Chocolate Covered Broccoli is a phrase we use to explain a show, game, etc. that we are trying to teach through by masking the learning with something sweet. Unfortunately, chocolate covered broccoli goes down just as good as broccoli. So either way it can be problematic.
When a shows main purpose is to teach a skill or a set of information, it is extremely important to follow certain guidelines.
The content needs to be age appropriate (this includes the problems that are being addressed)
There needs to be organization and structure to the material that is being taught
Whenever a question is asked (specifically if the question is about something onscreen) the answer must be visual.
All three of these guidelines are consistently broken in every episode of MMCH I have seen.
The show tries to teach (1) how to solve problems through critical thinking (2) basic information and (3) cooperation and group work.
(1) how to solve problems through critical thinking:
When the tools in the episode do not make sense in solving a problem, a child isn't thinking critically. They are confused. And the worst thing you can have is a confused child. Why? Because their interest in the show diminishes and the viewers start to look else where for entertainment
(2) basic information:
If MMCH is trying to teach basic information, it should be a top priority. As a educational researcher in children's television, it is obvious that many of the "mini games" and lack luster. In one episode the audience is suppose to help stack blocks in order of height and then in the next they are requested to name off 3D shapes (cylander, cube, etc) these two are games are at different ends of the spectram for understanding. From my expereience, what should be done is that each episode focuses on a knowledge domain. Instead of jumping from shapes to addition and subtraction, the mini games would favor better if there was a central theme. For example, patterns for one episode and shapes for another.
(3) cooperation and group work:
This is the best aspect of the content. They do this best, it might because the characters are so well engrained in our society and have been enteracting for years. But again there are some flaws. Mickey is the leader of the club... duh. But let some of the other characters lead once in a while. There is a bunch of them. Let Donald steer the ship, cooperation and group work is better when everyone gets a turn to lead.
How to fix it:
If the mini games aren't going to be improved (which shape is this, etc) get rid of them. I would rather have my son watch a show that's not trying to "teach" than a show that is and isn't successful at it. And make the tools realistic. There is already a lot of magic going on in the show, the tools can be grounded here in reality.
Friday, May 6, 2011
MMCH Formula
In my last two posts I briefly covered the visual and music aspects of Mickey Mouse Club House. So in this post I will discuss the structure of the show. Many shows that are aimed at children have what we call a formula. The formula of the show never changes (unless ratings drop), just the content that is plugged inside.
The formula of MMCH is the following:
(1) The cast of characters is introduced (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, and Goofy)
(2) One character encounters a problem
(3) Mickey gets his Mouskatools from the Mouskadoer (3 concrete tools and a mystery tool)
(4) Tooldles is introduced
(5) The characters begin on their journey to solve their problem. And while trying to solve the main problem, they run into 4 small problems. Which are all fixed with mouskatools, delivered by tooldles
(6) Once all the tools are used, it is an indication that the main problem will soon be solved also.
(7) After the main problem is solved, all the characters return to the club house to do the Hot Dog dance where Mickey recaps the main information that was introduced in the story.
(8) The end
The first time I watched the show, I was extremely confused. I had so many questions:
"What in the world is a Mouskadoer?"
What is tooldles? And what is his purpose?
A mystery tool? How in the world does that work?
And why are the tools so random for the problems they encounter? (this will be covered in the next post)
The second time I watched it, I was even more confused. And as the story goes, my confusion grew with every episode I endured. Until one day I encountered an episode that answered all my questions. Tooldles Birthday Celebration.
It took me approximately 10 episodes to figure (fully) what was really going on.
What in the world is a Mouskadoer?
A Mouskadoer is a machine that Mickey has in his clubhouse that provides tools for the crew to use to accomplish their mission
What is tooldles? And what is his purpose?
Tooldles is Mickey's old alarm clock and his purpose is to bring the crew their tools while they are out solving the main problem
A mystery tool? How in the world does that work?
A mystery tool is the only tool you don't know. And when all the other tools don't work, you select your mystery tool.
There are many flaws to this formula.
(1) If parents aren't understanding the basic structure of the show, it's unlikely that children are fully understanding what is going on either.
My Solution: Get rid of the Mouskadoer. Let the characters do something on their own (it feels like every action is done by a machine in the clubhouse). Have them go to the shed in the backyard and grab their toolbox. Isn't that where tools go (a shed, garage, closet), not a random spot in the middle of a clubhouse. Then tooldles can pop out and show the tools being used.
(2) The magic of the show is so extreme that it lacks a sense of reality.
My Solution: Bring it down a notch. You can still have that wonderful Disney magic without going so crazy that none of it is believable.
(3) Children are curious about novel situations but they also enjoy watching something they understand and know.
My Solution:Use tools that are logical. In one episode they had the following for their tools: Bouncy Shoes,
Building Blocks, and 2 Hippos. The bouncy shoes were to catch up with a grasshopper, building block were made into stairs to get the grasshopper out of a really tall tree, and the hippos were used to get across a creek (by hopping on their backs). And just to point out, all of these items aren't tools in the sense that we most commonly think of them.
(4) The mystery mouskatool shouldn't be a mystery. It is too abstract to be a multiple choice option for the age group viewing.
My Solution: When all the tools don't match what needs to be done, have something in the environment around the crew that can be used to solve the problem. This way the viewer can search and find (on their own) what can be used. It will provide a deeper more interactive moment. And actually encourages critical thinking.
