Thanks to everyone for your attendance, focus and engagement with the Media Magazine conference.
Despite their technical issues (quote of the day from Sarika: "This is nearly as bad as the Media Awards!") your concentration was very good and the vast majority of you made detailed notes.
This is just a reminder that you need to type up your notes from the conference - publish it on your coursework blog please.
Finally, the conference organisers have requested we complete feedback - please follow this link and answer the questions, it only takes a couple of minutes. I've already done it and been quite harsh on the technical side but very positive about the speakers!
For anyone who hasn't brought in the reply slip and money for the BFI Library trip, that is coming up in three weeks. I'll be sending the BFI a list of your critical investigation titles next week and will not send details for anyone who hasn't paid. Thank you to everyone who has already paid for the trip - much appreciated.
Mr Halsey
Friday, November 06, 2015
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
13A cover work 04/11/15: Mr Halsey
13A, please accept my humble apologies - it seems all my training and meetings outside school are on a Wednesday at the moment. However, you gain a two-day extension to get your Notes and Quotes document to 2,000 words and also have plenty more you can be getting on with.
The key focus for today's lesson is online research. You will already have a fair amount in your research plan but we have plenty more resources for you to search to improve your Notes and Quotes document.
All the online research sources are outlined in this blogpost - there will be plenty for you to work through, identify, read and research.
I will be starting my research tutorials with you on Friday and continuing them next week. In the meantime, make the most of the lesson time and email me if you have any issues.
Good luck!
The key focus for today's lesson is online research. You will already have a fair amount in your research plan but we have plenty more resources for you to search to improve your Notes and Quotes document.
All the online research sources are outlined in this blogpost - there will be plenty for you to work through, identify, read and research.
I will be starting my research tutorials with you on Friday and continuing them next week. In the meantime, make the most of the lesson time and email me if you have any issues.
Good luck!
Monday, November 02, 2015
Critical investigation: Media Magazine and online research
The next step for our critical investigation research is searching the archives of Media Magazine and other online sources.
Media Magazine archive
By now, you should have over 2,000 words in your Notes and Quotes document and will still have a huge amount to read and watch. Today, we’re going to focus on another brilliant resource for our research: the Media Magazine archive.
We have the last 23 issues of Media Magazine in pdf format and also in the archive is a Word document with the contents for each issue. This means it will be easy to go through all 20 issues and identify articles that could help with your topic.
You can also search the recently re-launched Media Magazine website - our exclusive Greenford log-in details are:
Username: greenford
Password: greenfordmm
Once you’ve identified the articles, you can then read and research them to add to your Notes and Quotes document.
Media Edu
Another online resource that contains a large number of case studies and articles on key media issues is mediaedu.
Click on the top right box 'Login' and use our exclusive Greenford Media log-in:
Username: greenford
P/W: greenfordedu
You may need to search for a few different aspects of your topic but you will find some excellent case studies, theories and more on this website.
e-Jump Cut online media journal
Jump Cut is an online contemporary Media journal with an archive dating back 40 years. It is published every year and each issue offers around 50 articles on aspects of film and media, often looking at controversial or niche topics. The current issue is available here and the archive can be found here.
It's definitely worth searching the e-Jump Cut archive for articles on your chosen topic – there are hundreds to choose from. Note, you don't need a log-in for Jump Cut, the material is available for free online.
If you have a problem with any of the links or log-ins then please let me know.
Good luck!
Media Magazine archive
By now, you should have over 2,000 words in your Notes and Quotes document and will still have a huge amount to read and watch. Today, we’re going to focus on another brilliant resource for our research: the Media Magazine archive.
We have the last 23 issues of Media Magazine in pdf format and also in the archive is a Word document with the contents for each issue. This means it will be easy to go through all 20 issues and identify articles that could help with your topic.
You can also search the recently re-launched Media Magazine website - our exclusive Greenford log-in details are:
Username: greenford
Password: greenfordmm
Once you’ve identified the articles, you can then read and research them to add to your Notes and Quotes document.
Media Edu
Another online resource that contains a large number of case studies and articles on key media issues is mediaedu.
