Bandcamp, The Future of Music Coalition, and many, many more.
Speakers List: http://www.sanfranmusictech/speakers.html
"It is a fabulous event for folks who are (or whom wish to rise) to the level of the digital thought leaders" says Brian Zisk, Executive Producer, "A rare opportunity to meet and mingle with industry leaders in a friendly and conducive to dealmaking environment."
Tickets are currently $150 - $299, with discounts for musicians, developers and students. Raffled items include a Gibson Guitar and more. The Summit is approved for 2 Credit Hours of Continuing Legal Education (including one for ethics) by the State Bar of California.
To register: http://www.sanfranmusictech.com or call 1-866-55-TICKETS
Sponsors include matchmine, Pandora, JamBase, SeeqPod, MusicBrainz, Friendster, Searchme, LyricFind, Purple Haze Ventures, ABB Records, Gibson, Ustream.tv, , Bay Capital Legal, P.C., The Future of Music Coalition, High Flyer Wines, and Sake2Me.
Be Part of a New Adventure in Filmmaking
From the Apple Education Site, a new project called Set To Screen:
"Great movies are full of adventure, and Australia, the next film from Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!, William Shakespeare’s Romeo+Juliet), is no exception. But making a movie is an even bigger adventure—an adventure in creativity—and with the Apple Set to Screen Series, you can be a part of it."
In a nutshell - Baz and Apple have created a web series about the making of his new film that you can subscribe to on iTunes. But they've also written a companion curriculum and are hosting a contest for High School and College Students.
"Five of the episodes arrive with something extra: a creative challenge for you. Each time one of these episodes is released, you’ll have three weeks to complete the challenge and post it to the Apple Student Gallery. If your project is one of the best (10 from high schoolers and 10 from college students), you’ll win an iPod shuffle, iPod nano, iPod touch, or a MacBook Pro. And if your work is chosen as the most creative of all, you’ll be going on yet another kind of adventure—a trip for two to Australia on Qantas Airways. Five challenges mean you’ve got five chances to win."
Looks like a wonderful resource. Says it will be up throughout October.
"Great movies are full of adventure, and Australia, the next film from Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!, William Shakespeare’s Romeo+Juliet), is no exception. But making a movie is an even bigger adventure—an adventure in creativity—and with the Apple Set to Screen Series, you can be a part of it."
In a nutshell - Baz and Apple have created a web series about the making of his new film that you can subscribe to on iTunes. But they've also written a companion curriculum and are hosting a contest for High School and College Students.
"Five of the episodes arrive with something extra: a creative challenge for you. Each time one of these episodes is released, you’ll have three weeks to complete the challenge and post it to the Apple Student Gallery. If your project is one of the best (10 from high schoolers and 10 from college students), you’ll win an iPod shuffle, iPod nano, iPod touch, or a MacBook Pro. And if your work is chosen as the most creative of all, you’ll be going on yet another kind of adventure—a trip for two to Australia on Qantas Airways. Five challenges mean you’ve got five chances to win."
Looks like a wonderful resource. Says it will be up throughout October.
Tuesday
When the Teacher is a Great Student...
This just in from The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW): "In one of those improbable stories that sounds like a Hollywood script, a Burbank, CA elementary school teacher won an Emmy Award for his first attempt at filmmaking."
Wednesday
Meant to put this up long ago...
If you teach photography or your video class includes lighting, Strobist is one of the best resources available online. Here's their basic 101 video.
I've seen plenty of sites try to do the same for filmmaking 101 - and fail. They all seem to be too advanced or too juvenile. What do you think? If you have a resource to recommend, add it in the comments.
Strobist: Lighting 101
I've seen plenty of sites try to do the same for filmmaking 101 - and fail. They all seem to be too advanced or too juvenile. What do you think? If you have a resource to recommend, add it in the comments.
Strobist: Lighting 101
Tuesday
A couple of cool links for generating ideas
Sunday
Yet Another Helpful Tutorial from MacLife
Build Your Own GarageBand Loops From Any Music File
"Loops are wonderful little things. With judicious use of these musical snippets, you can construct entire albums of material from tiny building blocks -- or just scatter a couple over your compositions for flavor. GarageBand comes with a pretty healthy assortment, but spend enough time in the Garage and you may find your songs starting to sound an awful lot like everyone else's.
You're in luck. In a few easy steps, you can create your own loops from nearly any music file you've got lying around."
Click Here to Read the Full Article
"Loops are wonderful little things. With judicious use of these musical snippets, you can construct entire albums of material from tiny building blocks -- or just scatter a couple over your compositions for flavor. GarageBand comes with a pretty healthy assortment, but spend enough time in the Garage and you may find your songs starting to sound an awful lot like everyone else's.
You're in luck. In a few easy steps, you can create your own loops from nearly any music file you've got lying around."
Click Here to Read the Full Article
Wednesday
When You Have Some Time...
I know it's hard to make time as a teacher to do more than just plan and teach. But if you have a chance, sneak on over to this very helpful site. Here's what Techlearning has to say about it:
Storytelling 2.0 "It turns out a very busy person named Alan Levine created an online resource for a series of workshops that lists (at the time of this writing) 57 different Web 2.0 tools that can be used for digital storytelling. That in itself isn't unusual, of course, but what he did that was different was he took the time to retell the same story with each tool!
The site is at http://cogdogroo.wikispaces.com/StoryTools, and is wonderfully comprehensive. In addition to his own oft-retold story, almost all of the titles also include examples of stories told by others. He also has a shorter list at the end of tools that he's tried that weren't successful for one reason or another, so you can see what sites to avoid (at least for now). Be sure to budget a lot of time for exploring!"
Storytelling 2.0 "It turns out a very busy person named Alan Levine created an online resource for a series of workshops that lists (at the time of this writing) 57 different Web 2.0 tools that can be used for digital storytelling. That in itself isn't unusual, of course, but what he did that was different was he took the time to retell the same story with each tool!
