http://reelworks.org/videos/clay-life/
1.What do you like about the digital story? I like that the digital story was a way for this teenager to express himself, showcase his talents and share with us what he values within himself. You can tell he is insecure and as his girlfriend quotes he is shy, so this video was a way of bringing his true self to life where many wouldn't have known before. I like that it is raw, but there are so many creative elements of his animations added into the mix to make it artsy and interesting. I think he did a nice job!
2.What did you learn from the digital story? I learned that this student is a city boy who is very much introverted, he found ways of occupying himself in a positive way and found his passion in the process which makes his video relatable and exciting.
3.What surprised you about the digital story? I was unsure of the direction the video would take based on the title. Once well into it I realized where the "clay life" title comes into play. Clay is his motivation that fuels his life and future dreams. I was also surprised he showed himself in the video at the end, which makes it that much more of an accomplishment for him as a highly introverted personality.
4.How did the digital story provide an example of how digital storytelling can build self esteem, help young people voice an opposition to social problems, or create an alternative to stereotypes of adolescents typically portrayed in mainstream media? This is a long question with many answers, but most appropriate for this video clip, I feel that this digital story is a great example of ways more shy students with low confidence can build theirs through their own vision and digital direction, they can bring their ideas to life and create more personal stories in the privacy of their homes to share with others and grow through support and camaraderie. Students can also more easily express their feelings and make others aware of issues that may never have dawned on us as a problem. Learning and growing together through experience and support is the essence of life. Finding lasting friendships and careers to enjoy. These short clips are powerful and I think it is fabulous their young voices are being heard and supported. Amazing stuff!
2.What did you learn from the digital story? I learned that this student is a city boy who is very much introverted, he found ways of occupying himself in a positive way and found his passion in the process which makes his video relatable and exciting.
3.What surprised you about the digital story? I was unsure of the direction the video would take based on the title. Once well into it I realized where the "clay life" title comes into play. Clay is his motivation that fuels his life and future dreams. I was also surprised he showed himself in the video at the end, which makes it that much more of an accomplishment for him as a highly introverted personality.
4.How did the digital story provide an example of how digital storytelling can build self esteem, help young people voice an opposition to social problems, or create an alternative to stereotypes of adolescents typically portrayed in mainstream media? This is a long question with many answers, but most appropriate for this video clip, I feel that this digital story is a great example of ways more shy students with low confidence can build theirs through their own vision and digital direction, they can bring their ideas to life and create more personal stories in the privacy of their homes to share with others and grow through support and camaraderie. Students can also more easily express their feelings and make others aware of issues that may never have dawned on us as a problem. Learning and growing together through experience and support is the essence of life. Finding lasting friendships and careers to enjoy. These short clips are powerful and I think it is fabulous their young voices are being heard and supported. Amazing stuff!
5. Do (or how do) these digital stories provide evidence of that these young people are engaged in analysis of their own culture? In the 5 clips I watched, the issues were vast. The issues present in the ones I witnessed were 1. childhood divorce and the student feeling abandoned by a mother, 2. A inner-city boy jilted by a girl who considered him below her class of eligible, 3. A young asian girl who expressed her admiration and respect for her hard-working and friendly father who runs his own store, 4. a shy city boy finding his passion and dealing with the struggles of leaving familiar behind for a career in something he loves, and 5. a young asian girls' attempt at discovering happiness and why her mother bases hers on having money and spending it. All of these clips showed struggles and ways these kids tried to seek answers in sharing or solving their own questions. These methods of discovery teach kids to be researchers and reporters, which also shows them they have the tools to getting their dreams accomplished. I enjoyed watching all of them and think this is a great idea for students of all ages in getting their thoughts and conflicts out in the open.
6. Do (or how do) these digital stories support a healthy respect for multiculturalism and diversity? These stories are shared in a community where they are supported by others sharing similar messages of struggle. These testimonials bring forward issues many of us are unaware even exist. It is crucial for human beings to continue to strive to make our world better, more knowledgable and accepting and these clips are great ways in achieving that. Awareness is the keyword here, and what else comes to mind is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. This is something that came up out of nowhere and now people are becoming knowledgeable and embracing ways they can make a difference. These are multimedia stories and experience people are sharing world-wide and I hope we can continue doing good through exposure and powerful messages. Each one of us is unique and important, we need to refocus our attention and instead of taking selfies and being as self-centered, we can turn the camera to good use and spread awareness of others and suffering that can be easily remedied through a powerful message. That is where I hope we are headed. Fingers crossed!
Researchers and reports is a great way to put what these children where with these films. They all had to research their topic even if it was something near and dear to them personally. I think this teaches students a great lesson about life and how we always need to research what is going on in our lives.
ReplyDeleteI especially agree with your next to last sentences. "Each one of us is unique and important, we need to refocus our attention and instead of taking selfies and being as self-centered, we can turn the camera to good use and spread awareness of others and suffering that can be easily remedied through a powerful message." Many adults characterize young people as being "tech savvy". But the research shows that most teen consume media rather produce. And the media that they produce is questionable in terms of its quality in delivering a coherent message. That's what I love most about these videos. They really help young people read and write in a way that has productive potential both socially and academically! You demonstrate a strong understanding of this productive potential!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of the video was the beginning where he said that clay was life because you can mold it and shape it the way you want, and if you don't like the way it's going you can change it. I learned that the passion of one person can inspire those around him. The video supports a healthy respect for multiculturalism because the message does not discriminate and inspires all.
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