The writers on the show have such amazing backgrounds, but I find myself extremely surprised by the quality of the structure of the show. But as I stated in my last blog, if children enjoy the music and are dancing does the show need to be more than that? For the sake of money, time, and effort that is put into developing MMCH, I would hope that they were aiming for more than that.
The formula of MMCH is the following:
(1) The cast of characters is introduced (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, and Goofy)
(2) One character encounters a problem
(3) Mickey gets his Mouskatools from the Mouskadoer (3 concrete tools and a mystery tool)
(4) Tooldles is introduced
(5) The characters begin on their journey to solve their problem. And while trying to solve the main problem, they run into 4 small problems. Which are all fixed with mouskatools, delivered by tooldles
(6) Once all the tools are used, it is an indication that the main problem will soon be solved also.
(7) After the main problem is solved, all the characters return to the club house to do the Hot Dog dance where Mickey recaps the main information that was introduced in the story.
(8) The end
The first time I watched the show, I was extremely confused. I had so many questions:
"What in the world is a Mouskadoer?"
The second time I watched it, I was even more confused. And as the story goes, my confusion grew with every episode I endured. Until one day I encountered an episode that answered all my questions. Tooldles Birthday Celebration.
It took me approximately 10 episodes to figure (fully) what was really going on.
What in the world is a Mouskadoer?
A Mouskadoer is a machine that Mickey has in his clubhouse that provides tools for the crew to use to accomplish their mission
What is tooldles? And what is his purpose?
Tooldles is Mickey's old alarm clock and his purpose is to bring the crew their tools while they are out solving the main problem
A mystery tool? How in the world does that work?
A mystery tool is the only tool you don't know. And when all the other tools don't work, you select your mystery tool.
There are many flaws to this formula.
(1) If parents aren't understanding the basic structure of the show, it's unlikely that children are fully understanding what is going on either.
My Solution: Get rid of the Mouskadoer. Let the characters do something on their own (it feels like every action is done by a machine in the clubhouse). Have them go to the shed in the backyard and grab their toolbox. Isn't that where tools go (a shed, garage, closet), not a random spot in the middle of a clubhouse. Then tooldles can pop out and show the tools being used.
(2) The magic of the show is so extreme that it lacks a sense of reality.
My Solution: Bring it down a notch. You can still have that wonderful Disney magic without going so crazy that none of it is believable.
(3) Children are curious about novel situations but they also enjoy watching something they understand and know.
My Solution:Use tools that are logical. In one episode they had the following for their tools: Bouncy Shoes,
Building Blocks, and 2 Hippos. The bouncy shoes were to catch up with a grasshopper, building block were made into stairs to get the grasshopper out of a really tall tree, and the hippos were used to get across a creek (by hopping on their backs). And just to point out, all of these items aren't tools in the sense that we most commonly think of them.
(4) The mystery mouskatool shouldn't be a mystery. It is too abstract to be a multiple choice option for the age group viewing.
My Solution: When all the tools don't match what needs to be done, have something in the environment around the crew that can be used to solve the problem. This way the viewer can search and find (on their own) what can be used. It will provide a deeper more interactive moment. And actually encourages critical thinking.
The writers on the show have such amazing backgrounds, but I find myself extremely surprised by the quality of the structure of the show. But as I stated in my last blog, if children enjoy the music and are dancing does the show need to be more than that? For the sake of money, time, and effort that is put into developing MMCH, I would hope that they were aiming for more than that.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Hot-Dog Hot-Dog Hot Diggity Dog
One of the reasons my son loves the show is because of the music. It's fun, upbeat, and has small dance numbers. In reality who can beat that. And apparently he's not the only one in LOVE with the hotdog dance. What's the hotdog dance you ask. Well take a look:
Look at all the kids who also enjoy Mickey Mouse Clubhouse music:
But is there more to the show than the visuals and the music. Can it provide something 'deeper' like other shows (sesame street & blues clues) or is it sugar coated wish washy content trying to drag you into the world of Disney? Either way, the truth is that kids love it and it gets them moving. With that in mind, does it have to provide more?
So do you want to learn the hotdog dance? Check out the link below?
Look at all the kids who also enjoy Mickey Mouse Clubhouse music:
But is there more to the show than the visuals and the music. Can it provide something 'deeper' like other shows (sesame street & blues clues) or is it sugar coated wish washy content trying to drag you into the world of Disney? Either way, the truth is that kids love it and it gets them moving. With that in mind, does it have to provide more?
So do you want to learn the hotdog dance? Check out the link below?
Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me....
MICKEY MOUSE!!
As a women in children's media, I watch children's television through a very critical lens. Don't get me wrong, I don't think every child's tv show has to be teaching our children root memorization. But what the shows should be doing is providing an opportunity for a learning moment. This moment can be in social problems, typical education, creativity, music, etc.
When I put on my mommy hat, I have a love for the things that make my son smile (as long as those things don't consist of fire, electricity, biting, etc). So when I saw my sons excitement for the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, I gave in and allowed him the opportunity to enjoy the music and visuals. I do have to admit that when I was a child I was somewhat of a Mickey fan. Ok, ok, I lie I was a HUGE Mickey fan. Let me just put it into perspective, the first word I could spell (even before my name) was Mickey Mouse. So, to be honest, I was happy that my son was enjoying the same character I did 25 years ago.