The site is at http://cogdogroo.wikispaces.com/StoryTools, and is wonderfully comprehensive. In addition to his own oft-retold story, almost all of the titles also include examples of stories told by others. He also has a shorter list at the end of tools that he's tried that weren't successful for one reason or another, so you can see what sites to avoid (at least for now). Be sure to budget a lot of time for exploring!"
Sunday
Who's On Your Blacklist?
Submit a video of yourself, a relative, a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor, or anyone who has a story to tell about his or her personal experience of black life in America today.
Just like the subjects of the upcoming HBO documentary THE BLACK LIST: VOLUME ONE, the subjects of the winning videos will have their portraits taken by famed photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders in New York (transportation provided) and be interviewed by acclaimed journalist Elvis Mitchell. Select submissions may be showcased on various HBO platforms in 2009.
Just like the subjects of the upcoming HBO documentary THE BLACK LIST: VOLUME ONE, the subjects of the winning videos will have their portraits taken by famed photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders in New York (transportation provided) and be interviewed by acclaimed journalist Elvis Mitchell. Select submissions may be showcased on various HBO platforms in 2009.
Download YouTube Videos
In the ongoing saga that is trying to get Youtube vids onto your desktop/into iMovie/into FCP...here's the newest update courtesy of Lifehacker. And I quote, from Tip #1 "If you want to stash a YouTube clip away for editing or watching without the net, you've definitely got options. Internet Explorer users might appreciate YouTube File Hack, which grabs FLV files for you. The Better YouTube Firefox extension, crafted by our own site editor, adds a simple 'Download this video' link to any YouTube page, and the All-In-One Video Bookmarklet is a nice cross-browser conversion tool. If you're away from your own setup, Vixy.net and Viddownloader are your go-to sites for downloading clips. As for watching FLV files, we like and use the cross-platform VLC player."
Click here for Lifehackers: Top 10 YouTube Hacks
Click here for Lifehackers: Top 10 YouTube Hacks
Thursday
Just One Way Folks are Bridging the Digital
Installfest is a volunteer run effor that took place at this year's LinuxWorld Conference
"The idea of Installfest is to take advantage of the low overhead of open-source tools and operating systems, such as the Linux-based Ubuntu, so that computers that would otherwise have been discarded can be put to use for educational institutions and other groups, including low-income individuals and non-profits. Organizers and volunteers installed open-source solutions, such as Firefox, Open Office, and Ubuntu, on recycled computers donated by the ACCRC, which will then be given out to participating schools." Read More Here
"The idea of Installfest is to take advantage of the low overhead of open-source tools and operating systems, such as the Linux-based Ubuntu, so that computers that would otherwise have been discarded can be put to use for educational institutions and other groups, including low-income individuals and non-profits. Organizers and volunteers installed open-source solutions, such as Firefox, Open Office, and Ubuntu, on recycled computers donated by the ACCRC, which will then be given out to participating schools." Read More Here
Cool Stuff over at Stories for Change
Help Us Celebrate Youth Voices!:
"In honor of International Youth Day, we are excited to announce our online campaign to feature digital stories made by youth from around the world that are working to make the world a better place. Starting August 12th through September 2nd, we will be displaying a rotating assortment of stories on the homepage as well as encouraging dialogue on strategies for doing digital storytelling projects with youth.
We also encourage youth members and those working with youth to consider uploading their own stories (visit: http://storiesforchange.net/node/add/story) on this theme and including the “youth” tag so they can be added to our growing collection.
This celebration is a part of Stories for Change’s initiative of sharing stories on particular themes, to coincide with various international days and celebrations. The goal of this initiative is to highlight both the diversity of voices on the site and the common social justice threads going on in the world of digital storytelling today.
Through the initiative, are working to connect with other organization's doing work on specific social justice issues and encourage them to become involved in the Stories for Change community. For more information, please email: laura@storycenter.org.
All the best,
The Stories for Change Team"
"In honor of International Youth Day, we are excited to announce our online campaign to feature digital stories made by youth from around the world that are working to make the world a better place. Starting August 12th through September 2nd, we will be displaying a rotating assortment of stories on the homepage as well as encouraging dialogue on strategies for doing digital storytelling projects with youth.
We also encourage youth members and those working with youth to consider uploading their own stories (visit: http://storiesforchange.net/node/add/story) on this theme and including the “youth” tag so they can be added to our growing collection.
This celebration is a part of Stories for Change’s initiative of sharing stories on particular themes, to coincide with various international days and celebrations. The goal of this initiative is to highlight both the diversity of voices on the site and the common social justice threads going on in the world of digital storytelling today.
Through the initiative, are working to connect with other organization's doing work on specific social justice issues and encourage them to become involved in the Stories for Change community. For more information, please email: laura@storycenter.org.
All the best,
The Stories for Change Team"
Monday
Cool Photo Contest (Film, not Digital)
Brian Auer is running a very cool contest over at the Epic Edits Weblog that could be of interest to both Teachers and Students.
The $50 Film Camera: "My main objective for the project as a whole is to show other photographers that film photography can be very inexpensive and exciting. For whatever reason, there’s a popular belief that film photography is expensive and tedious. But through your participation in this project, we can disprove that point and show everybody just how great film can be."
1. Buy a Camera
2. Shoot & Develop Your Film
3. Write a Review of Your Camera
4. Publish a Photo of Your Camera
5. Publish an Entire Roll of Photos
6. Submit Your Link on the Form
...and, if you're lucky, WIN!!!
The Deadline is September 12, 2008
The $50 Film Camera: "My main objective for the project as a whole is to show other photographers that film photography can be very inexpensive and exciting. For whatever reason, there’s a popular belief that film photography is expensive and tedious. But through your participation in this project, we can disprove that point and show everybody just how great film can be."