Click on the top right box 'Login' and use our exclusive Greenford Media log-in:
Username: greenford
P/W: greenfordedu
You may need to search for a few different aspects of your topic but you will find some excellent case studies, theories and more on this website.
e-Jump Cut online media journal
Jump Cut is an online contemporary Media journal with an archive dating back 40 years. It is published every year and each issue offers around 50 articles on aspects of film and media, often looking at controversial or niche topics. The current issue is available here and the archive can be found here.
It's definitely worth searching the e-Jump Cut archive for articles on your chosen topic – there are hundreds to choose from. Note, you don't need a log-in for Jump Cut, the material is available for free online.
If you have a problem with any of the links or log-ins then please let me know.
Good luck!
Media Magazine Conference - trip briefing
The Media Magazine Student Conference is on Thursday with an excellent line-up including Guardian journalist and campaigner Owen Jones.
You will receive a trip briefing sheet in one of your Media lessons this week with map and timings but it's here if you need an electronic copy.
Remember, we are meeting at 9.30am on Thursday outside Russell Square underground station.
Urgent note: if you haven't paid for the trip you MUST pay reception on Tuesday - tickets have now been purchased so you will be charged for the trip regardless as it is a compulsory trip for Y13 Media students.
See you at Russell Square station (on the street outside the entrance) at 9.30am on Thursday!
You will receive a trip briefing sheet in one of your Media lessons this week with map and timings but it's here if you need an electronic copy.
Remember, we are meeting at 9.30am on Thursday outside Russell Square underground station.
Urgent note: if you haven't paid for the trip you MUST pay reception on Tuesday - tickets have now been purchased so you will be charged for the trip regardless as it is a compulsory trip for Y13 Media students.
See you at Russell Square station (on the street outside the entrance) at 9.30am on Thursday!
NDM: Marxism, Pluralism and Hegemony
Starter
I've got some reading to get you started. There is a reference to hegemony in a Guardian article about last year's Hunger Games film that could also be linked to feminism - read the article on the Hunger Games and at least 15 comments below the line. How does this link to what we've learned about hegemony?
Main task
Read the Media Magazine article ‘Web 2.0: Participation or Hegemony?'. Go to our archive of Media Magazine issues and click on MM39 - the article you need is on page 58. Answer the following questions:
1) Research the Ian Tomlinson case. What would the traditional, hegemonic view of the police be in a case like this? How did new and digital media create a different story? What does the police officer's subsequent aquittal suggest about the power of new and digital media?
2) What does the author argue regarding whether hegemony is being challenged by Web 2.0?
3) In your opinion, does new and digital media reinforce dominant hegemonic views or give the audience a platform to challenge them?
Complete for homework - due Friday.
I've got some reading to get you started. There is a reference to hegemony in a Guardian article about last year's Hunger Games film that could also be linked to feminism - read the article on the Hunger Games and at least 15 comments below the line. How does this link to what we've learned about hegemony?
Main task
Read the Media Magazine article ‘Web 2.0: Participation or Hegemony?'. Go to our archive of Media Magazine issues and click on MM39 - the article you need is on page 58. Answer the following questions:
1) Research the Ian Tomlinson case. What would the traditional, hegemonic view of the police be in a case like this? How did new and digital media create a different story? What does the police officer's subsequent aquittal suggest about the power of new and digital media?
2) What does the author argue regarding whether hegemony is being challenged by Web 2.0?
3) In your opinion, does new and digital media reinforce dominant hegemonic views or give the audience a platform to challenge them?
Sunday, November 01, 2015
Year 13: Folder check and NDM homework update
As we are at the half-way point in our New and Digital Media and News unit, we need to set a couple of pieces of homework that check we are keeping up to date with all the work so far. This means a folder check and creating an index of all our NDM homework stories so far.
