Week 4: Wimba

I received the following feedback from my friends/critical friends after sharing my Leadership project. Ayana McDowell shared the following, “Very informative and educational. This presentation informs parents and readers how vital digital storytelling is not only reaching our students through advanced technology in which the environment they now live. It also helps us to appreciate and acknowledge that digital storytelling is amusing and attractive to our children and helps them to enjoy reading on another level of education and technology. In which, this will expand their reading skills, as well as, knowledge of the world that surrounds them.

Antoinette Huff, stated the following, “Great presentation. Digital storytelling is a way for children to have a better understanding of what is being taught to them visually and verbally. In which, this is embedded in their minds and preparing them for their future.” careers.

Finally, Denise Jones stated that the presentation was good over all. She suggested that in my final presentation that I have fewer bullet points on some slides. She also suggested that some of the content be condensed and more concise. In addition, she suggested that during the presentation, I provide a handout to participants that including the Seven Elements of Digital Storytelling. Participants would then use the handout to identify the various elements in sample digital stories.

Week 4: Leadership

My goal for my Leadership Project is to conduct a presentation on my Action Research project on digital storytelling for early learning. I plan to apply to either an early childhood education conference like the National Association for the Education of Young People (NAEYC)
www.naeyc.org or the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/.  I've selected the NAEYC because presenting at the organizations conference will allow me to share my work with Early Childhood Education professionals on a national level. I've chosen to apply to present to SECA because as a Georgia resident it's a great opportunity to share my digital storytelling research with Georgia and other southern neighboring states. This would be a great opportunity for participants at the conference to connect and collorobrate on a regional level.

Week 1: Leadership Post
http://kwasidamonth11.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-1-leadership.html


Week 2: Leadership Post
http://kwasidamonth11.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-2-leadership.html

Week 3: Leadership Post
http://kwasidamonth11.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-3-leadership.html

Week 4: Leadership Post
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MfzdlHA8S2RiWOfqQAgjiyioIXAhoq8hgcxmwd0UTcE/edit

Week 4: Comments Entry

Comment on Amanda's Castaneda's post:

Amanda, there are so many take aways from the Zander's book, The Art of Possibilities. "I am the framework for everything that happens in my life" is one of the most profound messages in the book. I AM! ME! ________(fill your name) is totally responsible for my life. The blank canvas that we're all given allows us to paint our own world. I think that this this blank canvas can be exciting and remind us that there is a world of possibility. When we fear the vast possbilities sometimes we limit ourselves from what the Universe has provided. We are all blessed beyond measure!


Amanda's Castaneda post:

For this week’s reading there were a few statements the authors made that stood out to me. One being that “Certain things in life are better done in person.” This is such a true statement and reminded me of a young lady at Starbucks, had once told me that she hated working the drive thru, people are so rude and forget that there is a real person actually taking their order. I happened to be her first customer that did not do this. I was kind of surprised she had reveled something so personal to me. But she had been fed up with how people could find it ok to act like this because they were speaking into a small box, why is it that many people tend to think this type of attitude is acceptable in a non face-to-face meeting. I am sure many of her “rude” customers would never acted in such a way if they had gotten down instead. Its funny that people tend to put on a different persona when it comes to communicating in a non face-to-face meeting? I think the same is true for asking a favor or for some service you would like to person to do. Even when it comes to borrowing money this would apply largely because seeing someone in person than through email or the phone it is more personable and you are more likely to get the response you wanted in doing so.

Another quote I found to be quite powerful is “ I am the framework for everything that happens in my life” This quote reminds us that we can own the risks we take by standing in front of them and not casting blame elsewhere. We are responsible for what happens to us from the path we choose to take. We are built from our successes, failures, partnerships, and ideologies.

In the very last chapter “Coda” the book talks a little bit about why someone may have come across this book and hoped after reading it, you are able to view things in life a little differently with a new perspective. I think this quote sums it up what The Art of Possibility intended to do. 

“From a person who meets the challenges life serves up, to one who designs the stage on which her life plays out; from a single not to a long line, from partial to full expression, from the I to the WE.”



Comments on Sahpreem's Aaron King's Post:
Sahpreem, so we're waiting for your next book! Your interpretation of the book is a like a mini self help book. I appreciate the statement, "As a people, when we abandon possibility and accept despair as the norm, we have lost the war on hope." I've abandoned some possibilities in my life while trying to figure it all out. Reflecting on my life, many of the answers have always been in front of me. This also relates to another take away from your post, "In life you either take the drivers seat or sit back as a passenger and enjoy the ride." In some areas of my life, I've taken the driver seat and in other areas I didn't even realize I could "drive". 


