We're Entering a New Era of Literacy

As days go by we are heading into the future. As we do so, technology is improving dramatically. In the digital age, ever since the send button was produced, digital technology is the blame of ruining the quality of writing. It is being said that the more we write online, the worse writer’s we become. The main idea of this article is that the modern students are getting sloppier and are losing the clarity within their writing.

After reading this article, I do agree with the main concept that is being said. The internet is blurring how students do their work. The clocks ticking and our writing styles are loosing its clarity. When I look at the modern students these days I can relate them to the issue which is being focused on. In English class, when I need to edit many written work, I can say that I do find many careless and flawless mistakes. Such as U-you, Aight-alright, Rite-right, etc. almost 3/4 of the school spends about 5 hours online. During so they loose their writing conventions. Although they don’t mean to make the mistakes, they tend to do because they are so used to writing on MSN for 5 hours straight using short forms.

At the same time, after reading this article I don't agree. They state that the more we write online the worse writers we become. This statement really stood out to me as I thought about it. Our school and online life’s are completely different. When at school we tend to write properly and remember all our writing conventions. At home, we don’t forget but rather write in short form since it’s faster to get a message across. By talking in short form, I do believe that it can get carried away onto our written school work, but this does not change the fact that we become worse writers. All going back to the fact that Prof. Lunsford said "our research now show’s that writers always make mistakes of some kind". Going back to my point of how, school work and online chatting are different but the effects of online chatting may get dragged into the school work accidentally. Reminding that we make mistakes and aren’t forgetting our writing conventions.

Our writing styles I believe are actually getting better. We may have trouble with the writing conventions but our spelling and grammar itself is improving. I can say this because when I was in civics and had to do our Toskan portfolio, many groups received a 4 to a 4+ on their spelling and grammar category. In the article it did mention that spelling now accounts for only 6 percent of errors. After reading this I was quite shocked, but really impressed.

Therefore in conclusion I believe that as we head into the future into our destiny, writers who spend more time online will not become worse writers. A fact that will always remain true is that humans make mistakes. Ever since I was a child growing up I was taught that we learn best by our mistakes.

This is a Photograph of Me

This is a Photograph of Me holds a deep meaning towards it. In this article it talk's about an image that was taken ago. In this image lays a tree, a small frame house, low hills, and a lake. That is what most people see when looking at the image, but if you look long enough you will eventually be able to see a person who drowned in the center of the lake. The message behind this photograph is that you have to look closely and focus on the image to be able to see what it holds. While reading this poem over and over again, to be able to understand it, I realized that it wasn't an unnecessary and useless poem that took up my time but it actually hit me that it was a true fact.

I believe that this image emphasizes that anyone can judge a book by it's cover but the one's who take time to read the novel will truly understand the meaning and story it is willing to share. This issue talks about a photograph that needs to be looked at long enough to understand what’s there. Not relating to a photograph, but this has occurred to me person to person. I assumed that this girl was a nice person due to how she talked, dressed, and basically how she looked. I was wrong. I didn't look long enough to be able to see the real her. What was running through her mind, who she really was, and basically what her story in life was. In my opinion everyone has a story, whether good or bad, but it just takes time to be able to see it. Personally, most of the times I look at only the things that at are right in front of my very own eyes but never take to time to realize what is in the deeper picture.

In the poem “This is a photograph of me”, Margaret Atwood emphasizes that in order to find someone’s true identity one must look deeper into the picture. The poem represents how the image seen by others of a person is often a distorted reflection of their true personality. The image formed in one’s mind about a person is an assumption that is not necessarily true, such as in the poem. Furthermore, the poem explains that when an individual looks past the barriers of image, one can truly find a person’s true identification. This is seen in the line, “I am in the lake, in the center of the picture, just under the surface.” This quote describes how an individual is in the inner surface of themselves. The word “just under the surface,” signifies that beneath the outer image of a person is ones real self. In this case the speaker is under the surface of the water and wants to be found. If an individual looks close enough they will find the true meaning of a person’s personality and who they really are. Atwood illustrates how an image of one is a distorted reflection of a person’s true identity. The speaker discusses how ones personality is easily misunderstood or not learned of to a certain depth which affects the person’s true identity and “photograph.”

After reading this article, I can truly say that this has to the one issue which took me time to figure out the message it holds.Also the one that got me thinking about how I view the real world; the same as the people who are viewing the photograph, only focusing on what is shown and not to the certain depth of the image.

