Article Blog

This article extends on what we have already been discussing in class a great deal, which is integrating new media texts into the classroom, specifically English Composition. The article states that many teachers don't know much about these new media texts and are therefore unable to help student use them. I would have to agree with the article on this because I can relate to what this article refers to as "most teachers". I probably know more than some, but overall I do not feel confident in my ability to incorporate media texts in the classroom. Honestly, the most fancy software I have any knowledge about is Microsoft Powerpoint, and even that I am not very confident using in a classroom. I also know a little about MovieMaker, but both of these programs have features that I know nothing about.
Today, I think visual literacy should be relatively simple to incorporate into most classrooms. They certainly have the technological resources to be able to do so. At many of the schools I have been to, they have the SMARTboards and the projectors. Unfortunately, in ALL the classrooms I have seen that have these, they sit unused all the time. I would imagine the reason behind this is because the teachers either don't know how or don't feel comfortable using this, or because they don't know what to use it for. They aren't sure how to choose media to help complement or enhance their lessons. The article suggests beginning with visual media texts, since they are what is most familiar to what we already know and use. I do think that using PowerPoints, still images, photographs, or videos would be a great way to enhance any lesson, and it would not be that difficult to use, even for someone who has little knowledge of how to use technology.
I really liked how this article included several examples of activities that can be done using visual media texts. I liked the first example that was a visual essay because it gives students more freedom when it comes to conveying their thoughts and ideas. It also reminds me a bit of the digital literacy project we are doing in CIR 411. I would definitely like to do something with one of my classes in the future. I also like the traveling photo exhibit activity. It would have to be modified for younger students, but I do think it would be a lot of fun for students.