YEAR 12 LESSON TWENTY [28th Feb 12]: Homework.

Students were 'taken by the hand' through the Cross-Media Study question as I felt I needed another twenty minutes of class discussion to ensure that ALL students were aware of exactly what the question is asking. Remember folks, the bullet points that accompany the Cross-Media Study question are always significant as they guide the students towards content. The bullet point in this case challenges students to consider how the texts are more than 'entertainment'. For example, the purpose of the MOW print media is not to entertain but to engage the curiosity of a potential audience and guide an inquisitive individual towards the e-media. The e-media then offers information that should empower the individual to decide whether this is a film worthy of their time. The MOW e-media also offers the individual the opportunity to purchase a DVD/Download, peruse viewer comments and allows the institution to offer links to other 'similar' products produced by Magnolia films.

Many thanks to those students who attempted this essay over half-term but, after this class discussion and students having received further notes, I now feel that the class is in a position to construct a detailed and relevant Cross-Media response.

The second half of the session was an exercise aimed at developing skills required for MEST1 Section A. Students were offered the text below. Click on link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxK3_hihHis

Students were then asked to provide a written response to the following questions:

1. How are media forms used to engage the audience?
2. How is the school being represented in this media text?

HOMEWORK: Complete the Cross-Media essay. Students should be constructing coursework.

Students should listen to this Cross-Media Podcast. I made this last year for Year 12 and it is still a relevant resource:

http://fishymediaresources.blogspot.com/2012/02/cross-media-study-podcast-resource-for.html

Here is another PODCAST that relates to MEST1 Section A. I made this as a revision resource for Year 12 last year. Click on link below:

http://soundcloud.com/fishymedia/mest-1-section-a-media-podcast

LOTS TO DO.

THE COST OF FREE: The Virtual Revolution Documentary.

We watched segments of this brilliant documentary series at the beginning of the A2 course. I would advise ALL Year 13 students to revisit this series to ensure that you comprehend key issues relating to new digital media. The link below will allow students to access the first You Tube segment of the 'COST OF FREE' episode. I would advise students to navigate through the segments that relate to this episode. This is the episode that explores behavioural targeting, adwords and the reality of the cookie. THE WEBSITE LINKED TO THE VIRTUAL REVOLUTION REMAINS AN ESSENTIAL RESOURCE.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNAfnfcergc

Webpage:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00n4j0r

HOW DOES FACEBOOK MAKE MONEY? A series of articles.

These resources will be useful for A2 students currently constructing Facebook related coursework or essays:

http://www.splatf.com/2012/02/facebook-revenue/

http://www.didyouwonder.com/how-does-facebook-make-money/

http://funancials.biz/how-does-facebook-make-money/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBVe64_yt7Y

WHO OWNS YOUR ONLINE DATA? BBC Click video.

Here is a video from the BBC Click site. This will be useful for any students researching social network sites for the A2 Critical investigation or Digital Case Study:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/9695021.stm

BBC CLICK:Brilliant Digital Media Resource.

I have made many references to this BBC programme and here is another reminder. I would advise ALL students to be aware of BBC CLICK. This is a BBC programme that explores all aspects of digital media. Below is a link to the BBC Click Website and a lot of episodes are still available via the BBC I-Player. The online site has a series of short film segments that offer a whole range of useful and accessible digital information:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/

CROSS-MEDIA STUDY PODCAST: Resource for Year 12.

I made this resource last year to help Year 12 with revision and 'MOST' of the content is still relevant so here it is for this year's AS Media Studies Students. The MAN ON WIRE and The Secret Millionaire E-Media is now slightly different but the information offered within this podcast is still useful and will provide students with information that can be applied to this year's Cross-Media work. Enjoy.

http://soundcloud.com/fishymedia/podcast-two-aqa-as-media

BBC CULTURE SHOW DIGITAL ECONOMY BILL FILM.

Excellent short film segment shown on BBC Two's CULTURE SHOW in early 2010 that discusses the impact of digital media on the entertainment industry and the impact of the UK digital economy bill. The Digital Economy Act is now part of UK law:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4S4siQAfY4

YEAR 13 LESSON TWENTY-ONE [17th Feb 12]: Homework.