1. Buy a Camera
2. Shoot & Develop Your Film
3. Write a Review of Your Camera
4. Publish a Photo of Your Camera
5. Publish an Entire Roll of Photos
6. Submit Your Link on the Form
...and, if you're lucky, WIN!!!
The Deadline is September 12, 2008
Final Cut Studio: Best practices when naming projects and assets
You ever know you KNOW something, but have no idea HOW you know it? This causes problems for me when I'm talking to other filmmakers or educators because I can't cite a source. Well, thankfully, I found a source for this one!
I've been telling people for years that they shouldn't name files with a period or slash in them. (For example, I've seen people insert dates like this: Project.718.fcp or Draft/718.doc) Here's more info from apple.com/support about characters you can and cannot use.
Final Cut Studio: Best practices when naming projects and assets: "This document discusses general guidelines for naming Final Cut Studio projects and related media assets. It's important to be aware that certain characters can be interpreted as functions, wildcards or path designators, and their use should be avoided when naming drives, folders, assets or projects."
Also, it's mentioned here in reference to iMovie and Quicktime files on Mobileme.
I've been telling people for years that they shouldn't name files with a period or slash in them. (For example, I've seen people insert dates like this: Project.718.fcp or Draft/718.doc) Here's more info from apple.com/support about characters you can and cannot use.
Final Cut Studio: Best practices when naming projects and assets: "This document discusses general guidelines for naming Final Cut Studio projects and related media assets. It's important to be aware that certain characters can be interpreted as functions, wildcards or path designators, and their use should be avoided when naming drives, folders, assets or projects."
Also, it's mentioned here in reference to iMovie and Quicktime files on Mobileme.
Wednesday
This Is Why I Love MacLife Magazine
"iTunes K-12 has the potential to be as varied and as iTunes U proper. Like the students themselves, iTunes K-12 just needs a bit of time and effort to mature.
Here’s a look at some student-friendly K-12 podcasts that are also interesting to adults..."
iTunes K-12 Section Has Some Growing Up to Do
Here’s a look at some student-friendly K-12 podcasts that are also interesting to adults..."
iTunes K-12 Section Has Some Growing Up to Do
People Ask Me All the Time - How Do I Save My YouTube Favs?
The Best Web Video Download Tools � NewTeeVee: "Streaming web video is great and all, but every once in a while you find something that you just want to save and cherish for always. If your home Internet connection is as unreliable as mine you’ll understand what I mean. There are a bunch of web sites and little apps to help you save hard copies of web videos, but perhaps due to their teetering on the edge of violating video hosts’ TOS, they are less than user-friendly. So yesterday I decided to go through them all and figure out which ones are the best."
Monday
Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Online Video
Thanks to The Workbook Project for pointing out that the Center for Social Media at American University has published an updated Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Online Video
"This document is a code of best practices that helps creators, online providers, copyright holders, and others interested in the making of online video interpret the copyright doctrine of fair use. Fair use is the right to use copyrighted material without permission or payment under some circumstances."
"This document is a code of best practices that helps creators, online providers, copyright holders, and others interested in the making of online video interpret the copyright doctrine of fair use. Fair use is the right to use copyrighted material without permission or payment under some circumstances."
Saturday
Share Video over the Internet?
I'm continually amazed by how international local issues have gotten. Here's an article from an Indian newspaper explaining some of the perspectives and issues important to FCC's recent decision on Comcast.
Techtree.com : Back Off the Internet -- FCC to Comcast
Net neutrality and bandwidth are ESSENTIAL to any discussion about digital divide. If you don't know, now you know...
Techtree.com : Back Off the Internet -- FCC to Comcast
Net neutrality and bandwidth are ESSENTIAL to any discussion about digital divide. If you don't know, now you know...
Friday
Fun Idea for P2P Learning
This is a nice little lesson plan that has 6th Graders making a project for 2nd Graders. I do wish there was a link to some student samples...
Techlearning :Making Flip Books to Improve Reading : "Each sixth grade child will take a basic picture book and turn it into a digital picture book using GarageBand, iTunes, scanners, and iMovie."
Techlearning :Making Flip Books to Improve Reading : "Each sixth grade child will take a basic picture book and turn it into a digital picture book using GarageBand, iTunes, scanners, and iMovie."
Wednesday
You Go Grrrl!
Courtesy of the Media Alliance mail list:
"Reel Grrls is a Seattle-based media literacy program for teenage girls and they've taken on media ownership concentration. As a happy result of the Seattle FCC hearing earlier this year, Reel Grrls put out a sharp 10-minute documentary on youth and news content. A great teaching tool for those of you who work with teenagers or tweens. Yes, we've put a link to it on our website and yes, Youtube is wonderful, but we really encourage you to support youth media-making and buy a copy of the 2008 Reel Grrls Story Time Compilation DVD, which includes the film (and some other wonderful stuff, too)."
"Reel Grrls is a Seattle-based media literacy program for teenage girls and they've taken on media ownership concentration. As a happy result of the Seattle FCC hearing earlier this year, Reel Grrls put out a sharp 10-minute documentary on youth and news content. A great teaching tool for those of you who work with teenagers or tweens. Yes, we've put a link to it on our website and yes, Youtube is wonderful, but we really encourage you to support youth media-making and buy a copy of the 2008 Reel Grrls Story Time Compilation DVD, which includes the film (and some other wonderful stuff, too)."
Monday
How to Reduce Camera Shake - 6 Techniques
How to Reduce Camera Shake - 6 Techniques: "In this post photographer Natalie Norton explores 6 ways you can hand hold lenses at low apertures and low shutter speeds and still avoid blurry images caused by camera shake."
- Thanks Lifehacker
- Thanks Lifehacker
Thursday
Disposable Camera Projects
Sometimes I find that my students take better pictures with disposable cameras than with digital cameras. (It's all still digital to me - I have the images put onto CD and import them into the computer regardless of origination.)