Synthetic Existence

Synthetic Existence is an article which focuses on the lost of human beings real identity over the network (online). This topic is an issue which I find to be very common throughout many people’s lives. As days go by more of our time is being focused towards a computer screen. The trend is going to continue as we live our lives through more and more technology.

Signs are already being shown as people are happy to be going through synthetic self transformations such as: breast augmentation, botox, plastic surgery, tummy tucks, etc. People even use programs such as Photoshop or Fotoflexer to be able to “perfect” their image before they place it over the internet globally (Facebook). Synthetic existence is occurring.

“People are neglecting their physical selves, as they as adopting false computer identities.” After coming home from school many go onto the computer and relax by going onto online programs such as MSN, Facebook, MySpace, etc. During these situations many tend to be someone their not by changing their identity. I can relate to many situations on MSN where this has occurred. For example I know of this one girl in grade 10 where at school she is this shy, quite, friendly, and nice person. When I went over to her house once she got onto the computer. As soon as she was online she’s was this “gangster”. Where she has a different look of herself on her display picture (poses and outfits she would never wear at school) and she talks differently online. She talked completely different then how she would talk to anyone at school face to face, including her friends. I told her that she was two different people at school and online but she didn’t accept the fact that she was synthetic. People are less and less resistant to the synthetic.

Also for many of us technology is being our new separate lives. Where we do online shopping, we work, and even socialize. With this technology capable for any age group to use, our world will become abandoned! Our streets will have nothing but dust balls rolling everywhere! A typical day for this person would be, wake up, work (online), eat, shop (online), and then talk to friends and family online. There will be no movement in a human’s life (exercise), this would affect the environment as jobs would be online, having no farmers around to grow and harvest, the amount of electricity used would increase rather then decrease to save power, and people wouldn’t care about what is occurring in the world since they’re indoors most of the time.

As the article talks about sooner or later we will be able to create artificial selves or avatars to function in the online world for us. These avatars will do anything we want them to do and look how we want them to look. Sooner or later we will be able to actually experience what our avatars are feeling. Many online games these days allow you to create and avatar to be able to live your own life, make online friends and talk to them. I can relate back to a game that I use to play on the internet called Millsberry. This game allows you to dress up your own avatar however you like, big eyes, small nose, long hair, skinny body, etc. Then you go out and explore the town. This means buying your avatar new clothes, new haircuts, and even meeting up with other people on the streets and claiming them as your friends. Also on Millsberry, you must feed your avatar just how you would feed yourself, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts. This avatar becomes the fake you as you must take care of it or else it will die eventually.

When it comes to feeling the emotions of your avatar I was faced this on Halo 3, and Xbox 360 game. In this game you are placed into missions which you must complete. I play this game almost any break which I get including the weekends, if I don’t get too much homework. At these missions we are to defend our flag, kill the other teams, etc. If my avatar gets hurt, shot, or injured from the opposite team, I feel that anger it has and wants to keep playing until I win the level. I’m able to feel these feelings as my brain has been hooked up to brain monitors (since I play too much) which allows me to experience what my avatar is feeling. Or even other simplier games such as Millsberry where i buy new clothes, or haircuts for it and I get excited since I know how it feels in the real world.

The increase of dependency will not decrease but rather increase. This trend is not going to reverse itself. With many new latest technologies coming on, it increases our chances of synthetic existence. We will become more and more connected as we will be living as one brain. Our self identity will fade away.

Graffiti and the Law

When it comes to Graffiti there are laws. Consequences do occur if graffiti is caught being done illegally. The laws on public property are very strict and anyone caught doing graffiti can be arrested and prosecuted under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. Offenders can be fined up to £5,000 if the damage caused is less than £5,000 or they may be given a community service order instead of a fine. Also the Anti-Social Behavior Act 2003 introduced new powers for local councils to punish offenders and to help them clear up illegal graffiti. This includes on-the-spot fines of £50 to anyone caught doing graffiti on public property. Police officers, support officers or local authority officials can give them out. Moreover, police have the right to search you if they suspect that you are carrying something that can be used to make graffiti. They can only do this if they suspect you are 14 years or older. Police may also search your car or anything you are carrying. Additionally, The Criminal Record can state that illegal graffiti was done. From this a citizen’s future can be stopped. If a student was applying for university, the criminal offense would show and refuse that particular student from going the university. Maybe even getting a job, applying for field trip helpers at school, etc, could all be prevented just because they did illegal graffiti.