Students were bullied by Chimpnimsky to produce an oral response to the Digital Case Study question: Has photography been destroyed by the impact of digital media? The aim of this task was for students to develop an awareness of the issues that they could/should be exploring through their own individual case study/essay. Issues explored included:

• the Audience/Producer debate
• online privacy issues
• the threat of new digital media to established photographic institutions
• the significance of portable online recording devices such as the mobile phone
• access to cheap, simple software [for example wix.com] that allows an individual to construct e-media that has the potential to access a global audience
• social media and issues related to sites such as Facebook
• the ability for established photographers such as Don McCullin to access a much wider audience and publish challenging representations that mainstream media have previously been reluctant to publish.

The second session was a consideration of MEDIA REGULATION with the focus being question 3 of Section A MEST3. The Ryanair advertisements were used to illustrate the moral responsibility of media institutions and students were encouraged to consider the significance of the Jamie Bulger/Child's Play/Clockwork Orange copycat/ desensitisation argument, Barnardos and Women's Aid when considering the issues relating to the regulation of violent images, and general issues relating to the protection of the media audience. The discussion culminated in a 20 minute timed response.

HOMEWORK: STUDENTS HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO COMPLETE OVER THE HALF-TERM BREAK. Students should be constructing their Critical Investigations and their Digital Media Case study. I expect the Digital Media work to be in my paw the first lesson after the break.

STUDENTS MUST BE CONSTRUCTING COURSEWORK.

I am in school on Thursday 10am/3pm working with Year 12 but Year 13 are perfectly welcome to pop in for a chat about work. Obviously I am always available via e-mail.

NO SLACKING MEDIA FREAKS.

MORE ONLINE PRIVACY ISSUES: GOOGLE AND COOKIES.

This is a BBC article that suggests that Google have been bypassing the privacy settings of the safari web-browser to allow cookies to gather more user information for the advertising industry. STUDENTS NEED TO BE AWARE OF HOW THE COOKIE RELATES TO THE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY AND YOUR ONLINE VIEWING HABITS.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17076670

Here is a link to the ELECTRONIC FRONTIER FOUNDATION which is an online organisation formed with the aim of defending the digital rights of the individual. Students might want to peruse this site:

https://www.eff.org/

FACEBOOK HACKING STUDENT JAILED: How safe is Facebook?

This BBC News article may be of interest to A2 students exploring issues relating to Facebook in their Critical Investigation/Digital Media Case Study. How safe is your Facebook account? How secure is any social media? What are the implications of this case? Why is HACKING a digital media concern? How does this relate to digital privacy and the security of personal information that we post online? This could be linked to the actions of the ANONYMOUS organisation.

BBC News Article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-17079853

Anonymous website:

http://anonanalytics.com/

RYANAIR ADVERTS: Resources for regulation argument.

Ryanair is an interesting institution when considering issues relating to regulation. In today's lesson [Friday 17th Feb] we discussed the moral responsibility of an institution when we were discussing issues relating to regulation. The Ryanair advertisements are a decent resource when considering institutional responsibility. Obviously these adverts will also be a useful reference for any students exploring issues relating to the representation of women. Click on links below to access relevant articles relating to Ryanair:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17036830

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Media/Pix/pictures/2008/01/29/RyanairAd460.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jan/30/asa.advertising&usg=__ynEaOfCMSqZV0VU3b1FkMCldw9g=&h=276&w=460&sz=23&hl=en&start=2&zoom=1&tbnid=LNiVOFcbm910JM:&tbnh=77&tbnw=128&ei=poc9T4TmK8TVsgav2IDCBA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dryanair%2Badvertisements%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Den%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/4/26/1303828530083/Ryanair-ad-banned-by-the--008.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/apr/27/ryanair-bikini-ad-banned&usg=__1fKTd6KvI2-