But there is something different about Mickey's Clubhouse. It's not the old school Mickey we are all use to. To keep up with the changing visuals in kids cartoons Mickey has somewhat undergone a face lift. As well as the rest of the characters. Don't get me wrong some things have stayed the same, Donald is still cranky and doesn't wear pants, Goofy is still goofy (but has aquired a love for stinky shoes), Daisy and Minnie love bows and high heels, and Pluto is still the only dog that can't talk.
But visually wow... 25 years sure can change things. And like Susan Lucci even the greatest mouse in the house gets a little nip and tuck.
As a women in children's media, I watch children's television through a very critical lens. Don't get me wrong, I don't think every child's tv show has to be teaching our children root memorization. But what the shows should be doing is providing an opportunity for a learning moment. This moment can be in social problems, typical education, creativity, music, etc.
When I put on my mommy hat, I have a love for the things that make my son smile (as long as those things don't consist of fire, electricity, biting, etc). So when I saw my sons excitement for the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, I gave in and allowed him the opportunity to enjoy the music and visuals. I do have to admit that when I was a child I was somewhat of a Mickey fan. Ok, ok, I lie I was a HUGE Mickey fan. Let me just put it into perspective, the first word I could spell (even before my name) was Mickey Mouse. So, to be honest, I was happy that my son was enjoying the same character I did 25 years ago.
But there is something different about Mickey's Clubhouse. It's not the old school Mickey we are all use to. To keep up with the changing visuals in kids cartoons Mickey has somewhat undergone a face lift. As well as the rest of the characters. Don't get me wrong some things have stayed the same, Donald is still cranky and doesn't wear pants, Goofy is still goofy (but has aquired a love for stinky shoes), Daisy and Minnie love bows and high heels, and Pluto is still the only dog that can't talk.
But visually wow... 25 years sure can change things. And like Susan Lucci even the greatest mouse in the house gets a little nip and tuck.
 |
| My Sons Mickey |
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| My Mickey |
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
It's ok I'm doing it for 16 and preggers
Teen Mom Pregnant Auditions
When I first heard about the show 16 and pregnant, which was some years ago, I thought "Oh god, this could be pretty bad". Not just thinking about the show itself, but more about how this is going to affect teen girls. From my experience, being a teenager, bored girls can be pretty impressionable. Especially being from a small town and not having an abundance of healthy activities to participate in.
So when the show debuted I was worried about the potential boom in teen pregnancies; because how hard can it be if Farrah can do it, right? Well my fear has been realized, not because kids want to be like the girls on 16 and pregnant, but because they want to be on 16 and pregnant. Reality tv has given people the idea that they too can be the next upcoming star with no talent, just a predicament. So what is stopping these girls from having babies to try to reach an end goal of money and fame. Maybe we can teach them the reality of unprotected sex in their sex ed classes they are taking in school.... wait, do we even have those anymore? Either way, kids need to learn safe sex and the repercussions of having a child. Hey we should toss in some math education too... teach them the probability of getting knocked up and casted for a reality show.
When I first heard about the show 16 and pregnant, which was some years ago, I thought "Oh god, this could be pretty bad". Not just thinking about the show itself, but more about how this is going to affect teen girls. From my experience, being a teenager, bored girls can be pretty impressionable. Especially being from a small town and not having an abundance of healthy activities to participate in.
So when the show debuted I was worried about the potential boom in teen pregnancies; because how hard can it be if Farrah can do it, right? Well my fear has been realized, not because kids want to be like the girls on 16 and pregnant, but because they want to be on 16 and pregnant. Reality tv has given people the idea that they too can be the next upcoming star with no talent, just a predicament. So what is stopping these girls from having babies to try to reach an end goal of money and fame. Maybe we can teach them the reality of unprotected sex in their sex ed classes they are taking in school.... wait, do we even have those anymore? Either way, kids need to learn safe sex and the repercussions of having a child. Hey we should toss in some math education too... teach them the probability of getting knocked up and casted for a reality show.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Where is the passive viewing? Glee Season 2 Spoof ep 2
This is a great example of how to participate in culture and social life by using remixes/creation to take current pop culture media and put a spin on it. In this spoof all the characters are the same and so is the storyline; the change comes from emphasizing the details of the episode by poking fun at them. To be able to create this type of video, one must watch the show attentively. This type of short video shows how a person may look or seem to be a passive viewer, but is truly active/creative in their media viewing. So let's engage by watching the video below :) (Ito, 2008)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I think I smell smoke
Even though work place fires only account for 8% of all work place deaths (the lowest ranked environmental reason for deaths in the work place); it's still important to be prepared because you never know when tragedy will strike.
(Statistic retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cfch0008.pdf)
(Statistic retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cfch0008.pdf)
Friday, February 18, 2011
(Don't You Want Me Baby by Atomic Tom) Take Me Home Tonight 80s Movie Re...
This is a music video made for the the upcoming movie "Take Me Home Tonight". It's a great remake of the song Don't You Want Me Baby; but it's appeal comes from the homage it pays to all our favorite 80's tv and movie moments/characters. The youth today might not understand where some of these spoofs are coming from. But it brings light to a genre that has had so much influence on today's television. ENJOY!!!!!!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Exploratory 3
The Office - Gay Witch Hunt
The Office is one of those shows that you either love or you hate. The humor is on the awkward side and many people find it offensive.