So I thought I'd do some research to find some cool new projects that would incorporate the 'old' technology of film while using a typical educator's budget. (Disposable cameras are almost 30 years old, after all.) Here's what I found:
stranger photos have happened
cameramail cameras
camera belt
diy ring flash
add a fisheye
kite camera
stereo camera in stereo
(my friend did this recently with her students - absolutely brilliant work)
double take camera
diy high speed photography
or, buy a kit for $120
or, curiously strong diy
And one cool project for a 'disposable' video camera. (Now known as flip cameras.)
camcorder rocket project
So I thought I'd do some research to find some cool new projects that would incorporate the 'old' technology of film while using a typical educator's budget. (Disposable cameras are almost 30 years old, after all.) Here's what I found:
stranger photos have happened
cameramail cameras
camera belt
diy ring flash
add a fisheye
kite camera
stereo camera in stereo
(my friend did this recently with her students - absolutely brilliant work)
double take camera
diy high speed photography
or, buy a kit for $120
or, curiously strong diy
And one cool project for a 'disposable' video camera. (Now known as flip cameras.)
camcorder rocket project
DIY Resource
Looking for some ideas for a student project with disposable cameras, I found this site: Camera Hacker: Hacks.
Some of the info is old, but there are some useful tutorials on building soft lights, and both bicycle and car camera mounts.
Some of the info is old, but there are some useful tutorials on building soft lights, and both bicycle and car camera mounts.
Tuesday
Photography Contest - June 17th Deadline
Artists Wanted is proud to announce EXPOSURE: a nationwide open call for
photography! All photographers will have their own online portfolio &
receive a complimentary copy of JPG Magazine.
The Top Photographers will be selected by New York Times Photo Editor
Patrick Witty, Supermodel and Fashion Icon Tiiu Kuik, and NYC Gallery
Owner David Kesting for the following award opportunities:
- The Grand Prize: The Top Photographer will have their work presented
in a massive scale photo show on buildings in the top New York City
Art Districts: Chelsea, Dumbo and Williamsburg. Their work will also
be featured at an Opening Event at the Leo Kesting Gallery in
Manhattan on August 9th and they will receive: $2,008 cash, a
full-press promotional campaign and a feature in our upcoming
publication, "The Annual".
- Student Award: The Top Student Photographer will receive a $1,000
scholarship; a feature in "The Annual" and their work will be
presented at the Opening Event.
- Educator's Grant: The Educator of the Top Student Photographer will
receive a $500 discretionary grant and a feature in "The Annual" for
Teaching Excellence.
- People's Choice Award: The public will vote on all the portfolios on
our site and select their Favorite Artist. The People's Choice
Photographer will receive a $500 grant; a feature in "The Annual" and
their work will be presented at the Opening Event.
The Deadline is June 17th.
Submit your best work at:http://www.artistswanted.org/exposure
Sunday
Konee Rok: Restlessness Is My Nemesis
Konee Rok: Restlessness Is My Nemesis:
Great profile of a Chicago Music Video Director. I especially liked this quote:
“A Poor Craftsman Always Blames His Tools
That’s my whole thing transcending tools. How cool is it to be utilizing none to terrible tools? You can get anything done anyway you want to do it, if you really want to do it. Rhymefest was complaining about the money, ‘if I had this much money, I’d be able to do this.’ Kanye told him you sound like a wife.’ You don’t get that money until you prove you can do it without that money. Resources will come, you just got to prove you can make it happen before that."
Great profile of a Chicago Music Video Director. I especially liked this quote:
“A Poor Craftsman Always Blames His Tools
That’s my whole thing transcending tools. How cool is it to be utilizing none to terrible tools? You can get anything done anyway you want to do it, if you really want to do it. Rhymefest was complaining about the money, ‘if I had this much money, I’d be able to do this.’ Kanye told him you sound like a wife.’ You don’t get that money until you prove you can do it without that money. Resources will come, you just got to prove you can make it happen before that."
Tuesday
Techlearning > > Values to Pass On
Techlearning Link
"Dedicated to the premise 'The values we live by are worth more when we pass them on,' the Foundation for a Better Life has created an interactive site for stories based on an alphabetical list of 50 values, ranging from Ambition to Vision. Each label leads to a page where users may post audio, written, and video stories related to that particular value. It is in blog-format, which should appeal to today's generation. This is an excellent site for class discussions, essay-writing, narrative writing, etc."
"Dedicated to the premise 'The values we live by are worth more when we pass them on,' the Foundation for a Better Life has created an interactive site for stories based on an alphabetical list of 50 values, ranging from Ambition to Vision. Each label leads to a page where users may post audio, written, and video stories related to that particular value. It is in blog-format, which should appeal to today's generation. This is an excellent site for class discussions, essay-writing, narrative writing, etc."
The Kirsner List
Sites that Pay for Film and Video: From Scott Kirsner
(Editor, CinemaTech)
"New revenue opportunities are emerging with the recent boom in video viewing on the Web. On this chart, I've tried to list the Web sites that are most likely to help filmmakers and independent video producers make money from their work. (This isn't a comprehensive list.) I've ranked the sites subjectively, based on how much traffic and buzz they've been attracting, and also how likely it seems that a video producer would actually manage to earn a significant return by posting a video there. (Media companies with large libraries have a wider range of options for monetizing their content, including Apple's iTunes Music Store, Movielink, and Vongo.)"
(Editor, CinemaTech)
"New revenue opportunities are emerging with the recent boom in video viewing on the Web. On this chart, I've tried to list the Web sites that are most likely to help filmmakers and independent video producers make money from their work. (This isn't a comprehensive list.) I've ranked the sites subjectively, based on how much traffic and buzz they've been attracting, and also how likely it seems that a video producer would actually manage to earn a significant return by posting a video there. (Media companies with large libraries have a wider range of options for monetizing their content, including Apple's iTunes Music Store, Movielink, and Vongo.)"
Flip the Script - Don't Ban Technology, Incorporate It
techLEARNING.com has an article about how schools are using cell phones in their curriculum instead of banning them.