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://cached.imagescaler.hbpl.co.uk/resize/scaleToFit/427/285/%3FsURL%3Dhttp://offlinehbpl.hbpl.co.uk/news/OKM/0EA2634D-DF60-080D-25F9DDC4AB216529.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/1018479/Ryanair-keeps-focus-easyJets-performance/&usg=__QqhVNiasjLZ_b9zMEwQtUHXz3Sw=&h=285&w=427&sz=27&hl=en&start=14&zoom=1&tbnid=cQaW6aOz7EipFM:&tbnh=84&tbnw=126&ei=poc9T4TmK8TVsgav2IDCBA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dryanair%2Badvertisements%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Den%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1

Mugabe advert:

http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/1041398/

POLICE SHUT DOWN SITE: COPYRIGHT ISSUES.

One of the central media issues and debates linked to New Digital Media is the issue of copyright. This BBC News item is well worth a read. Students should navigate through the linked articles at the bottom of the article. This resource may be useful for A2 students.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17039722

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16658923

YEAR 12 LESSON NINETEEN [14th Feb 12]: Homework.

Students endured a session that explored issues that relate to the Cross-Media Study. The whole focus of the session was the question:

IS THE MEDIA 'DUMBING DOWN'? Discuss this statement in relation to the media products from your case study.

• Evaluate to what extent the media products in your case study do more than just entertain.
• Support your answer with reference to examples from three media platforms.

Students discussed how the BGS Cross-Media texts could be used to confront the requirements of this question. Class discussion generated a series of notes and a rough essay structure was provided by Chimpnimsky.

HOMEWORK: We now have two weeks before the next media lesson. I expect students to hand me the Cross-Media essay when we return. Further guidance notes will be posted to the blog to ensure that students can produce a decent response to this tough task. Students need to check fishymedia over half-term to access a download that will relate to the requirements of the essay. This is a very important task.

Furthermore, students need to be creating their coursework. REMEMBER, WE WILL BE MEETING ON THURSDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 10AM/3PM TO EDIT BROADCAST MEDIA.

Lots to do media folk.

YEAR 13 LESSON TWENTY [10th Feb 12]: Homework.

Students discussed issues relating to coursework and the digital media case study before being introduced to issues relating to Section A of MEST3. Class discussion explored issues relating to the June 2010 exam paper. The main task offered to the students was a timed written response to the first two questions of Section A. The aim of this task was to develop the ability of students to identify the key moments of an unseen text and produce a precise written response that clearly confronts the specific requirements of the question.

HOMEWORK: Students should be producing coursework. Work relating to the linked production and the critical investigation should be underway. E-mail me or visit me in the department if you have any questions that relate to the construction of coursework.

Students should also be working on the digital media case study. The first draft of this essay is expected after the half-term break.

Next week students will be attempting to create a written response to question 3 of the Section A exam paper: SOME MEDIA RESEARCH HAS RAISED CONCERNS ABOUT UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO VIOLENT IMAGES. DO YOU THINK CONTROL IS NECESSARY? YOU SHOULD REFER TO OTHER MEDIA PRODUCTS TO SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER.

Students might want to consider how they would answer this question.

YEAR 12 LESSON EIGHTEEN [7th Feb 12]: Homework.

This aim of this session was to introduce issues relating to the BGS Cross-Media Study. Class discussion explored issues relating to the Audience/Producer debate and considered whether the texts in the Cross-Media Study are examples of 'dumbing down'. Students considered how the E-Media attached to Man On Wire, Exit Through The Gift Shop, The Secret Millionaire and Educating Essex is used by the institution to access and engage the audience. Class discussion was excellent. Well done media people.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL THAT ALL STUDENTS ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL THE CROSS-MEDIA STUDY TEXTS. BELOW ARE THE LINKS TO ALL THE CROSS-MEDIA RESOURCES:

http://fishymediaresources.blogspot.com/2012/02/year-12-lesson-seventeen-31st-jan-12.html

The Cross-Media Study covers a wide range of media issues and debates and it is essential that students are familiar with the key texts as reference to specific detail is essential when constructing a top level media response.

HOMEWORK: Three students owe me last week's homework. Students should be perusing the Cross-Media Resources and Constructing coursework. Some of the broadcast media currently being uploaded to the Macs is impressive. KEEP IT UP.