The show takes place in a PA town called Scranton. And it is based on the characters who work in a paper supply business (Dunder-Mifflin). The main character is Michael, the socially awkward and offensive Regional Manager. The other characters all have second place major roles: Jim (the go-getter prankster), Pam (the girl next door receptionist), Dwight (the very very odd rule follower), Andy (the hopeless romantic, ex-anger management), Oscar (the know it all), Angela (Up-tight), Kevin (food obsessed, fat guy). The office pretty much takes all your possible stereotypes and turns them upside down.
Synopsis
For this particular episode Michael learns that Oscar is gay, after Toby (the HR Rep) confronts Michael about some politically incorrect terminology he has been using in the office (faggy). After Toby talks to Michael, he informs him that this is a secret and it should be kept this way. Michael then proceeds to confront Oscar in the middle of the office and tells him that he's sorry and that he never knew. Michael then asks Oscar if they can go out for a beer so Oscar can explain how he can do those things to a man (while the rest of the office overhears all this). After being harassed by a another employee (Angela... blatantly using purell to sanatize her hands after every interaction) for being gay, Oscar talks to Toby and Toby then confronts Michael.
Feeling bad about outing Oscar, Michael hosts a meeting about homosexuality, where he attempts to present himself as open-minded and progressive. Showing everyone in the office that hugging and kissing a gay man, doesn't get you sick. After all of this the head of Dunder Mifflin give Oscar 3 months of paid vacation and a company car if he promises not to press charges. Oscar agrees and before the show ends, he looks at the camera and says, "See kids, it pays to be gay." and smiles.
This episode to me was one of the craziest line pushers of the series. I had a hard time not cringing through the whole thing, because it was like watching a horrible train wreak for 21 minutes (netflix). But as you watch and see how Oscar handles the situation, I feel that the educational value comes from the ending. Oscar obliviously didn't want to be outed, but embarrasses his identity. He only once denied it in the episode and after that accepted what was happening and handled it by going through the proper chain of command. The whole educational value of the show comes from seeing stereotypes played and understanding the reason they are given so much attention is because they are ridiculous. Everyone is different and through understanding and compassion an office can run, even with conflicting ideas and personalities.
The Office is one of those shows that you either love or you hate. The humor is on the awkward side and many people find it offensive.
The show takes place in a PA town called Scranton. And it is based on the characters who work in a paper supply business (Dunder-Mifflin). The main character is Michael, the socially awkward and offensive Regional Manager. The other characters all have second place major roles: Jim (the go-getter prankster), Pam (the girl next door receptionist), Dwight (the very very odd rule follower), Andy (the hopeless romantic, ex-anger management), Oscar (the know it all), Angela (Up-tight), Kevin (food obsessed, fat guy). The office pretty much takes all your possible stereotypes and turns them upside down.
For this particular episode Michael learns that Oscar is gay, after Toby (the HR Rep) confronts Michael about some politically incorrect terminology he has been using in the office (faggy). After Toby talks to Michael, he informs him that this is a secret and it should be kept this way. Michael then proceeds to confront Oscar in the middle of the office and tells him that he's sorry and that he never knew. Michael then asks Oscar if they can go out for a beer so Oscar can explain how he can do those things to a man (while the rest of the office overhears all this). After being harassed by a another employee (Angela... blatantly using purell to sanatize her hands after every interaction) for being gay, Oscar talks to Toby and Toby then confronts Michael.
Feeling bad about outing Oscar, Michael hosts a meeting about homosexuality, where he attempts to present himself as open-minded and progressive. Showing everyone in the office that hugging and kissing a gay man, doesn't get you sick. After all of this the head of Dunder Mifflin give Oscar 3 months of paid vacation and a company car if he promises not to press charges. Oscar agrees and before the show ends, he looks at the camera and says, "See kids, it pays to be gay." and smiles.
This episode to me was one of the craziest line pushers of the series. I had a hard time not cringing through the whole thing, because it was like watching a horrible train wreak for 21 minutes (netflix). But as you watch and see how Oscar handles the situation, I feel that the educational value comes from the ending. Oscar obliviously didn't want to be outed, but embarrasses his identity. He only once denied it in the episode and after that accepted what was happening and handled it by going through the proper chain of command. The whole educational value of the show comes from seeing stereotypes played and understanding the reason they are given so much attention is because they are ridiculous. Everyone is different and through understanding and compassion an office can run, even with conflicting ideas and personalities.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Happy Valentines Day
In honor of the holiday I have listed some of my favorite tv couples (in no particular order)
Jim Halpert & Pam Beesly (The Office)
Carrie Bradshaw & Aidan Shaw (Sex and the City)
Claire & Charlie (Lost)
Mike & Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch)
Rachel Green & Ross Geller (Friends)
Barb, Nicki, & Margene (Big Love)
Marshall Eriksen & Lily Aldrin (How I met your mother)
Luke & Lorelai (Gilmore Girls)
Mulder & Scully (The X-Files)
Desmond & Penny (Lost)
Cameron & Mitchell (Modern Family)
Corey & Topanga (Boy Meets World)
Heathcliff & Clair (The Cosby Show)
President Obama on the National Wireless Initiative
One of the greatest things about the advancement of technology is how you actually don't have to be somewhere to see something happen. Online broadcasting of events has become really big and I am a frequent user/viewer of online broadcasting. Especially when it comes to my Alma Mater Northern Michigan University. I commonly watch online broadcast of hockey games. To move the game from the computer to the big screen we hook everything up to the television so the whole house can watch it easily.
