The Art of Possibility has been a very pleasurable read for me during this class. I have gained a lot of insight from reading this book, not only as an educator but also in my personal life as well. In this week's reading I was really drawn to Chapter 11: Creating the Frameworks. This chapter expounded upon the ideas built up in previous chapters and discussed ways to apply them to a healthier outlook on life. One of the ideas I specifically latched onto was the idea of expanding your ability to envision goals.
This is an idea I can relate to in my professional life. As a freelance multimedia designer one of the most important tasks I set aside for myself each week is networking with other freelancers from my area. At a personal level this has proven to be very frustrating for me in the past because in order to get a lot of the jobs in the area I live in you have to "know" somebody already. So starting off has been very difficult for me these past few years as I have struggled to carve out a name for myself in this area. Recently I haven't been giving as much time to this activity of networking as usual because in the past it has proven to be quite in effective, but after reading these chapters I felt a little more inspired to go out there and find my opportunity.
Well by chance I was at a book store at the mall looking in the programming languages section because I've been wanting to learn more about Web Development specifically in Word Press. It just so happened that while I was in this section I ran into someone whom I had networked with in the past and they recognized me. She saw what I was reading and we started talking about current projects we had going on. Long story short, she ended up bring me onto a project she is doing for a "living saint" who tours the country giving speeches and blessing people. It didn't really sound like a job that would appeal to me but I took it anyways just for the opportunity to work.
Somehow during the process of recording the PSA, the client became intrigued by how quickly and efficiently I worked and wanted to know more about my skills and training. I told her all the different things I could do and a little bit about my past work experiences. She was very impressed and immediately offered me more work. I couldn't help but think about the chapters from this book, about laying down a positive framework for my life could lead to more beneficial things.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
EMDT MAC: Week 4 Publishing/Leadership Project
After presenting my project to my fellow classmates and listening to all of the creative feedback they had to offer for my presentation I decided that I would like to submit my AR project to the journal of education technology research and development. The reason I believe it is best suited for my project is because the journal focuses on the development of new technologies and learning strategies in education. The primary focus of my project was to create a resource for digital immigrants to use for education.
Friday, May 20, 2011
EMDT MAC: Week 3 WIMBA
This week's WIMBA contained a lot of information about the Publishing/Leadership project and abstract that I found really useful. I found the site to be a bit confusing but after watching the archive I feel much more comfortable with the process. I really enjoyed listening to the class discuss the Art of Possibility. It has been a book that I have really enjoyed and I was glad to hear all of the comments by my classmates. I personally don't have that much experience as a teacher so it was nice to see how more experienced educators interpreted the readings.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
EMDT MAC: Week 3 Publishing & Leadership Project
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| Photo by Joshua Montanye |
I would like to use the slideshow as a rough draft of sorts for an animated video inspired by some of the TED Talks and various kinetic typographies from around the Internet. My ultimate goal is not only to demonstrate the results of my research, but also the fundamental principles in action as well. I figure that with a little creative flare, the project will be demonstrated a little more efficiently than with just words on paper.
EMDT MAC: Week 3 Blog Comment 2
Please follow the link here to the original blog post from my classmate:
Ann
I can relate to being anxious about giving presentations even when it is a topic you are very knowledgable in. I think it's great that you are taking action and taking the time to practice these skills. One tip I would suggest is using visualization training. It may sound kind of silly but it's a tip I learned in a public speaking class I took for my bachelor's degree and it has helped me out immensely.
Ann
I can relate to being anxious about giving presentations even when it is a topic you are very knowledgable in. I think it's great that you are taking action and taking the time to practice these skills. One tip I would suggest is using visualization training. It may sound kind of silly but it's a tip I learned in a public speaking class I took for my bachelor's degree and it has helped me out immensely.
EMDT MAC: Week 3 Blog Comment 1
Please visit this link to view the original blog post:
I think it's absolutely great what you are doing and I look forward to seeing more of your project. I am pretty much on the exact opposite end of the spectrum compared to your project as I teach adult learners to use programs like Microsoft PowerPoint and such. Many of my students get very discouraged along the way and I think it would be a great motivation to say look at these kindergarteners.
I think it's absolutely great what you are doing and I look forward to seeing more of your project. I am pretty much on the exact opposite end of the spectrum compared to your project as I teach adult learners to use programs like Microsoft PowerPoint and such. Many of my students get very discouraged along the way and I think it would be a great motivation to say look at these kindergarteners.