You also mentioned in another post something that also been on my mind. We talk to our children about being their best, but I'm not sure if I always do my best! I reminded that being my best and being open to the endless possibilities is the best gift I can give myself, family and community.


Sahpreem Aaron King's post:

In response to this chapter I would like to start off the blog posts with this rap I composed:

“Light the spark that ignites the dark,

I remember when use to spit rhymes at park,

Every rapper took a turn on the invisible Mic,

And words held weight beyond game and mere hype,

Doors were opened when seeds were sowed,

Now we reap the harvest of the life that grows,

Turned haters and non-believers,

Into supporters and bros,

See the fire in the sky as the mind lights glow

Sometimes my tactics are rougher than cactus,

Cause it takes practice to separate the truth from actors”

10. Being the Board

In the Game of Life there are Winners and Losers

Life is a challenge and can be compared to a game of mystery, discovery, and limitless possibilities. Moreover, responsibility or accountability for the occurrences within our lives or realms of reality is not of our direct influence. If you believe in preordained fate, then you must subscribe to the premise that all of your life’s work has already been written and is for not, if you fail to find your purpose for being alive. Yes, many will argue that we have no purpose, but even a snail serves a purpose as part of the universe’s grand design of life. Being the board is about being responsible beyond the limits of our control and appointed responsibilities. How many times have you been to convenience store and the coffee pots is empty and the folks behind the counter shrug their shoulders through their hands up and complain, “it’s not my job (to fill the coffee pot)”? Probably, more times than you can even count. Or do you recall calling the XYZ Company’s customer service line and being passed around from agent-to-agent like a game of hot potato? Being the board is not about accepting blame for the ills of society, but understanding that we all play a part in what goes on in the world and knowing that we all have a back-story or set of circumstances that led up this very moment. When we open our minds to having a 360-degree view, we open our hearts to love, empathy, and charity. When we point the finger, there are three pointing back at us. In the words of the immortal King of Pop, Michael Jackson (RIP) “I’m starting with the man in the mirror.”

11. Creating Frameworks for Possibility

As a people, when we abandon possibility and accept despair as the norm, we have lost the war on hope. Dream as big as you can and build a rainbow bridge that extends over the valleys and pits of hate and indifference. Understand that there is a bona fide difference between “game” and “truth”. Once we are able to wipe the mud from our glasses and see the infinite benefit of peace, harmony, and goodwill towards fellow man, then we can begin to explore the vast oasis of all that is good and right in the universe. As we design the framework of possibility, we become architects of our own fate. Collectively we decided how our blueprint should read, what is good or bad, right or wrong, and more Importantly the direction of our focus. When buy into the dream of humanity we accept the collective vision as our own, opening a realm of possibility that we must take responsibility for maintaining by participating in its evolution. In life you either take the drivers seat or sit back as a passenger and enjoy the ride. If you choose the latter over the former then you have no right to be a backseat driver.

12. Telling the We Story

The conflict between Us and Them has been an age-old battle since before man could read or write. In the grand scheme of the universe, no group has ever wielded more power and influence than the collective We. Togetherness can conquer what the separatist failed to overcome. In this statement, I say that every human being is capable of making a contribution to humanity because it takes two to dance the Tango. In this chapter, the authors depict a similar passion for the collective experience whereas each human’s survival is interdependent on the next. What is best for us is the underlying question here. In the alchemy of we, our community strengthens as our intentions are focused on standing together as one. Far too often this is forgotten amongst the people until cataclysmic forces the likes of the 911 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina temporarily bring us together. United we stand divided we fall. Perhaps we must agree that divided we don’t stand a chance as a human society.

Week 4: Reading - The Art of Possibility

The last couple of chapters of the Zander's the Art of Possibility were empowering. The following were my take- a ways from practices 9-12.

-It's important to not about forcing, tricking or quilt-tripping someone into doing things your way. Enrollment is about helping to generate a spark of possibility for others to share.

- "Rename yourself as the board on which the whole games are being played. You move the problematic aspect of any circumstance form the outside world inspire the boundaries of yourself. With this act you can transform the world."