Recently the NMU community had one of the greatest privileges, the White House and President selected NMU as a University leading higher education in technology advancement. And in turn, President Obama decided to visit the great ol' U.P. to tell us how wonderful our technology is. Being 1,000's of miles away I was excited but yet extremely disappointed. So like hundreds of other NMU alumni and students, that weren't able to get to campus to see Obama speak, we took to the computer and watched him through online broadcasting. The irony of this is that Obama was talking about NMU's wireless broadband and how NMU, despite the snow, was able to build a network that spans over 30 miles to allow students off campus (as well as fire and police departments and k-12 schools) the ability to log on.
With that said, we should take note of the possible plus sides to nationwide broadband access for schools. To give you a feeling, all the schools (K-12) that were hooked up on NMU's broadband sat in their classrooms and watched Obama live online. And before his speech the schools were hooked up and had a live discussion with Obama.
I am from the backwoods of Michigan (I mean backwoods) and for students to have the opportunity to talk to the president LIVE, well that is utterly amazing!! Since many of these children won't ever leave the upper peninsula area, having this type interaction provides them a window to the outside world... A window with a microphone.
Here is the talk posted to youtube. :)
Recently the NMU community had one of the greatest privileges, the White House and President selected NMU as a University leading higher education in technology advancement. And in turn, President Obama decided to visit the great ol' U.P. to tell us how wonderful our technology is. Being 1,000's of miles away I was excited but yet extremely disappointed. So like hundreds of other NMU alumni and students, that weren't able to get to campus to see Obama speak, we took to the computer and watched him through online broadcasting. The irony of this is that Obama was talking about NMU's wireless broadband and how NMU, despite the snow, was able to build a network that spans over 30 miles to allow students off campus (as well as fire and police departments and k-12 schools) the ability to log on.
With that said, we should take note of the possible plus sides to nationwide broadband access for schools. To give you a feeling, all the schools (K-12) that were hooked up on NMU's broadband sat in their classrooms and watched Obama live online. And before his speech the schools were hooked up and had a live discussion with Obama.
I am from the backwoods of Michigan (I mean backwoods) and for students to have the opportunity to talk to the president LIVE, well that is utterly amazing!! Since many of these children won't ever leave the upper peninsula area, having this type interaction provides them a window to the outside world... A window with a microphone.
Here is the talk posted to youtube. :)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
So is there really a difference?
They both are trying to show their affection and be honest about their feelings. Is there really a difference? Are they both equally unflattering/flattering? How would you respond? What are the guys intentions?
vs.
Essay Draft
Television and Youth have been a hot topic since the early 70’s. Researchers have exhausted the field with so many studies and contradicting data, leaving those on the receiving end (parents, children, and educators) confused on whether to allow or use the medium. As our society becomes enriched with different forms of technology, television is being coined as the obsolete technology. But the truth is youth find ways to watch television, even if it’s not on the actual medium itself. With Hulu, Google TV, network websites, and pirated tv show websites; youth are watching tv on their laptops, cell phones, etc. No longer is television the main medium to watch tv.
With children today developing in a world that is multifaceted it is important to examine how the use of extraneous technologies enhance or detract from the actual television shows. Children are still watching television but what are they doing after they watch the show? For example take the television show “Pretty Little Liars” that is aired on ABC Family. If you go to the actual ABC Family website you can go to the shows webpage. On the page(s) you can find online episodes (in case you missed one), challenges/quizzes (passing allows you a peak at the next episodes script), blogs from the characters, writers, and styling staff on every topic about the show, cast spotlight, itunes downloads, discussion boards, and so much more. So in reality, the show doesn’t stop when the episode is over.
So what are youth doing with this type of information? Are they actually going online and utilizing the information available? Are they calling/texting their friends and chatting about what they just viewed? Are they going to their cell phones to download the latest music they heard on the show? Television is very deeply ingrained in our culture and is a far call from becoming obsolete. If anything, television has become more interactive with the invention of new technologies. It is important to look at how the information from the show and other areas are applied to the life of the viewer; are the viewers actually doing research about the show and is this research leading to something bigger? How can parents and teachers harness this curiosity and use it for a teaching moment? Does the use of multiple technologies to enhance television viewing, improve the thought processes and investigation skills of the viewer?
Overall, it is important to look at how children are receiving information about television shows both from the episode and from other technologies and what they are doing with information, and then to observe how this type of investigative research effects the Childs overall development.
With children today developing in a world that is multifaceted it is important to examine how the use of extraneous technologies enhance or detract from the actual television shows. Children are still watching television but what are they doing after they watch the show? For example take the television show “Pretty Little Liars” that is aired on ABC Family. If you go to the actual ABC Family website you can go to the shows webpage. On the page(s) you can find online episodes (in case you missed one), challenges/quizzes (passing allows you a peak at the next episodes script), blogs from the characters, writers, and styling staff on every topic about the show, cast spotlight, itunes downloads, discussion boards, and so much more. So in reality, the show doesn’t stop when the episode is over.
So what are youth doing with this type of information? Are they actually going online and utilizing the information available? Are they calling/texting their friends and chatting about what they just viewed? Are they going to their cell phones to download the latest music they heard on the show? Television is very deeply ingrained in our culture and is a far call from becoming obsolete. If anything, television has become more interactive with the invention of new technologies. It is important to look at how the information from the show and other areas are applied to the life of the viewer; are the viewers actually doing research about the show and is this research leading to something bigger? How can parents and teachers harness this curiosity and use it for a teaching moment? Does the use of multiple technologies to enhance television viewing, improve the thought processes and investigation skills of the viewer?