For example: "Three middle schools and three charter schools in Brooklyn, New York, started a pilot program in direct opposition of New York City's public schools' cell phone ban. The schools gave 2,500 free cell phones to students, preloaded with 130 minutes of talk time. Students will be rewarded with additional minutes in return for good behavior, attendance, homework, and test scores. Teachers, meanwhile, can send text messages to students to remind them of assignments or upcoming exams. The $2 million program was funded by private donors through the Fund for Public Schools."
For example: "Three middle schools and three charter schools in Brooklyn, New York, started a pilot program in direct opposition of New York City's public schools' cell phone ban. The schools gave 2,500 free cell phones to students, preloaded with 130 minutes of talk time. Students will be rewarded with additional minutes in return for good behavior, attendance, homework, and test scores. Teachers, meanwhile, can send text messages to students to remind them of assignments or upcoming exams. The $2 million program was funded by private donors through the Fund for Public Schools."
Lifehacker How To: DIY Gorillapod
How To: DIY Gorillapod, the Anywhere Tripod: "A savvy photographer at DIY web site Instructables details how he built his own anywhere tripod mimicking previously mentioned Gorillapod on-the-cheap. Using a few bucks worth of materials ranging from segmented hose to a couple nuts and bolts, the DIY Gorillapod is well within the reach of the beginning DIYer. It's still unclear whether or not the DIY version can handle the true gorilla functionality of the original, like wrapping around objects, but it's a promising start. For a slightly different take, check out this DIY wire Gorillapod, or use practically the same materials to build a third hand for your tinkering needs."
Monday
$10,000 Scholarship for Students
AskAsia.org is offering several $10,000 Scholarships to students who address the theme "It's a Big World - What Can We Learn From Each Other?"
High School students can either write an essay or enter in the multimedia category.
"Multimedia Category:
Multimedia entries must address the following question in 6 minutes or less:
Identify a global problem or challenge and create an in-depth video or animation feature that includes ALL of the following:
1. The problem or challenge and how it affects your life as an individual, as a member of your local community and/or as a global citizen.
2. An examination of the problem in an international context, preferably by exploring how the problem also affects individuals and communities in another country
Be sure to support your assertions with evidence that you have identified through research. Cite all sources as they are used in the multimedia piece, as well as in a complete bibliography of works cited and consulted. You may only include video clips, images, or music that you have created or obtained permission to use, and they must be properly credited as well.
Please Note: Multimedia entries can be video or animation, but PowerPoint or audio entries are not allowed."
Winners also get an all expenses paid trip to NYC in November 2008 to get their award. The deadline for the online application/upload is Thursday, June 12.
High School students can either write an essay or enter in the multimedia category.
"Multimedia Category:
Multimedia entries must address the following question in 6 minutes or less:
Identify a global problem or challenge and create an in-depth video or animation feature that includes ALL of the following:
1. The problem or challenge and how it affects your life as an individual, as a member of your local community and/or as a global citizen.
2. An examination of the problem in an international context, preferably by exploring how the problem also affects individuals and communities in another country
Be sure to support your assertions with evidence that you have identified through research. Cite all sources as they are used in the multimedia piece, as well as in a complete bibliography of works cited and consulted. You may only include video clips, images, or music that you have created or obtained permission to use, and they must be properly credited as well.
Please Note: Multimedia entries can be video or animation, but PowerPoint or audio entries are not allowed."
Winners also get an all expenses paid trip to NYC in November 2008 to get their award. The deadline for the online application/upload is Thursday, June 12.
Friday
Everyone's Talking About...
This week I spotted this technology in an article on Wired, but I've also found articles on Techlearning and, of course, Cnet. So, I did what any modern girl would do and searched Flickr Photos and found one Flickr Group - called the ChumbyChums.
The object of my infatuation is a Chumby. It's been available for less than a year. Once I saw the company site, I remembered that I'd heard about it about 6 months ago, went on the site and didn't see anything to get excited about. But I was only seeing it then as an out-of-the-box tech toy.
Turns out it's customizable in many ways...which means it could very well be a great tool for teaching. (It connects to your wi-fi network, has a touch screen and runs widgets from all the major sites. Some blogs are also saying it has an accelerometer inside and maybe even a built in GPS? But you can also take the electronics out of the casing and hotwire your Chumby to things like a small engine or embed it inside a teddy bear.)
Anyone want to hack together a Chumby, a Tonka Truck, and a Camera and have some fun geomapping the neighborhood? What other ways would you, could you use it in your digital classroom?
(By the way, my guess is Melissa's been getting a lot of hits lately.)
Lifehacker: Stitch Photos into Panoramas with Free Software
"You can get decent photos out of a standard, consumer-grade digital camera, but a little post-processing can turn them into fantastic wide-angle landscapes. You don't need to be one of those people who can explain the concept of lateral chromatic aberration to get truly eye-catching digital pictures. With a few shutter clicks and some free, cross-platform software, you can easily mesh standard digi-cam shots into true landscapes, fix one photo's deficiencies with another, and create layered photo collages. Let's take a look at how to use the free, open source application Hugin to make two basic kinds of panoramas."
Read More Here...
Thursday
Flickr Adds Video
From the official Blog:
Video! Video! Video! The rumours are true and “soon” is now. We’re thrilled to introduce video on Flickr. If you’re a pro member, you can now share videos up to 90 glorious seconds in your photostream.
90 seconds? While this might seem like an arbitrary limit, we thought long and hard about how video would complement the flickrverse. If you’ve memorized the Community Guidelines, you know that Flickr is all about sharing photos that you yourself have taken. Video will be no different and so what quickly bubbled up was the idea of “long photos,” of capturing slices of life to share.