-  "Invent and sustain frameworks that bring possibility. It is about restricting meanings. Creating visions, and establishing environments where possibility is spoken-where the buoyant force of possibility overcomes the pull of the downward spiral."

-"Tell the WE story-the story of the unseen threads that connects us all, the story of possibility."

Week 3: Comments Entry

Comments on Dana Scobie's Blog

Dana I totally agree that moving on past resistance is important especially since life will bring many challenges. It’s important to learn to be open to many possibilities. I also like the idea of allowing students to be leaders by teaching one another. With two sets of twins, my older set (boys) takes the lead in our household. They ensure that our younger set (girls) is well taken care of.

Dana Scobie's post


In the "Leadership From Any Chair" section, I love the story about the youth orchestra's trip to Cuba.  I think we can draw many parallels about leadership in this story and teaching.  It's important for those in leadership positions (teachers) to sometimes step down and empower students teach each other.
Rule #6 is so important to remember.  I think it is important to remember to not take ourselves too seriously.  We get so busy and worked up about things.  It's all invented anyway, right?
I also like the idea of "presence without resistance".  The book gives the example of going on a Florida vacation, only to have rain.  I think asking the question, "What do we want to do from here?" and being open to many other possibilities is a healthy way to look at life.  Surely we all have disappointments in life at times, but looking at new possibilities without dwelling on the negative is something everyone could try to do.

On a side note, after watching Zander's TED talks, I think the audio book (if he narrated it) would be fantastic!

Comment on Carl Shuprine' Blog

Carl one of my take- a- ways is also to be present with the way things are. I’m a planner, which is a great thing. However, sometimes I’m planning so far into the future, I get overwhelmed with the present. My mother always reminds me of the mind based cognitive therapy- mindfulness meditation. Mindfullness means, “paying attention on purpose to present experience, without judgment. By slowing down, being fully present, and examining the mind and emotions with acceptance, the mindfulness practitioner can find freedom from suffering.”

Carl Suptrine’s Blog

I took a number of take-a-ways from this weeks reading. I really resonated with Rosamund and Benjamin Zander’s discussion about childlike behaviorisms following people into adulthood. All to often you encounter people who exhibit questionable behavior due to insecurities. They posture and put up fronts of power, many times becoming extremely stubborn unwilling to relent that they have made a mistake or are wrong, simply because they fear that this admonition will diminish them from the perspective of others. Good leaders must learn humility, be willing to learn, and extend their trust to those that they depend on. This behavior tends to make hypocrites of people as well.

They will persist in a way of thinking even after changing circumstances force them to take actions that are completely contrary to their supposed beliefs.It reminds me of the term “flip-flopper” used so often as an insult in politics. I hate this term because a person, especially a policy maker, should be able change their mind as new information presents itself. This does not necessarily make someone untrustworthy or indecisive, it makes a person lucid.

The authors’ comment of leading from any chair tie right into the work my school has been doing to shift the focus of our classrooms from teacher-centered to student-centered. It is an amazing thing to witness a group of students learning from not just one teacher, but the 15-20 other teachers that are in the class with them. There is almost a palpable change of energy in the room when it takes place. You can sense a feeling of empowerment and mutual respect from all.

Unfortunately it does not always work for everyone. Benjamin Zander describes empowering all of his musicians by viewing them as “glorious lovers of music.” However this is an obvious truth. Why else would they have pursued this career? I have to say that high school students do not always have even a slight amount of passion as many times they feel forced to participate either by law or the pressures of parents or requirements to graduate. They did not make the choice to be in a particular class and as a result simply do not have an interest. For these students the first battle is helping them to make some sort of personal connection to the subject matter and igniting even a small spark of passion.

I absolutely love the Rule Number 6. If the super egos of the world could get out of the way I truly believe there would be greater understanding amongst all. Plain and simple.

The authors’ concepts of being present to the way things are shares many similarities to the philosophy of yoga. Yoga teaches you to be present in the moment. When things become difficult you it is important to focus on your breath and breath through it. As long as you are aware of your struggle, you are in control of your struggle, which enables you to persist through it. Once you make it through you will find yourself stronger and more flexible, ready to take on even greater challenges.

I also believe one of the keys to achieving this type of growth is, as the authors stated, eliminating denial, blame, or other escapes from your thinking. This could very well be favorite behavior of a typical high school student. If something goes wrong it is always someone else’s fault. It’s the classic, “the dog ate my homework.” Even students that have obviously misbehaved immediately try to shift blame by questioning other’s behavior rather than reflecting on their own. This may be one of the most frustrating aspects of working with high school students for me. They look like adults; they want to be treated like adults, yet most are still very much under the influence of the childlike behaviors of the calculating self.