EMDT MAC: Week 3 Art of Possibility Chapters 5-8
I have to say that I found Chapter 5. Leading from Any Chair to be very amusing personally. As it happens I am working on an ongoing documentary on Maestro Longoboardi who was a student of Karajan and quite coincidently we were discussing the importance of individuality just the other day. The youth orchestra in which he conducts has been preparing for a major concert and I've been going to a few of them here and there to document their progress along the way. As I arrived at the school where they practiced I received a frantic call from his wife informing me that he was running late and to inform the students of the situation. To my surprise when I entered the room where they held rehearsal I was greeted by the sounds of Vivaldi. I hung back in the hallway for a bit until the Maestro arrived just enjoying the young musicians interpret this classical piece. Maestro Longobardi seemed very pleased when he arrived to hear his orchestra continuing in his absence. He pulled me aside and commented to me that it was not a Maestro's job to teach the students how to play music just to feel it and he went on to imply that he was very lucky to be able to learn more about the music from his pupils. I've never personally experienced anything like this as an educator but from that moment I really gained an appreciation for the importance of feedback even at a Master's level. It is very encouraging to know even after you gain an understanding of the material there will always be new ways to learn and grow as an educator.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
EMDT MAC: Week 2 WIMBA
This week's WIMBA session had to do with Copyrights. Personally I am not a big fan of copyright laws as they are now, but I understand their importance. The lecture provided a lot of information to absorb, but there were a lot of useful tips for protecting yourself from the possibility of legal issues. I really appreciate the resource of tinear.com. That's a topic that comes up a lot in the work I do and I'm sure I'm going to be using it a lot.
EMDT MAC: Week 2 Free Post
This is a really great TED Talk from Salman Khan. He talks about the development of Khan Academy, which is a free online school that can be used as a supplement for teachers. It's really interesting to not only see the education side of the technology being used but also how he developed his online videos into a non profit organization.
EMDT MAC: Week 2 Comment 2
Read Nelly's blog here:
I also really enjoyed this reading and found it to be very useful. I felt like it almost drew a spiritual connection between creativity and education. I felt like the chapters implied a teachers job was to be more of a guide to knowledge than a strict trainer. If you're interested in reading more stuff like this I would highly recommend John O'Neil's, The Five Bodies. It's not so much focused on education as it is life in general.
I also really enjoyed this reading and found it to be very useful. I felt like it almost drew a spiritual connection between creativity and education. I felt like the chapters implied a teachers job was to be more of a guide to knowledge than a strict trainer. If you're interested in reading more stuff like this I would highly recommend John O'Neil's, The Five Bodies. It's not so much focused on education as it is life in general.
EMDT MAC: Week 2 Comment 1
Read Justin's Blog here:
I found the chapter about Giving the A, to speak to me a bit more than the others as well. But, while I can see that idea being applied in an artistic course like Music I did have a hard time imagining it in a more logic centric course like Math.
I found the chapter about Giving the A, to speak to me a bit more than the others as well. But, while I can see that idea being applied in an artistic course like Music I did have a hard time imagining it in a more logic centric course like Math.
EMDT MAC: Wk2 Reading - The Art of Possibility
The Art of Possibility, is quite possibly one of the more interesting reads I have had the pleasure to read in recent days. Coincidently I have been discussing and exploring many of these principles with a few colleagues. I had an idea to provide a new type of service online that led us to similar conclusions as the authors of this book. I find it interesting to see how the authors of the book applied it to educational purposes though while we focused mainly on the business aspects.
The Assumption of Measurement, is probably one of my favorite concepts from the reading. The idea that we are constantly making passive and subconscious decisions of measurement to establish a cognitive narration is thrilling. The text calls upon the reader to ask the following questions:
What assumption am I making, that I'm not aware I'm making, that gives me what I see? What might I now invent, that I haven't yet invented, that would give me other choices?
This switch from a passive state of measurement to a more active state is something that I came across in my research as well. I should take a moment to briefly describe the nature of the new service that I am going to be offering to clients. I began by asking how effective was my presence on the Internet. I have my own website and I use multiple forms of social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc) but I really didn't know how effectively they were branding me as a person on the Internet. So I wanted to develop a strategy of creating an electronic identity that would more accurately portray me at a personal and professional level.
In the second chapter of the book the authors pose yet another question:
How are my thoughts and actions, in this moment a reflection of the measurement world?
Again this was right along the lines of what I was thinking. At this point however I began asking how I could use this idea to make money. I already offer social media campaigns and SEO to companies and organizations, but I wanted to branch out to start helping everyday people as well. Sort of like an online identity tutor that helps people get the most out of their online experience.