Also, the graffiti writer doesn’t pay for the cost of fixing the graffiti damage but rather the value of the entire building or property. Moreover, graffiti writers under the age of 18 will be encountered with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. This act describes a number of alternate ways to be taken with minor offenses and also first time offenders. The Parental Responsibility Act states that it is financially the parents responsibility for the property loss, damage or destruction, that was created by their children (under the age of 18).In addition, consequences range from marking graffiti or marketing offensive graffiti which is a two year jail penalty, possessing a prescribed graffiti tools in a banned place and attempting to make graffiti is equal to 25 penalty units, and advertising graffiti tools in a way that encourages unlawful graffiti is equal to 50 penalty units. A penalty unit is worth $116.82 since July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. Therefore, doing graffiti illegally can lead to very harsh punishments.

Women and Graffiti

Women and Graffiti have always been in the minority. Women faced many obstacles that were not encountered by men. In general women have to struggle for respect for their accomplishments. They had to gain respect for their accomplishments. Throughout the years many young women have earned their places in New York City's aerosol art history. The late hours and desolate locations in which most writing is done can be particularly dangerous for women. Violence could occur because male graffiti artists have weapons on them. Female writers are often subjected to all kinds of harassment including polices. Famous graffiti artist’s such as Lady Pink had to disguise herself as a man to be protected from being harassed while she was doing her graffiti. This was really risky to do. Many didn’t believe that the work of these writings was not done by women. They were frequently the subjects of rumors such as "She sleeps around to get style." or "Her boyfriend writes for her". They believed that the men were doing the writings for the women since they thought that women didn’t have the ability to do graffiti. Another obstacle frequently encountered was possessive boyfriends who discouraged participation in a male-dominated field. Women doing graffiti was rare, loud-big, bright and most of the time naked. As a result to doing graffiti, women didn’t get as much credit as they should of. The appreciations of both men and women should be equal. Graffiti in the world today has accepted female writers for their talent just like men, as there is less discrimination and women feel safer and are fewer legal implications. Hence, the stages of women and graffiti were very tough and women did go through a lot of challenges to fulfill their goals or becoming graffiti writers.

Graffiti is Art!

We all know what art is and what art looks like, but the real question is, what defines art? How do we actually know what art is? Everything containing lines, shapes and color are what we, nowadays, think what art is. However, art is considered to be more than just that. Art needs all of the aspects mentioned above, but above all that, it needs deep thoughts and motivation. When one is trying to make a profit out of is or her art, one simply needs to come up with an idea and work upon it. A lot of art we see is created by random lines and shapes, which in reality is not true art. Although, this is just my point of view, everyone has their own opinions. When it comes to graffiti, there are many different opinions people have on whether it is true art or whether it’s just another piece of writing on the wall. Although there are many debates concerning this topic, I, myself think that graffiti is true art!

Looking at the definition of art, it states that art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way to affect the senses or emotions. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music, literature, film, sculpture, and paintings. Now looking at graffiti is delivers the elements of design that are needed in order to pass the definition of art. Graffiti have the aspects such as lines, shapes, and colors within its work. In a piece of art of graffiti, writers use different techniques and tools in order to accomplish their work. Color, shading, sketches, size, strokes, etc, are things that artist and writers all think about when creating a masterpiece. Their work needs to be planned and done with accuracy.

Graffiti is art, because it fits the expression side of the definition. “It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music, literature, film, sculpture, and paintings.” Graffiti in most cases is a form of expressing their thoughts and motivations up on walls.

Also it is art because it is a unique way to show your talents and express yourself. Art teachers frequently say “express yourself within your art”. Using graffiti – a different form of art rather then paper and paint- can be used to express myself and my talents. Graffiti is an art form to replace otherwise dull and depressing city walls. Graffiti artists, make dull and boring walls interesting to look at; an example being Toronto. I believe that Toronto’s walls are unique and amazing to look at. They aren’t clean and boring but rather are attracting and appealing to the eyes. Graffiti is a form of decoration, where artists can share their feelings and talents; it can be interesting and uplifting.

Many see graffiti as a form of vandalize. Referring to the work of Picasso, his pieces of “art” are famous and placed in many museums to be observed. The work of graffiti is not appreciated by many like the work of other famous artists. Their work have no where to be seen so they place their work on public walls where everyone can view them. If this is a crime, then what is the crime for not appreciating everyone’s work equally? “Graffiti to some may be garbage, but when you look around the society is putting up billboards that are garbage, mind garbage”.

In conclusion graffiti is a talent not a crime. It is something that takes a lot of practice. It holds all the elements of art, it has deep thoughts and motivation (most), and lastly is a unique way to show your talents and express yourself. Graffiti is its own form of art. Hence, Graffiti is art!