As for chapter eight I have always giving way to passion. When I have committed to something I have always been fully committed. That said, this idea has been shed in a new light since I have become a teacher. My goal for every day is for every student I teach to exist in a state of passion while they are in my classroom. Alas, this is not the reality. However, this perspective has been one of the driving forces throughout the last year during my own educational journey. Many of my friends gave me hard time about the amount of work I put into this program. They would question whether I always had to do “A” work or if I couldn’t just do enough to get by. But that has never been a question for me. I am all in

Week 3: Reading - The Art of Possibility

Chapter 5-8 in the book the Art of Possibility by Zander further spells out how to really open ourselves to the possibilities. I like how the 5th rule shares that a leader doen't need a podium. It reminds me that we lead in all aspects of our lives; parents, educators, siblings, neighbor, friend etc... When we are courageous enough to take the.....then we truly lead from any chair.  My favorite rule is Rule number 6, "Don't take yourself so goddamn seriously." I've always taken my life with intense purpose sometimes causing great stress. I've definitely been on a vibe to lighten up. In the text, it mentioned when lightening up it may lighten up those around me. Lightening things up is important as a wife, mother and educator.

Week 3: Leadership

Doing a conference presentation is the most effective way to show early learning teachers great examples of digital stories. It’s also a great opportunity to generate a discussion on the best strategies to integrate digital stories/technology into the early learning environment.

One of the conferences I plan to apply to is the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) conference. The Southern Early Childhood Early Childhood education Association is an organization for teachers, administrators and caregivers of children from preschool to early childhood education. Their focus is on “improving the quality of care and education for young children and their families through advocacy and professional development. The association and annual conference includes early childhood education associations from Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Presenting at the conference would be an excellent opportunity to share with southern state educators my knowledge, expertise and experience with early learning digital storytelling. The other organization where I’ll submit an application to present will be the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Presenting at this conference is an excellent opportunity to share my digital storytelling knowledge on a national scale.

Week 2: Comments Entry

Week 2: Comments on Amanda Castaneda's Blog

Amanda I couldn’t agree more about the power of the Art of Possibilities. I really, really appreciate you ending your blog post with the quote, “Throw yourself into life as someone who makes a difference, accepting that you may not understand how or why.” I’m going to post that statement in my office space.  Zander really does a great job inspiring readers to venture beyond your initial perceptions. The nine-dot puzzle should be used more often in education. It’s a great simple way to show students to think more critically.

Amanda’s Castaneda's post

Before reading the first four chapters of our book The Art of Possibility By Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, I decided to review Benjamin Zander’s TED performance. One of statements he made that really stood out to me was “One of the characteristics of a leader is to not doubt for a moment, the capacity of the people he’s leading to realize what ever he is dreaming” I was really moved by this statement and the passion he displayed, making this presentation so inspiring to watch.

I think Zander’s enthusiasm really showed through when he connected with the audience by not containing his presentation to just the stage but by getting up close to audience really bringing them into his speech. His ability to play the piano was absolutely beautiful and the way he shared his passion for classical music, not only with the audience but also like myself watching the video, was absolutely amazing. Zander closes the presentation with a simple yet powerful statement from a Holocaust Survivor as a way to bear in mind that it really does matter what we say “I will never say anything that couldn’t stand as the last thing I ever say.” 

The Art of possibility is really a great book, because almost anyone could relate to what this book is speaking to. Its about being able to realize what could be and making things a possibility to live into. 

The book gives us an example of the famous nine-dot puzzle, as a way to show the readers how when first seeing this puzzle you are confined to perceive these dots as a square and when first trying to solve the puzzle many people find themselves struggling. When you actually look at the nine-dot solution you view the nine dots in a completely different way compared to the first set of dots presented. Initially when trying to solve this puzzle you become fixed only on the area that contained the dots. 

The author’s states that our mind creates these fames that confine what we may see as being plausible. The example of the nine-dot puzzle all ties to the underlying point that when you can take those frames created and invent new frames and spaces then you are able to see solutions or opportunities that you may had never noticed.

Each chapter provides its readers with wonderful examples of how we can shed a new light on making things possible and that every mistake is a learning opportunity and way we can improve. Each chapter provides a section where we can take these ideas and practice them in our everyday lives.