Overall, it is important to look at how children are receiving information about television shows both from the episode and from other technologies and what they are doing with information, and then to observe how this type of investigative research effects the Childs overall development.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Big Love = Big Drama!
Exploratory Post 2
Big Love - Season 5 episode 45: A seat at the table (viewed online)
Synopsis: The Henricksons are a mormon polygamist family who live in Utah. They secretly lived this life until the 5th season. The family went as far as having three houses side by side with a joining backyards to make it look like they were just neighbors.
The show is actually based on the morals and values of the polygamist sector. The creators of the show spent three years researching this particular lifestyle with the intent of creating a fair portrayal of polygamy in America. I feel that, drama set aside, this is a great way to see a population of America that isn't really portrayed. It is an important to depict the lifestyle fairly since many people are not exposed to it, even though Mormonism is one of the fastest "new" growing religions in the world. The show portrays the conflict that is consistently arising between the modern Mormons and the polygamist modern Mormons and the compound polygamist Mormons.
The family consists of
Bill (the husband) who owns a large hardware store, a casino, and now holds a political office. After he was elected Bill comes out to the press stating he live a polygamist lifestyle.
Barbara (first wife) was the first woman that Bill married and the only legal marriage in the family. She is the mother of three children. Originally, Barb's marriage to Bill wasn't going to go the pologimist route. It wasn't until Barb was diagnosed with cancer and a woman (Nicki) from the compound Bill grew up on volunteered to help Barb during her treatment. As Barb started to get better, Bill told her that he had a sign from God and God wanted Bill to take Nicki as his second wife (Barb relevancy agreed).
Nicki (second wife) was wedded to Bill after her help during Barbs sickness. Nicki was born and raised on the same compound as Bill. Nicki's father was the Priesthood holder of the compound (the president). Nicki is the mother of two of Bill's children and a child of a previous marriage; which was dissolved because she was forced to marry the man at the age of 16. Nicki struggles with her life in the modern world, while trying to keep the traditional polygamist mormon rules and traditions alive amongst her children and sister-wives (whom she thinks doesn't take the mormon life seriously).
Margene (third wife) married Bill after meeting him at the hardware store. Margene had no ties to the mormon religion until she married Bill. She is the youngest and "prettiest" of the wives which causes some jealous from her "sisters". Margene grew up with an alcoholic mother and no father. She hide her marriage from her mother. Margene feels trapped within the marriage (both with Bill and the marriage she has with her sister wives); she thinks that non of the others take her seriously and believes the only way she can get what she wants and have her voice heard is by having sex with Bill. Margene has three children with Bill.
In the episode being discussed here, Bill finds out that many of his fellow politicians are pushing for a bill to go through to make polygamy illegal forcing anyone that holds political office be stripped of their title. Margene is struggling with there family being "out" because she is forced out of her job. She feels trapped and tells Bill she no longer wants to be apart of the family. Bill tells Margene that he would allow her to leave. Barb hates the fact that Bill forced their family out of the shadows and has told Bill she doesn't feel right with the direction their family is taking; thus sending their children away to live with another family member. She has also started drinking and dancing; which are both forbidden in the mormon religion. Nicki is happy that their family has come out. Her daughter just won a math competition and wants her to focus more on math, especially since she has been seen snuggling up with a mormon boy. Nicki isn't happy with the direction Barb is taking and feels that Bill needs to put a stop to it; causing a major rift between the wives.
Big Love - Season 5 episode 45: A seat at the table (viewed online)
Synopsis: The Henricksons are a mormon polygamist family who live in Utah. They secretly lived this life until the 5th season. The family went as far as having three houses side by side with a joining backyards to make it look like they were just neighbors.
The show is actually based on the morals and values of the polygamist sector. The creators of the show spent three years researching this particular lifestyle with the intent of creating a fair portrayal of polygamy in America. I feel that, drama set aside, this is a great way to see a population of America that isn't really portrayed. It is an important to depict the lifestyle fairly since many people are not exposed to it, even though Mormonism is one of the fastest "new" growing religions in the world. The show portrays the conflict that is consistently arising between the modern Mormons and the polygamist modern Mormons and the compound polygamist Mormons.
Bill (the husband) who owns a large hardware store, a casino, and now holds a political office. After he was elected Bill comes out to the press stating he live a polygamist lifestyle.
Barbara (first wife) was the first woman that Bill married and the only legal marriage in the family. She is the mother of three children. Originally, Barb's marriage to Bill wasn't going to go the pologimist route. It wasn't until Barb was diagnosed with cancer and a woman (Nicki) from the compound Bill grew up on volunteered to help Barb during her treatment. As Barb started to get better, Bill told her that he had a sign from God and God wanted Bill to take Nicki as his second wife (Barb relevancy agreed).
Nicki (second wife) was wedded to Bill after her help during Barbs sickness. Nicki was born and raised on the same compound as Bill. Nicki's father was the Priesthood holder of the compound (the president). Nicki is the mother of two of Bill's children and a child of a previous marriage; which was dissolved because she was forced to marry the man at the age of 16. Nicki struggles with her life in the modern world, while trying to keep the traditional polygamist mormon rules and traditions alive amongst her children and sister-wives (whom she thinks doesn't take the mormon life seriously).