Furthermore students should familiarise themselves with the text below. We will be discussing this text on Tuesday and it will lead to a written homework.Click on link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxK3_hihHis

Questions:

1. How are media forms used to engage the audience?

2. How is the school represented in this media text?

3. How might an audience respond to this text?

LOTS TO DO FOLKS.

YEAR 13 LESSON NINETEEN [3rd Feb 12]: Homework.

Students discussed issues relating to the Impact of Digital Media Case Study.Students were placed into groups and asked to provide material that could provide a framework for a specific Case Study question. The quality of the response was excellent. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT STUDENTS SELECT THEIR CASE STUDY QUESTION ASAP AND BEGIN CONSTRUCTING A RESPONSE. THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE AN AREA OF DIGITAL MEDIA THAT YOU FIND INTERESTING OR ENGAGING.

The second session was an exploration of issues relating to MEST3 Section A. Students were offered the June 2010 MEST3 examination paper and the class discussion related to the first question of Section A: How do the two media products represent War?

Click on links below to access the media texts:

Battle for Haditha trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZl5w1nFYUE

Call of Duty World At War trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFFBBIbYHME

Over the next two sessions we will be exploring issues relating to Section A of MEST3 therefore it would be prudent for students to digest these resources. A timed written response to these texts will be expected next Friday.

I have marked half of the SOPA essays and so far they are outstanding. They are very precise and very detailed. Well done. Keep it up media folk.

Thanks to HMc and AD for their EXCELLENT HATS. Quality millinery.

HOMEWORK: Students should be creating coursework. Students should be producing material for the linked investigation or constructing the critical investigation. STUDENTS SHOULD ALSO SELECT THEIR CASE STUDY TITLE AND E-MAIL ME THEIR CHOICE OF QUESTION ASAP. THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE CASE STUDY [essay!] WILL BE EXPECTED ON THE LAST FRIDAY OF THIS TERM [17th Feb].

LOTS TO DO. NO SLACKING MEDIA FREAKS.

YEAR 12 LESSON SEVENTEEN [31st Jan 12]: Homework.

Students discussed the horror trailer work that was completed last week. The work was impressive. Students must produce coursework that reflects the quality of these trailers. I will post one of the trailers asap. This is the standard that all students should aim to achieve. The soundtrack is magnificent and the use of text is relevant and appropriate. Not sure about the 'can soundtrack' at the very end of the trailer but this media text is still a very accomplished piece of creative media. Click on link below:

The core of the session involved work that relates to the Cross-Media Study. Class discussion explored the significance of the E-Media attached to the film documentary Man On Wire and the significance of the E-Media attached to the Channel Four television hybrid-documentary The Secret Millionaire. Student response was excellent, particularly when discussing how social networking sites are used as a marketing device and why the E-Media used to market The Secret Millionaire is so unique.

HOMEWORK: Students must familiarise themselves with the texts that relate to the Cross-Media Study. Students should have watched the Martin Stamp episode of The Secret Millionaire and Banksy's film documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop. Below are all the links that students will require for the BGS Cross-Media Study.

Man On Wire Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIawNRm9NWM

Man On Wire E-Media:

http://www.manonwire.com/

Banksy Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsnX63KK2y0&feature=related

Banksy E-Media:

http://www.banksyfilm.com/

Martin Stamp episode of TSM:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyji16NgVHs&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fresults%3Fsearch_query%3Dmartin%2Bstamp%26oq%3Dmartin%2Bstamp%26aq%3Df%26aqi%3Dg3%26aql%3D%26gs_sm%3De%26gs_upl%3D1809l6654l0l7188l17l16l0l1l1l2l240l2210l0.10.3l14l0&has_verified=1

The Secret Millionaire E-Media:

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-secret-millionaire

Channel Four E-Media:

http://www.channel4.com/

Educating Essex E-Media:

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/educating-essex

Educating Essex 4OD E-Media:

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/educating-essex/4od

Students should be creating coursework. I would like ALL intentions documents e-mailing to me please. What do you INTEND to produce?