“ Throw yourself into life as someone who makes a difference, accepting that you may not understand how or why.”


Week 2: Comments on Michael Coley's Blog

Michael, I’m glad I read your blog. You are absolutely right about giving our students more opportunities to just make decisions. Shoot, I need to just make more decisions without tolling with the outcome. Fear can really paralyze one who feels like they have to make the right decision. I’ve worked with children from 12 months to 18 years. I love the fact that toddlers and preschoolers aren’t hindered about the right or wrong decision. It’s important that we all reconnect with that fearlessness from our early childhood.

Michael Coley's post
In Zander’s book The Art of Possibility, a couple of things caught my attention. Notes on practicing, Roz tells a story about her first white water rafting trip and the guide educating everyone about what to do if you fall out of the boat. The guide kept repeating toes to nose and look for the boat. It reminded me of my boss, Mr. Williams, telling our department staff to sell your program. He said it over and over in our department meetings. About the time the economy went south, the Georgia Department of Education changed the name of my introduction to construction class to Occupational Safety and Fundamentals. My first thought was what high school student would sign up for a class with that name. I thought about it for a few minutes knowing that to keep a CTAE Program alive you had to have numbers. My numbers were always high because my class was easy to recognize by the name until now. Then I could hear Mr. Williams say you have to sell your program. I began to sell my program by talking about what the new class would offer. I had to re-call the catch phrase that Mr. Williams had provided to me in advance.

Giving an A and taking away the fear of making mistakes would benefit my students. I remember back to my first construction job. I ran a crew for a small company remolding offices. My boss had a saying if you get into a situation and was unsure about what to do, he would say do the best you can with what you got. He also gave me an A from the start. He said to always make a decision and go with it and if it’s wrong we will fix it later. He said it was better to make a decision right or wrong than to just sit around and not do anything. I think as teachers we need to do the same for our students. I think if we provide for students with a learning environment free from the fear of making mistakes student learning will increase. I think sometimes teachers hold back students from learning because of the fear of failure.

Week 2: Reading-The Art of Possibility

The book The Art of Possibilities by Benjamin Zander is an inspiring and amazing book. The reading assignment comes at a perfect time in my life and I stand at several crossroads in my life. While, I've read numerous self help books, I like the way the author frames the power of possibilities. I'm a pretty positive and optimisitic person. However, latetly I've been tested by a few challenges in my life. As I read the text, I'm reminded that I really need to draw a different frame around my current circumstances. This suggestions is motivating and aspiring because it provides hopes. The following, statement " We perceive only the sensations we are programmed to receive, and our awareness is further restricted by the fact that we recognize only those for which we have mental maps or categories," is powerful as it encourages us to think beyond our perceptions.

I also really appreciate the author, stating that much of our existence is about survival. Day in day out, even as I strive for personal fulfillment my subconscious is pretty much focused on the business of  survival. I enter the realm of possibility when I'm around the ocean, as it calms my spirit and grounds me  and reminds me to just be.

Zander, R. Zander, B. (2002) The Art of Possibility. Transforming professional and personal life 1-65

Week 2: Wimba

The last MAC Wimba session was extremely helpful. In addition to learning more about copyright, I found it very interesting to learn about the 10 Big Myths about Copyright. I took a screenshot of the 10 Myths so that I can use them as a reference.

I'm also really, really, really happy about getting clarity about the Leadership Project. It's a relief to know we don't have to have a conference presenatation acceptance letter before graduation. Howerer, it is encouraging to begin thinking about various ways to share the knowlege I gained during this EMDT program.

Week 2: Leadership

My goal for my Leadership Project is to conduct a presentation on the power of digital storytelling for early learning. My presentation will detail the process and results of my Action Research Project on digital storytelling in education and how it can help student’s communication skills, improve literacy and empower students. Doing a conference presentation is the most effective way to show early learning teachers great examples of digital stories. It’s also a great opportunity to generate a discussion on the best strategies to integrate digital stories/technology into the early learning environment. In addition to sharing my experience working with early childhood education teachers, I will walk participants through the process of creating digital stories through Little Bird Tales, a user-friendly web 2.0 software.

I plan to apply to one of the early childhood education conferences like the National Association for the Education of Young People (NAEYC) or the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) conference. I will also apply to a technology in education conference like the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), or the Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GAETC).

