The whole aim of this session was to prepare students for the first IMPACT OF DIGITAL MEDIA essay. Students response was mature and informed. The kick up the backside that i gave you all in the last lesson appears to have had the desired effect. Class discussion was intelligent and detailed. The whole aim of this essay is for students to support their view with specific textual reference therefore students must be aware that research is central to this task...and indeed the whole course.
Students received a very precise essay structure that they can follow or use for general guidance. This is a very important piece of work because the essay question is central to an understanding of the impact of digital media.
ESSAY TITLE: 'THE INTERNET AND WORLDWIDE WEB HAVE CREATED A MORE DEMOCRATIC WORLD.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?
There are certain fundamental questions that this essay needs to address. For example:
- What is the difference between the views of Andrew Keen and Clay Shirky?
- What is the 2010 Digital Economy Act and what are its powers? Why was it introduced?
- What is The Communications Data Bill and why is it so controversial?
- Why are Bradley Manning and Ed Snowdon important individuals when considering media and democracy? Do you view these two men as heroic or villainous?
- What is the significance of websites such as 38 Degrees, Change.org, Martha Payne's blog and The Khan Academy website? Do these sites empower the individual? If so, how?
- Why should a media student be aware of The Arab Spring, Iran in 2009 and The Great Firewall of China?
- Why do governments attempt to control information?
- How can Marxist or Pluralist theory be applied to this essay? Baudrillard?
What is Wikileaks: http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10757263
Wikileaks video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLic1Y3re-A
Does a site such as Wikileaks create a more democratic or a more dangerous world???
Edward Snowdon...Channel Four News resources: http://www.channel4.com/news/edward-snowden
What do we learn about the US government's attitude to personal digital privacy through the revelations revealed by Ed Snowdon?? Why do governments feel they have to control or monitor digital information?? Can we trust governments/the police with our personal information?? Should we fear this level of digital 'observation'?
Are Snowdon and Manning heroes or villains????
Good clip created by an A2 Media student for a class project:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfDYARUrnuQ
The Virtual Revolution...The Enemy of the State:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcLP_Zn4dwU
Martha Payne: http://fishymediaresources.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/story-of-martha-paynes-school-blog.html
Channel Four Marthe Payne article:
http://www.channel4.com/news/outcry-over-councils-gagging-of-schoolgirl-blogger
Change.org: https://www.change.org/en-GB
38 degrees: http://www.38degrees.org.uk/
Kenya tragedy and twitter: http://socialmediatoday.com/node/1763491
Students could produce a whole paragraph discussing the democratic advantages/disadvantages related to Twitter.
HOMEWORK: I EXPECT ALL STUDENTS TO HAND ME THE ESSAY ON FRIDAY. This really is a massive piece of work as the consideration of media and democracy is a fundamental debate that is central to the A2 Media course. Students must illustrate an intelligent argument with specific and relevant textual reference. I have offered a range of resources, potential essay plan, and discussed this essay in two sessions. Now you need to show me that you are serious about this course. Talk is cheap. Show me you care.
Students also need to complete their creative work. Some of the trailers are FANTASTIC. If we can produce written work that reflects the quality of the creative media, this year will be a very successful media experience.
STUDENTS NEED TO CHECK THE RESOURCES POSTED TO FISHYMEDIA. ALL YOUR RESEARCH MATERIAL FOR THIS ESSAY CAN BE FOUND ON THIS BLOG. USE IT.
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