Folder check
On Friday you need to bring an up-to-date folder to the lesson to show you are organising all of your notes, work, test papers and more. Specifically, we will be checking you've got the following:
Folder check
On Friday you need to bring an up-to-date folder to the lesson to show you are organising all of your notes, work, test papers and more. Specifically, we will be checking you've got the following:
- Ring binder folder or equivalent
- Dividers - section for each teacher
- Course outline/ print from spec
- Notes in chronological order/title/date
- Quality of note taking
- Blog print-out - to end of last half-term
- Marked NDM assessment
- Homework completed/quality
Due: Friday
NDM stories
Now we've covered half of the NDM News unit, we need to develop our collection of the NDM stories. Your ongoing, weekly homework from now on is as follows:
TWO New/Digital news stories on your blog EVERY week (including holidays). ONE can be general NDM (technology, social networking etc.) but you need AT LEAST ONE story every week that relates to news, journalism and New/Digital Media. Great examples of stories that fit this criteria have appeared in just the last few days:
Due: EVERY week on Friday (13C)
Task for this week
Compile an index of ALL of your NDM stories from the first half term. This homework was set on Friday 11 September which means you should have a minimum of 16 stories in your index this week.
Your index should have the story number (starting with your first story back in September as #1), the headline and a link to your blog post for that story
If you want to see an example, check out this blog post from one of our past students - you need this level of quality and detail in your story index too. (Incidentally, she went on to a get an A in Media - and you can see why).
Due: Friday
Due: Friday
Monday, October 19, 2015
NDM: News values
Galtung and Ruge (1981) defined a set of news values to explain how journalists and editors decided that certain stories and photographs were accepted as newsworthy, while others were not.
The following list is adapted from their work:
Immediacy: has it happened recently?
Familiarity: is it culturally close to us in Britain?
Amplitude: is it a big event or one which involves large numbers of people?
Frequency: does the event happen fairly regularly?
Unambiguity: is it clear and definite?
Predictability: did we expect it to happen?
Surprise: is it a rare or unexpected event?
Continuity: has this story already been defined as news?
Elite nations and people: which country has the event happened in? Does the story concern well-known people?
Negativity: is it bad news?
Balance: the story may be selected to balance other news, such as a human survival story to balance a number of stories concerning death.
Classwork/Homework
How has new and digital media technology changed Galtung and Ruge’s news values?
How would you update them for 2015?
Due: first double lesson after half-term
The following list is adapted from their work:
Immediacy: has it happened recently?
Familiarity: is it culturally close to us in Britain?
Amplitude: is it a big event or one which involves large numbers of people?
Frequency: does the event happen fairly regularly?
Unambiguity: is it clear and definite?
Predictability: did we expect it to happen?
Surprise: is it a rare or unexpected event?
Continuity: has this story already been defined as news?
Elite nations and people: which country has the event happened in? Does the story concern well-known people?
Negativity: is it bad news?
Balance: the story may be selected to balance other news, such as a human survival story to balance a number of stories concerning death.
Classwork/Homework
How has new and digital media technology changed Galtung and Ruge’s news values?
How would you update them for 2015?
In a blog post, write how EACH news value has been affected by the growth of new and digital technology.
E.g. Immediacy is more important than ever due to news breaking on Twitter or elsewhere online. However, this in turn changes the approach of other news sources such as newspapers as the news will probably already be broken so different angles might be required. Newspapers now contain more comment or opinion rather than the breaking story.
Due: first double lesson after half-term
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Critical Investigation: Notes and quotes
You should by now have an in-depth, completed Critical Investigation Proposal on your blog.
The next step is to develop a 'Notes and Quotes' document to contain all your research. This document will eventually be many thousands of words and contain all your links, ideas, comments and quotes from everything you read and watch. It is essential that you have a wide collection of research and notes before you write a single word of your actual essay.
What does a great Notes and Quotes document look like? Have a look at former student Navneet's Notes and Quotes blogpost - and bear in mind she went on to write an outstanding essay that achieved 47 out of 48 marks.
Your classwork AND homework is to start your Notes and Quotes document and reach at least 2,000 words - due after half-term.
You may want to do this on Microsoft Word initially but you WILL have to publish everything you've got to your blog at least once a week for the next month.
Fortunately, you already have a template for this document from the last section of your Critical Investigation Proposal. Indeed, you may have already copied everything over into a new blogpost under the heading Research Plan.
Either way, you now need to create a new blogpost called Notes and Quotes and start watching, reading and writing up any thoughts, ideas, quotes or comments you think of while you research.