Digital Footprint

The article Digital Footprints talks about how your digital footprint is most likely being written without you, and how some of it may be good, bad, and most beyond your control. A digital footprint is traces left by someone’s activity in a digital environment. On the Internet when someone is networking it means to connect with people over the world and to share information with each other. When it comes to our learning and social life the Internet has played an important role both positively and negatively.

The main idea of the article focuses on networking. Is it good or bad?

The good side to networking is being able to connect with others around the world. Being able to talk to others with the same interest and passion as you. An example being Facebook, where people are able to become friends with you, share photos, talk to each other, and much more. For instance, on Facebook I am able to connect with people who I went to kindergarten with! This allows me to remember old friends as well as remember good old times. By networking you are also able to communicate a lot about the person and about yourself. The way you talk on Facebook or msn can represent what type of mood you’re in with the emoticons and the way you type (short form – “U” instead of “You”). Also, when it comes to networking there is also a positive effect on the education purposes. You are able to research on topics you didn’t know about and learn many new things.

Not having any form of a social networking can sometimes become a downfall. When potential employer, college recruiter or client Google’s your name and does not find anything or much what does that mean? It then becomes a negative light on your resume or portfolio. What I mean by this is that by not having any form of social networking means your not interactive with others or not allowing yourself outside the box. Also another downside would have to be the effect the networking language has on the minds of children. Students tend to use words on msn or Facebook such as “R” as are, “U” as you “Rite” as Write and etc. This sense of communication will affect the way students think and approach a piece of work in class. For instance I can relate back to when I was writing my essay worth 10% of my final grade in semester 1 (grade ten). When typing up the draft I used words such as “u, r, rite, bak, wat, etc”. Since I was so caught up in my msn language it didn’t ring a bell that my writing was wrong. Thankfully it was a draft and got edited by someone, or else I could have easily lost 5% on grammar and spelling on the rubric.

Furthermore, networking in my perspective has changed our lives, and maybe even taken over it for some of us. In the past, forms of communications were letters to people or using the telephone. When sending a letter to another country you had to pay shipping and stamps and more. Nowadays, we can communicate to as many people, from any part of the world extremely fast through emails with no charge. When it comes to taking over the lives of some of us, I believe that the network is really successful in doing this. Personally, I know of many people who come home from school and the first thing they do is turn on their computer. Even worst they sit there for the whole day and waste time. This experience can connect too many people. Or when people go far away, such as cottages over the summer and don’t have any form of messaging their friends over the Internet they freak out as if they can’t live without the computer! This is how the network is taking over our lives.

As you continue to read the article is gives you an example of a social net worker who is on their way to being Googled well. The network allows you to communicate ideas and messages; very effectively as many people can view it. Laura a 10-year-old girl started a blog “twenty-five days to make a difference”. She got a lot of readers who are being influenced to make a difference. She used the Internet to be able to promote charities and funds in memory of her grandfather. This shows that no matter what age, everyone can make a difference and should as they can change what is occurring around the world to a better place to be. Being able to be Googled well is what this article also talks about.

When someone Googles your name, business, school, etc to get information about you, what do you want to show up? Of course something good! These are where the tips come in handy to be able to build your own personal learning network. So that in the future you can be Googled well.

In conclusion, I believe that children should be encouraged to continue using the Internet if they are communicating in a respectful and appropriate tone or is using the Internet as a source of education. Networking does have its ups and downs but if you know how to use it carefully then carry on, but if you don’t then start thinking before you act.

Why I am in this course ?

Media arts is a course which I chose because I wanted to explore the different types of functions which are on the internet and on the computer itself. I wanted to learn more about skills which will allow me to do better in the future, if I end up going into computer sciences and technology. In this course I know that we learn about Photo shop, take photo shots and make movies. All these materials are things that interest me but I am not capable of learning how to do them by myself. In this class I would like to learn many things, especially including how to use Photo shop (become and expert). I also want to learn how to edit photos professionally which I take and also the many software which allow me to do so. Altogether mainly in this course i would like to know many various functions that are used on a computer and software's that will allow me to enhance myself as well as my skills. Also to be honest this was not one of my first choices to take as a optional, but it was an interest. In addition, this has to be an interest course BUT also a course which fills up my course sheet. In this class i would like to get above 90% for sure but aiming for a high 90 though. I hope that i get the best out of this class and learn everything that i wanted too, but as well as succeed towards my goal.