Week 1: Leadership

For almost a century Disney has been preeminent in the world of children's/family entertainment.  Through it's music, theme parks, movies, games, and other disney products the world of Disney has inspired people to dream big. It has become recognized as the place where dreams come through.

As a children's media producer, I am inspired by Disney's leadership in family entertainment. I admire how Disney grew from a small cartoon studio to an entertainment empire that has captivated, inspired and entertained millions. I am moved by Disney's ability to place a large stamp on every aspect of family entertainment.

Week 1: Comments entry

Week 1: Comment on Dana Scobie's Blog:

Dana it’s interesting your first sentence in this blog post was one of my last sentences. I definitely think that it’s extremely important to remember that a major part of copyright is really about consent.

Also, I too wonder as educators and students if we’re really using images and videos legally. I think that I always feel sort of safe because of it’s educational purpose.

Dana Scobie's post:

One video mentioned that copyright isn’t about use, but about permission, which I think is really important to remember.  It doesn’t so much matter how you used something or what your intentions were, but do you have permission to use it? 

I found the Disney clips video, A Fair(y) Use Tale, very interesting.  In talking about fair use, a video mentioned using just a small part, which this video obviously complies with.  This really makes me think about teachers.  I know many teachers show clips and videos all the time.  It makes me wonder: is what a lot of us do on a regular basis actually illegal?

I think there are 2 sides to look at copyright, well maybe 3.  Some people just want movies and music for free.  Some people have fairly good intentions and want to use copyrighted items, maybe for educational purposes and want to see what they can get away with, and hope they don’t get caught.  Another side of that are documentary filmmakers who want to prove a point or preserve history.  To me, this seems like more of an unselfish point of view.

I really like the idea of creative commons.  It’s a way for artists to put their work on the Internet for people to use under the conditions they set.  I thought the video was very nice.  It was nice to see an explanation of creative commons.  We’ve used Flickr Creative Commons in previous classes in this program, but I was never completely clear what it was, exactly.


Week 1: Comment on Del Richard's Blog:
Del I too have thought about the use of copyrighted work for educational purposes. Until the video and your reminder, I have to remind myself that it's cool in small bits. The goal is to use the work to help to inform, educate or inspire while teaching. As long as educational use doesn't venture into the for profit end of things, it's pretty safe.


Del Richard's post:
Copyright is a complex subject and a subject that so many people ignore. In Brad Templeton’s article 10 Big Myths about Copyright Explained, he covers 11 different myths people believe about copyright laws. I have heard teachers and students use some of the same myths. I am not sure if they believe them or just use them for an excuse. People believe if they buy music then they can do whatever they like with it because they own it. The same is true with the Internet, students believe it is okay to grab images and use them at anytime. The software on computers today makes it so easy for people to copy.

I know teachers use copyrighted materials for educational purposes. I believe they do not understand that it has to be in small bits. The unassigned percentage for the amount of use provides a so-called loophole. The video A Fair(y) Use Tale, provides a great example of a small bit and what a great video demonstrating the use of a small bit. I think on the educational side a small bit will get the point across to students better than providing a copy of the whole article or video.

I thought the Obama hope poster article was interesting and I would have liked to see how the court system would have ruled. Did Shepard Fairey”s Obama Hope poster meet the requirements of fair use? Would it be a parody? The definition of a parody is an imitation or a version of something that falls short of the real thing. I believe it looks like the real thing. It would have been interesting to see how the court would have ruled and if Shepard had a good defensible position. Fair use is not a right but a defensible position. Shepard could have just as easily found an image in creative commons.

Week 1: Wimba

I really appreciate how Mr. Bustillos explained month 11 expectations and assignments. I was really able to get a clear picture of this month and the rest of the program. I especially want thank Mr.Bustillos for breaking down the abtract in very elementary terms.

Week 1: Copyright Issues

Really interesting to learn about things you can’t copyright. It’s good to know how to copyright creative works that aren’t in the written form. I also find it interesting how you can only copyright titles, names, short phrases or slogans on a tangible item. When I think about it, it makes sense. It’s pretty easy to find the same word combination in several industries businesses etc. I thought it was ridiculous when Spike Lee wanted to sue Spike TV for using the name Spike. He would have to sue the company that makes sue Spike seasonings and a host of other companies.

I really appreciate Mr. Bustillos sharing that “Copyright is not about usage, it’s about permission”. The aforementioned shares that copyright is clearly about ensuring that you have consent to use a work.