Margene (third wife) married Bill after meeting him at the hardware store. Margene had no ties to the mormon religion until she married Bill. She is the youngest and "prettiest" of the wives which causes some jealous from her "sisters". Margene grew up with an alcoholic mother and no father. She hide her marriage from her mother. Margene feels trapped within the marriage (both with Bill and the marriage she has with her sister wives); she thinks that non of the others take her seriously and believes the only way she can get what she wants and have her voice heard is by having sex with Bill. Margene has three children with Bill.
In the episode being discussed here, Bill finds out that many of his fellow politicians are pushing for a bill to go through to make polygamy illegal forcing anyone that holds political office be stripped of their title. Margene is struggling with there family being "out" because she is forced out of her job. She feels trapped and tells Bill she no longer wants to be apart of the family. Bill tells Margene that he would allow her to leave. Barb hates the fact that Bill forced their family out of the shadows and has told Bill she doesn't feel right with the direction their family is taking; thus sending their children away to live with another family member. She has also started drinking and dancing; which are both forbidden in the mormon religion. Nicki is happy that their family has come out. Her daughter just won a math competition and wants her to focus more on math, especially since she has been seen snuggling up with a mormon boy. Nicki isn't happy with the direction Barb is taking and feels that Bill needs to put a stop to it; causing a major rift between the wives.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A Shore Thing
Thought I would put this out there since we are always bringing up the Jersey Shore.
Apparently, Snooki deserves a place on bookstore shelves next to Edgar Allan Poe. Not only is she a reality genius she is also a literary icon. I don't know; I feel like there is just something kind of off about this.
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| Picture take from Perezhilton.com |
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sh*t happens
"Watching tv makes you smarter" Steven Johnson
If you think really hard, I am sure you can conjure up your first memory (that one particular moment where it all begins). My first concrete memory took place when I was 3 years old. It might have been the severity of the incident that made the lasting impact. My mom was driving me to morning preschool in our minivan. And like other military children we would pass by the military bases landing strip. Seeing planes fly in and out was a normal thing, so to hear a military cargo jet coming from above was an ever day occurrence. But the sound this time was ear piercing. I remember looking out the window to see what was making the noise. Above us was a US AirForce Cargo plane on fire. Before I could look at my mom or even scream, the plane nose dived into the field directly on my right, causing the loudest sound I have ever heard. Pieces of plane flew everywhere, fire engulfed everything I saw. I sat there stunned and in tears.
My mom promptly turned around and rushed home to call the base police (we didn't have a cell phone, it was 1986). By the time we reached our house base sirens were sounding. I could not shake the visual from my mind. I sat and cried. I understood that something scary had just happened. But at three I didn't realize the severity of the crash. I couldn't wrap my head around what actually happened.
That night I somehow saw the news. They were reporting the crash and showing the people who were on board (in the military you can buy discounted plane tickets and ride in the jumper seats on cargo planes). I hadn't realized that there were even people on board until that moment. My thoughts went from just a plane on fire to people on fire in a plane on fire. I could not sleep for weeks, waking up in cold sweats, screaming at the top of my lungs. My mom finally took me to see a child therapist. The therapy helped me cope with the actual incident, but it never touched on the fear that I developed.
After the crash I developed a crippling fear of flying. I couldn't even look at a runway without shaking and getting goosebumps. At one point my parents had to sedate me so we could fly. I would have nervous breakdowns and panic attacks. Flying was terrifying and I did everything possible not to think about it.
Then in the 90's (when I started to go to the movie theater with friends) I began to encounter movies that really encompassed the storyline of plane crashes (Castaway, Con Air, Die Hard 2, Us Marshall's, Final Destination). At first I couldn't watch or even listen to the scenes where the plane goes down. But gradually, the scenes became easier to watch. And by the time I was a freshman in college the idea wasn't as scary. I started to develop a "Sh*t Happens" mentality. Planes crash and people die (it's a sad reality). When I finally came to terms with this, I took my first flight. Granted, turbulence scared me. But after my first flight I was able to fly again and again. Now it's not even a second thought. I LOVE flying. And I think that watching all those crazy 90's plane crash movies had something to do with it. I administered my own behavior modification therapy just by watching movies. And I watched these movies to feel included within my social circle.
Watching tv helped me overcome my fear. Proving to me that certain things happen that are beyond our control (sh*t happens). I think this ultimately made me smarter by allowing me to finally live my life to the fullest, by traveling and seeing things I wouldn't have been able to otherwise.
Just something I was thinking about after our class.
If you think really hard, I am sure you can conjure up your first memory (that one particular moment where it all begins). My first concrete memory took place when I was 3 years old. It might have been the severity of the incident that made the lasting impact. My mom was driving me to morning preschool in our minivan. And like other military children we would pass by the military bases landing strip. Seeing planes fly in and out was a normal thing, so to hear a military cargo jet coming from above was an ever day occurrence. But the sound this time was ear piercing. I remember looking out the window to see what was making the noise. Above us was a US AirForce Cargo plane on fire. Before I could look at my mom or even scream, the plane nose dived into the field directly on my right, causing the loudest sound I have ever heard. Pieces of plane flew everywhere, fire engulfed everything I saw. I sat there stunned and in tears.
My mom promptly turned around and rushed home to call the base police (we didn't have a cell phone, it was 1986). By the time we reached our house base sirens were sounding. I could not shake the visual from my mind. I sat and cried. I understood that something scary had just happened. But at three I didn't realize the severity of the crash. I couldn't wrap my head around what actually happened.