You'll need this on your blog - with at least 2,000 words of content - for your first double Media lesson after half-term - good luck!
The next step is to develop a 'Notes and Quotes' document to contain all your research. This document will eventually be many thousands of words and contain all your links, ideas, comments and quotes from everything you read and watch. It is essential that you have a wide collection of research and notes before you write a single word of your actual essay.
What does a great Notes and Quotes document look like? Have a look at former student Navneet's Notes and Quotes blogpost - and bear in mind she went on to write an outstanding essay that achieved 47 out of 48 marks.
Your classwork AND homework is to start your Notes and Quotes document and reach at least 2,000 words - due after half-term.
You may want to do this on Microsoft Word initially but you WILL have to publish everything you've got to your blog at least once a week for the next month.
Fortunately, you already have a template for this document from the last section of your Critical Investigation Proposal. Indeed, you may have already copied everything over into a new blogpost under the heading Research Plan.
Either way, you now need to create a new blogpost called Notes and Quotes and start watching, reading and writing up any thoughts, ideas, quotes or comments you think of while you research.
You'll need this on your blog - with at least 2,000 words of content - for your first double Media lesson after half-term - good luck!
Sunday, October 11, 2015
NDM News: Citizen journalism
Read the article from Media Magazine: The Rise and Rise of UGC (Dec 2009). Use our Media Magazine archive, click on MM30 and go to page 55.
Next, create a blogpost where you make notes from the article under the following headings:
Next, answer the following questions in the same blogpost:
1) What is meant by the term ‘citizen journalist’?
2) What was one of the first examples of news being generated by ‘ordinary people’?
3) List some of the formats for participation that are now offered by news organisations.
4) What is one of the main differences between professionally shot footage and that taken first-hand (UGC)?
5) What is a gatekeeper?
6) How has the role of a gatekeeper changed?
7) What is one of the primary concerns held by journalists over the rise of UGC?
Finally, consider the following questions and answer each bullet point in the same blogpost:
What impact is new/digital media having on the following:
Next, create a blogpost where you make notes from the article under the following headings:
- examples
- theory (audience reception etc.)
- benefits to institutions
- benefits to audience
- wider issues and debates
- SHEP
Next, answer the following questions in the same blogpost:
1) What is meant by the term ‘citizen journalist’?
2) What was one of the first examples of news being generated by ‘ordinary people’?
3) List some of the formats for participation that are now offered by news organisations.
4) What is one of the main differences between professionally shot footage and that taken first-hand (UGC)?
5) What is a gatekeeper?
6) How has the role of a gatekeeper changed?
7) What is one of the primary concerns held by journalists over the rise of UGC?
Finally, consider the following questions and answer each bullet point in the same blogpost:
What impact is new/digital media having on the following:
- news stories
- the news agenda (the choice of stories that make up the news)
- the role of professionals in news
Finish this for homework - due next week (13C - Monday 19 October).
Remember, this is in addition to the regular NDM stories on your blog - two due every week without fail.
Thursday, October 08, 2015
Media Awards nominations 2015
We are proud to announce the Media Awards nominations for 2015!