Hopefully this doesn't mean that schools will all close down Flickr access like they've done with YouTube (hassle) and Myspace (helpful - although anyone can get around blocks).My New Playground
We have a student who needs their own, individual project. So I'm building a series of exercises that will allow him to explore some of the issues going on in his life - inspired by the film Tarnation. Part of the plan is to have him use the built-in camera on one of our iMacs to make a self-portrait using stop motion. So I went hunting to find an example and found this instead...Boinx Software - iStopMotion 2 - Examples
Fun stuff. Now I have lots of ideas for projects for all ages!
Fun stuff. Now I have lots of ideas for projects for all ages!
Tuesday
Using Music and Sound Across Curriculum (iTunes or GarageBand or...)
Really nice article over at Techlearning: Teaching With Tunes: 21 Ideas for Incorporating Music Throughout the Curriculum. Here's just a couple of my favorites
2. Cultural Studies As a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, I discovered the incredible sounds of Andean folk music or musica folklorica. It was an eye, or should I say ear-opening experience. In the study of world geography, indigenous music should be required listening. With labels like Putumayo and National Geographic Music, bossa nova, Delta blues, Mongolian throat singing, tango, and the "voices of forgotten worlds" are only a download away.
4. Fieldwork When the ivory-billed woodpecker was allegedly sighted in the Honey Island Swamp, Cornell University sent down a team of ornithologists who specialized in bioacoustics. For them, the best way to find the elusive "God Bird" was to listen closely. Have your young field biologists conduct their own research using cameras, binoculars, note pads, and microphones. Or, record your own sounds from the field and then have your students describe what they hear. They could even create a symphony of found sounds.
9. Math How do we visualize math? What do patterns sound like? Where does spatial reasoning and harmony intersect? Supposedly, there are any number of mathematical concepts inherent in music—being a humanities kind of guy, I only calculate a few. From proportions and frequency to counting and fractals, break out your slide rule and trombone and then measure out a smokin' hot number...
13. Public Speaking More so than spiders, snakes, and even heights, public speaking is our number one fear. It's also one of the most valuable skills in the workplace. While kids are sometimes reluctant to "stand and deliver" a book report or speech, give them "Mr. Microphone" and a melody, and watch as their inhibitions waft away. With The Who and U2 as role models, have your young orators practice their body language, inflection, and voice projection live, on stage and in concert!
2. Cultural Studies As a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, I discovered the incredible sounds of Andean folk music or musica folklorica. It was an eye, or should I say ear-opening experience. In the study of world geography, indigenous music should be required listening. With labels like Putumayo and National Geographic Music, bossa nova, Delta blues, Mongolian throat singing, tango, and the "voices of forgotten worlds" are only a download away.
4. Fieldwork When the ivory-billed woodpecker was allegedly sighted in the Honey Island Swamp, Cornell University sent down a team of ornithologists who specialized in bioacoustics. For them, the best way to find the elusive "God Bird" was to listen closely. Have your young field biologists conduct their own research using cameras, binoculars, note pads, and microphones. Or, record your own sounds from the field and then have your students describe what they hear. They could even create a symphony of found sounds.
9. Math How do we visualize math? What do patterns sound like? Where does spatial reasoning and harmony intersect? Supposedly, there are any number of mathematical concepts inherent in music—being a humanities kind of guy, I only calculate a few. From proportions and frequency to counting and fractals, break out your slide rule and trombone and then measure out a smokin' hot number...
13. Public Speaking More so than spiders, snakes, and even heights, public speaking is our number one fear. It's also one of the most valuable skills in the workplace. While kids are sometimes reluctant to "stand and deliver" a book report or speech, give them "Mr. Microphone" and a melody, and watch as their inhibitions waft away. With The Who and U2 as role models, have your young orators practice their body language, inflection, and voice projection live, on stage and in concert!
Saturday
Nice Resource for Events and Funder Background
Grantmakers in Film and Electronic Media: "Grantmakers in Film Electronic Media (GFEM) is an association of grantmakers committed to advancing the field of media arts and public interest media funding. GFEM serves as a resource for grantmakers who fund media content, infrastructure, and policy, those who employ media to further their program goals as well as a collaborative network for funders who wish to learn more about media.
GFEM members have a broad range of interests and approaches, but share the view that electronic media is a vital form of human expression, communication and creativity, and plays a key role in building public will and shaping civil society. (For more information on becoming a member see our Membership page.)"
GFEM members have a broad range of interests and approaches, but share the view that electronic media is a vital form of human expression, communication and creativity, and plays a key role in building public will and shaping civil society. (For more information on becoming a member see our Membership page.)"
Tuesday
How to Turn Art into Profit?
It's been on my mind a lot lately - how can I help my students to make money from their digital work? I mean, they are learning skills that might someday translate into a job in the (highly competitive) world of media arts. However, is there a way for them to make money NOW with the products their producing in class? Isn't that part of Web 2.0's potential?
This article recommends Youth Media as a source for revenue for the non-profits that run the programs that teach them. Youth Media Reporter: Non-profit does not mean Non-revenue: "The focus on earned income within the nonprofit community continues to rise, fueled by boards, funders and stakeholders enamored with the idea of social entrepreneurship and diversified funding streams. The good news is that youth media groups are in an excellent position to capitalize on the trend, as they often produce a tangible product like videos, web sites and magazines"
What do you think? Have you bought any youth made media on iTunes? Have your youth?
This article recommends Youth Media as a source for revenue for the non-profits that run the programs that teach them. Youth Media Reporter: Non-profit does not mean Non-revenue: "The focus on earned income within the nonprofit community continues to rise, fueled by boards, funders and stakeholders enamored with the idea of social entrepreneurship and diversified funding streams. The good news is that youth media groups are in an excellent position to capitalize on the trend, as they often produce a tangible product like videos, web sites and magazines"
What do you think? Have you bought any youth made media on iTunes? Have your youth?
Monday
Otherwise known as Participatory Video
Journalism in the Hands of the Neighborhood - New York Times: "After a free-flowing discussion about the kind of news they see and read in mainstream outlets, the group of about 15 was encouraged by the class’s three teachers to suggest their own story ideas, a few of which they will turn into five-minute video segments by the end of the eight-week class. A pattern quickly emerged: proposed topics included gun control, violence in schools, as well as crime against cab drivers."