That night I somehow saw the news. They were reporting the crash and showing the people who were on board (in the military you can buy discounted plane tickets and ride in the jumper seats on cargo planes). I hadn't realized that there were even people on board until that moment. My thoughts went from just a plane on fire to people on fire in a plane on fire. I could not sleep for weeks, waking up in cold sweats, screaming at the top of my lungs. My mom finally took me to see a child therapist. The therapy helped me cope with the actual incident, but it never touched on the fear that I developed.
After the crash I developed a crippling fear of flying. I couldn't even look at a runway without shaking and getting goosebumps. At one point my parents had to sedate me so we could fly. I would have nervous breakdowns and panic attacks. Flying was terrifying and I did everything possible not to think about it.
Then in the 90's (when I started to go to the movie theater with friends) I began to encounter movies that really encompassed the storyline of plane crashes (Castaway, Con Air, Die Hard 2, Us Marshall's, Final Destination). At first I couldn't watch or even listen to the scenes where the plane goes down. But gradually, the scenes became easier to watch. And by the time I was a freshman in college the idea wasn't as scary. I started to develop a "Sh*t Happens" mentality. Planes crash and people die (it's a sad reality). When I finally came to terms with this, I took my first flight. Granted, turbulence scared me. But after my first flight I was able to fly again and again. Now it's not even a second thought. I LOVE flying. And I think that watching all those crazy 90's plane crash movies had something to do with it. I administered my own behavior modification therapy just by watching movies. And I watched these movies to feel included within my social circle.
Watching tv helped me overcome my fear. Proving to me that certain things happen that are beyond our control (sh*t happens). I think this ultimately made me smarter by allowing me to finally live my life to the fullest, by traveling and seeing things I wouldn't have been able to otherwise.
Just something I was thinking about after our class.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Greek - Cross Examined Life
Exploratory Post 1
Content:
Greek - Cross Examined Life
Season 4 Episode 3 (viewed on regular cable television)
Characters:
Casey - The main character in the show. Former president of ZBZ, she just graduated from CRU and has come back after the summer to attend law school. Because of the lack money, Casey moves back into the ZBZ house and takes the position of house mother.
Rusty - Is the younger brother of Casey. Some say he's a scientific genius, enrolled in the honors engineering program and the inventor and grant winner of a self healing poli(something)wire. Rusty is a brother in KTG and current pledge chair.
Dale - Rusty's roommate and best-friend. Dale has been anti-Greek for the last three season, until recently where he has shown a great interest in rushing a fraternity. Dale is the token religious college student who has always been the voice of reason.
Cappie - The president of KTG and Rusty's big brother. Cappie is also Casey's exboyfriend, who she broke up with because he couldn't figure out his direction in life. He is still at CRU undergrad (year 5 now) without a major.
Spidey - The new KTG pledge.
Plot:
A dramedy focused on the social aspect of the Greek system. The characters in the show try to find a place to fit in at Cyprus-Rhodes University.
Dale is getting antsy because he really wants to find someone of marriage quality before he graduates. To find this perfect person, Dale has decided to give up on his values that are anti-greek and rush Omega Chi (KTG's rival fraternity). To convince Dale not to rush Omega Chi, Rusty comes up with a plan to allow him to rush KTG. To convince Dale of this Rusty throws a party to prove to Dale that there are other girls out there that aren't in sororities. To get Dale to attend the party, Rusty kidnaps him from a secret Omega Chi hazing event. Spidey assists Rusty in the kidnapping, but in the heat of the moment Rusty forgets to check and make sure Spidey made it out of the Omega Chi house. In the end Spidey is left behind and the Omega Chi's duck-tape him to the outside of a building on main campus. The party to convince Dale to date different girls backfires with Dale informing Rusty that the reason he is actually rushing is because he wants to be apart of something bigger and wants to be recognized for something other than a geek. Dale declines Rusty's offer to rush KTG and says he feels Omega Chi is a better fit.
Casey has just started law school and during her first class she finds out that her acceptance into the program has somehow become law school gossip. Because of the scandalous way she was accepted, nobody wants to add her into their study groups. Apparently the class has over 100 case studies to summarize and Casey is freaking out. To try to fix the situation she confronts her professor and he tells her to suck it up. While all this is happening Ashleigh shows up and tells Casey that she got fired from her NY designer internship. Casey finds out that Ashleigh actually left without notice because she wasn't promoted to a paid position, but a girl from the show The City received the job instead. In the heat of the moment and frustration with life, Casey and Ashleigh decide to run away from Cyprus Hills. As they are about to leave, Ashleigh gets a call from her NY boss. Casey convinces her to answer the phone and during the call Ashleigh gets fired. In that moment they both realize that they can't run away from their problems. Casey unpacks the car and spends the night writing her case summaries.
Intended Audience:
The intended audience would be teen (late high school) to early 20's (college level). This is determined by the content of the show including sex, drugs, and other more complex social issues.
Educational Possibilities:
There seems to be a several important social aspect to the series.
(1) The underlining theme to Greek is acceptance. The show does a great job at showing how all the characters (from the smartest of geeks to the closeted gays) needs a place to be accepted and people to feel safe with.
(2) Conflict resolution with those of different groups with conflicting ideas and values. As well as an idea of the outcome of relationships when conflict isn't resolved.
(3) Final educational aspect of the show is the bond between friends and siblings and how important it is to be a good base of support for those close to you.
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