At this point in the process my research goes a completely different direction than the book. However I did like the concept of Giving Yourself an A. I think it's an idea, I might begin to implement on my own.
The Assumption of Measurement, is probably one of my favorite concepts from the reading. The idea that we are constantly making passive and subconscious decisions of measurement to establish a cognitive narration is thrilling. The text calls upon the reader to ask the following questions:
What assumption am I making, that I'm not aware I'm making, that gives me what I see? What might I now invent, that I haven't yet invented, that would give me other choices?
This switch from a passive state of measurement to a more active state is something that I came across in my research as well. I should take a moment to briefly describe the nature of the new service that I am going to be offering to clients. I began by asking how effective was my presence on the Internet. I have my own website and I use multiple forms of social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc) but I really didn't know how effectively they were branding me as a person on the Internet. So I wanted to develop a strategy of creating an electronic identity that would more accurately portray me at a personal and professional level.
In the second chapter of the book the authors pose yet another question:
How are my thoughts and actions, in this moment a reflection of the measurement world?
Again this was right along the lines of what I was thinking. At this point however I began asking how I could use this idea to make money. I already offer social media campaigns and SEO to companies and organizations, but I wanted to branch out to start helping everyday people as well. Sort of like an online identity tutor that helps people get the most out of their online experience.
At this point in the process my research goes a completely different direction than the book. However I did like the concept of Giving Yourself an A. I think it's an idea, I might begin to implement on my own.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
EMDT MAC: Week 1 Free Post
One of the more interesting project I am currently working on for them is an interactive info-graphic. The goal of the design is to make a virtual database that informs the viewer about the masters and their music. I've decided I'm going to design it in photoshop and import it into a Flash project. Ideally this is something they would like to distribute on their website.
On top of this design project, I am also working on a documentary crew which is producing an interesting piece about the society. If you have a minute please visit their website Neapolitan Music Society. And if you're interested in seeing some of the work I produce for them check out my site at: http://JoshuaMontanye.com.
EMDT MAC: Week 1 WIMBA Session 1
As a part of my Master's degree I am taking a course called Media Asset Creation. Every week we gather in an online classroom and participate in a lecture just like an ordinary class. Since this was the first class of this week the teacher just gave a brief introduction of himself and the course. From his outline I can tell I am going to have a busy month ahead of me. I have a lot of work to finalize my Action Research Project, but I look forward to the challenge. I'm also interested in looking more into the Publishing and Leadership project.
EMDT MAC: Week 1 Comment 2
Read Nelly's Blog here:
It's almost ironic that if you wanted to watch a historical film like The Eyes on the Prize video you would have to break the law? I also think that Fair Use users are doing their best but it's unfortunate that right now it is mostly a trend only followed in the US and a few other major countries.
It's almost ironic that if you wanted to watch a historical film like The Eyes on the Prize video you would have to break the law? I also think that Fair Use users are doing their best but it's unfortunate that right now it is mostly a trend only followed in the US and a few other major countries.
EMDT MAC : Week 1 Comment 1
Read Justin Baker's Blog here.
I agree with you Justin. The reading really opened up my eyes to how backwards copyright laws can be. I think it's even more interesting how these laws cultivated the online culture of media piracy. There are already a lot of great resources and protestors out there you should check out. This is an online petition of online users who are trying to negotiate for better pricing plans for media online. It's a pretty neat idea that you should check out.
I agree with you Justin. The reading really opened up my eyes to how backwards copyright laws can be. I think it's even more interesting how these laws cultivated the online culture of media piracy. There are already a lot of great resources and protestors out there you should check out. This is an online petition of online users who are trying to negotiate for better pricing plans for media online. It's a pretty neat idea that you should check out.
EMDT MAC: Week 1 Reading "Copyright Issues"
We were given an assignment this week to review some materials concerning copyrights and how they govern over media usage. I have to admit, I never paid much attention to copyrights until I myself started producing media and sharing it on the Internet. I thought one of the most interesting points of the lecture though came from TED talks video about remixing culture. The speaker described how younger generations are being alienated by copyright laws that have become outdated. I grew up in the age when P2P clients first came out. I remember using Napster and Kazaa and how piracy suddenly made a comeback in culture. But, I also remember it being quite common for everyone to do although no one would talk about it openly because it was illegal. I think it is interesting to see though how the Internet has influenced the copyright laws to evolve over time. I think an excellent example of this is the creation of the Creative Commons copyright, which provides media authors the outlet to define what is fair use for their own products.
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