Sunday
Shooting Underwater
Lifehacker How To: DIY Waterproof Camera Enclosure
We also used to just use a fish tank. Put the camera inside (under a towel just-in-case) and shoot at water level. Nice Jaws type effect.
We also used to just use a fish tank. Put the camera inside (under a towel just-in-case) and shoot at water level. Nice Jaws type effect.
Tuesday
Limiting Their Choices
One of the keys to being a GREAT photography/video teacher is to help students manage their creative process. I find that one really effective way to do that is to limit their choices.
Now I know why: The Advantages of Closing a Few Doors - New York Times
(By the way, I should give credit where credit is due. Years ago Director Robert Rodriguez, taught me this trick. Thanks man!)
Now I know why: The Advantages of Closing a Few Doors - New York Times
(By the way, I should give credit where credit is due. Years ago Director Robert Rodriguez, taught me this trick. Thanks man!)
Almost time for Spring - Must Customize the Lab Computers!
Top 10 Free Wallpaper, Fonts and Icon Sources: "Spicing up your computer desktop or documents is a cinch with the right fonts, wallpaper or icon set - but finding the best ones isn't an easy task. Googling free wallpaper or fonts turns up a gaggle of random sites with flashy ads and mediocre art. In retaliation, today we've gathered up our favorite sources of quality, good-looking free desktop wallpaper images, fonts and icons for your downloading pleasure."
Gotta love Lifehacker
Gotta love Lifehacker
Monday
How News is Handling the Video Revolution
Putting Candidates Under the Videoscope:
"Mr. Conroy, whose job title is “off-air reporter,” (because he does not normally appear on television) is one of many young journalists hired by the networks to follow the candidates across the country, filing video and blog posts as they go. Originally hired to cut expenses — their cost is a fraction of a full television crew’s — these reporters, also called “embeds,” have produced a staggering amount of content, especially video. And in this election cycle, for the first time, they are able to edit and transmit video on the fly.
As a result, the embeds have changed the dynamic of this year’s election, making every unplugged and unscripted moment on the campaign trail available for all to see."
Sunday
Screenwriting Software and Sooooo Much More
A colleague recently turned me on to celtx, which describes itself as "Integrated Pre-Production".
Wow this software is cool. Not only does it allow you to write scripts/screenplays in a variety of traditional formats, but you can also complete many project chores in the software. Everything from character breakdowns to production schedules, and more.
(As with any open source software - or just creative work in general - I would print out a hard copy every once in a while, just in case. I've had no problems with the software, but my friend has found a couple of bugs here and there.)
Wow this software is cool. Not only does it allow you to write scripts/screenplays in a variety of traditional formats, but you can also complete many project chores in the software. Everything from character breakdowns to production schedules, and more.
(As with any open source software - or just creative work in general - I would print out a hard copy every once in a while, just in case. I've had no problems with the software, but my friend has found a couple of bugs here and there.)
Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture
If you use polaroids in your classes, better stock up on film - the company just announced they'll stop making it in 2009.
If not, then enjoy this stroll down memory lane - an homage to polaroid through youtube commercial clips: PC World's Techlog A Heartfelt, YouTube-Based Wake for Polaroid Instant Photography
Oh, and here's what Flickr has to say about it.
If not, then enjoy this stroll down memory lane - an homage to polaroid through youtube commercial clips: PC World's Techlog A Heartfelt, YouTube-Based Wake for Polaroid Instant Photography
Oh, and here's what Flickr has to say about it.
Friday
Happy Anniversary Black Maria
Today is the 100 anniversary of the opening of the first American motion picture studio - Thomas Edison's "Black Maria."
Lights! Kinetograph! Action!
Tuesday
Will you be in the Bay Area February 15th?
On February 15, 2008 Oakland is hosting its first Digital Inclusion Summit (a.k.a. ODIS) at the Laney College Theater. ODIS will bring together community members, policy makers, industry professionals, educators, and nonprofit agencies working across the digital inclusion and government sectors to discuss policy direction, strategies, new partnership opportunities, and how best to utilize emerging technologies to provide affordable technology and internet access throughout Oakland. Particular attention will be given to neighborhoods and areas with minimal coverage and low-income communities. A direct implementation of Mayor Dellums Citizen Task Force on Universal Access to Technology and the Internet, the summit will also feature the launching of Digital Inclusion Oakland – a network of service providers and resource centers with a broad range of technical and educational offerings. ODIS aims to thoughtfully develop policies that comprehensively address issues of ownership, hardware, content, and training in a community-focused environment.
The key objectives of ODIS are to raise awareness, especially among policy makers, of the issues surrounding digital inclusion in Oakland, assess the effects of the digital divide in Oakland, identify appropriate strategies to tackle the digital divide, showcase Oakland digital inclusion projects and technologies, network with the various players in digital inclusion, such as service providers and community organizations, and begin to develop digital inclusion policies for underserved and low-income communities in Oakland.
More info available at the digi-I blog.Wednesday
Social Networking and Education - The Debate Rages On
Currently my advanced students are working on a controversial documentary. As part of their work on story, I had them cut a trailer just before the winter break. We decided to post the video on youtube, because that's what everyone does nowadays. I also thought it would be fun for the filmmakers to be able to show their work to their friends and family over the break.
This small act has had a huge impact. In two weeks, over 500 people watched the video. Youth in the neighborhood embedded it in their myspace pages. And young people who were nervous about the project before Christmas, are now begging us to be in the movie.
This is just one example of some benefits of social networking in an educational setting. But there are downsides too. As we all know, once you publish something on the web, you really don't know and can't control what could happen with it.
The Economist magazine has been hosting a series of debates on various topics. Their latest debate is about Social Networking specifically. "Social Networking: does it bring positive change to education?"
Ewan McIntosh is the 'Pro' speaker. Here's what he has to say about the debates on his blog, edublogs: "The Economist debates have stirred a great amount of intelligent debate, both on the Economist site and on others' blogs. While the groundswell continues to show over two thirds of the general public (or Economist readers, at least) believe that social networking can have a positive effect on educational methods, it's the comments from within the blogosphere that pour both healthy and unhealthy water on the embers."
What do you think?
This small act has had a huge impact. In two weeks, over 500 people watched the video. Youth in the neighborhood embedded it in their myspace pages. And young people who were nervous about the project before Christmas, are now begging us to be in the movie.
This is just one example of some benefits of social networking in an educational setting. But there are downsides too. As we all know, once you publish something on the web, you really don't know and can't control what could happen with it.
The Economist magazine has been hosting a series of debates on various topics. Their latest debate is about Social Networking specifically. "Social Networking: does it bring positive change to education?"
Ewan McIntosh is the 'Pro' speaker. Here's what he has to say about the debates on his blog, edublogs: "The Economist debates have stirred a great amount of intelligent debate, both on the Economist site and on others' blogs. While the groundswell continues to show over two thirds of the general public (or Economist readers, at least) believe that social networking can have a positive effect on educational methods, it's the comments from within the blogosphere that pour both healthy and unhealthy water on the embers."
What do you think?
Building a Better Podcast : January 2008 : THE Journal
"Everything you wanted to know—plus a few things you hadn't even thought to ask—on how to best bring the technology into K-12 curriculum.
STEVE JOBS GOT IT RIGHT. When the Apple CEO introduced the company's iPod in October 2001, it was the first portable media player of its kind, and he predicted the technology would change the educational landscape forever. Today, more than six years later, a growing number of educators are using the iPod and a bevy of other tools to supplement lessons with that digital file-sharing activity, podcasting.
Still, while anyone can podcast, creating podcasts with true academic value can be tough. How can K-12 educators make the content unique, and relevant to teaching and learning? Technology coordinators from districts all over the country say there are nuances to making worthwhile podcasts, and simple tools that can empower teachers to turn run-of-the-mill podcasts into compelling educational exercises."
Building a Better Podcast : January 2008 : THE Journal
STEVE JOBS GOT IT RIGHT. When the Apple CEO introduced the company's iPod in October 2001, it was the first portable media player of its kind, and he predicted the technology would change the educational landscape forever. Today, more than six years later, a growing number of educators are using the iPod and a bevy of other tools to supplement lessons with that digital file-sharing activity, podcasting.
Still, while anyone can podcast, creating podcasts with true academic value can be tough. How can K-12 educators make the content unique, and relevant to teaching and learning? Technology coordinators from districts all over the country say there are nuances to making worthwhile podcasts, and simple tools that can empower teachers to turn run-of-the-mill podcasts into compelling educational exercises."
Building a Better Podcast : January 2008 : THE Journal
I'd Like to Buy the World an iPod...
I'm continually amazed by what third party vendors are putting on iPods - Now, the people who make Cliffs Notes (Raybook) have study guides on your iPod.
My dream would be to have my students make their films and then get an iPod with their work on it when they finish the program. Think of it as a 21st century trophy!
My dream would be to have my students make their films and then get an iPod with their work on it when they finish the program. Think of it as a 21st century trophy!
Monday
"Making a movie is like asking a question, and when you finish, the movie itself is the answer.”
Really nice article in the profiles section of the Apple Pro site. Describes the process that Francis Ford Coppola and Walter Murch used when making the film Youth Without Youth.
The movie was mhot with a Sony 900s in Romania, then (with Final Cut Pro) captured at DV resolution on set, then uprezzed and finished in 1080 in San Francisco. The workflow also included some effects with Shake.
The movie was mhot with a Sony 900s in Romania, then (with Final Cut Pro) captured at DV resolution on set, then uprezzed and finished in 1080 in San Francisco. The workflow also included some effects with Shake.
Wednesday
Making a craZy 3d animated video in less than 2 weeks
M dot Strange takes us through his process in a wonderful little post on The Workbook Project.
"I thought I would out together a little thang documenting my work on the Mindless Self Indulgence music video “Animal” There’s a ton of music video making-of’s out there but since I’m bored waiting for 3d renders to finish I’ll add one more to the mix.
So this is my process…."
How to: Making a craZy 3d animated video in less than 2 weeks
"I thought I would out together a little thang documenting my work on the Mindless Self Indulgence music video “Animal” There’s a ton of music video making-of’s out there but since I’m bored waiting for 3d renders to finish I’ll add one more to the mix.
So this is my process…."
How to: Making a craZy 3d animated video in less than 2 weeks
Great Curriculum Resource from BAVC
The Bay Area Video Coalition has put a lot of their Next Generation youth curriculum online.
Everything from how to conduct an interview to a description of the class post-production process. And lots of embedded video examples from BAVC, Listen Up, and others throughout. Really cool stuff.
Just be sure to follow the links on the right side of the page...
BAVC Next Generation Programs - Video Curriculum Overview
Everything from how to conduct an interview to a description of the class post-production process. And lots of embedded video examples from BAVC, Listen Up, and others throughout. Really cool stuff.
Just be sure to follow the links on the right side of the page...
BAVC Next Generation Programs - Video Curriculum Overview
Spring Semester Cleaning
Time to archive, backup, and cleanup the workhorses of post-production: our computers.
This year, we've decided to make the investment in Apple Remote Desktop. Not only will this allow us to shorten our down time at the lab, but we'll be able to monitor students better over the course of this year.
Please feel free to add a comment if you've used it...we're very excited to learn all of it's features.
This year, we've decided to make the investment in Apple Remote Desktop. Not only will this allow us to shorten our down time at the lab, but we'll be able to monitor students better over the course of this year.
Please feel free to add a comment if you've used it...we're very excited to learn all of it's features.
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