A Level
Best Y12 Cinematography
Labrat (Tejas, Ammar & Leila)
Ransom (Kunal, Ahmed & Zubair)
Second Level South (Kishan & Kacper)
Best Y12 Sound Design
Conscience (Alison, Sarika, Serenna & Sophia K)
Clairvoyance (Shanara & Daine)
One Girl’s Story (Ashmita, Dhruvina & Sarese)
Best Y12 Production Design
Problematic (Izzah, Tina & Sophia Q)
Ransom (Kunal, Ahmed & Zubair)
Tribulations (Abdishakur, Blitz, Hussein & Shivum)
Best Y12 Dialogue/Voiceover
The Experiment (Rabia)
Second Level South (Kishan & Kacper)
In Mind (Lee, Luke, Ryan & Kirath)
Best Y12 Original Screenplay
Off The Corner (Mansour & Abdiasis)
The Experiment (Rabia)
Labrat (Tejas, Ammar & Leila)
Best Y12 Film Editing
Follow Me (Harmony, Samsam & Jasmine)
Tribulations (Abdishakur, Blitz, Hussein & Shivum)
Trace (Indera)
GCSE
Best GCSE Cinematography
Chandelier – Sia - Imani
Everytime- Loreen - Amrit
It G Ma – Keith Ape - Abhisek
On My Way – Charlie Brown – Sylwia & Yasmin
Run Boy Run - Woodkid – Abdi, Mamduh & Mohammed A
Best GCSE Editing
Birthday Card – Example – Shivam
Major Lazer – Watch Out For This – Anjali, Brianna & Klea
Rap God – Eminem - Akash
SchoolboyQ – The Purge - Amar
Stranger – Jhene Aiko - Era
Best GCSE Music Video Concept
7/11 – Beyonce - Jaya
Hold On – Skepta – Danish
Recovery – James Arthur - Amina
These are the songs – Bashy - Daniel
Zombie – The Pretty Reckless - Sophie
Best Actor & Actress
Best Actor
Mr Artus - Mithras
Viraj Juneja - Copyrighter
Rahul Malik - Clairvoyance
Chandell Williams – Labrat
Best Actress
Shirin Alaa – The Experiment
Tyra Brown - Ransom
Devi Joshi - Clairvoyance
Emily Rhodes – Pocket dreams
Congratulations to ALL our Media students from last year – there were some incredibly difficult decisions, particularly with so many music videos to choose from at GCSE level.
The Media Awards takes place on Tuesday 20 October.
The theme is LAS VEGAS which means dressing to impress!
Tickets are £3 if you buy before Friday 16 October (£5 afterwards) and available from the Media department.
See you there!
Monday, October 05, 2015
Newspapers: The effect of online technology
We've read an important handout on the impact new and digital media has had on the newspaper industry: Newspapers: The effect of online technology. Make sure you've read and highlighted the text and completed the tasks.
Blog tasks
Based on the handout you've read and the links provided, answer these questions on your blog with detailed, in-depth paragraphs. Remember, critical autonomy means forming your own opinions on these issues.
1) Do you agree with James Murdoch that the BBC should not be allowed to provide free news online? Why?
2) Read this blog on the Times paywall three years on.
3) Was Rupert Murdoch right to put his news content (The Times, The Sun) behind a paywall?
4) Choose two comments from below the Times paywall article - one that argues in favour of the paywall and one that argues against. Copy a quote from each and explain which YOU agree with and why.
5) Read this article from the Media Briefing on the continuing decline of the newspaper industry.
6) Why do you think the Evening Standard has bucked the trend and increased circulation and profit in the last two years?
7) Is there any hope for the newspaper industry or will it eventually die out? Provide a detailed response to this question explaining and justifying your opinion.
Finish for homework if you don't get it done in the lesson.
Blog tasks
Based on the handout you've read and the links provided, answer these questions on your blog with detailed, in-depth paragraphs. Remember, critical autonomy means forming your own opinions on these issues.
1) Do you agree with James Murdoch that the BBC should not be allowed to provide free news online? Why?
2) Read this blog on the Times paywall three years on.
3) Was Rupert Murdoch right to put his news content (The Times, The Sun) behind a paywall?
4) Choose two comments from below the Times paywall article - one that argues in favour of the paywall and one that argues against. Copy a quote from each and explain which YOU agree with and why.
5) Read this article from the Media Briefing on the continuing decline of the newspaper industry.
6) Why do you think the Evening Standard has bucked the trend and increased circulation and profit in the last two years?
7) Is there any hope for the newspaper industry or will it eventually die out? Provide a detailed response to this question explaining and justifying your opinion.
Finish for homework if you don't get it done in the lesson.
Thursday, October 01, 2015
NDM: The future of newspapers
Today's lesson is going to begin by sharing the New and Digital Media stories we have found this week. Hope you're ready!
However, the main objective is to look at the impact new and digital media has had on the newspaper industry.
The future of newspapers
Read this article from the Economist on the future of newspapers.
On your blog, write a paragraph summarising the argument the article makes. Then answer the following question:
Do you agree with its view that it is ‘a cause for concern, but not for panic’?
Homework
You have some serious homework this week - in addition to finding your weekly NDM stories - which will provide excellent preparation for university. David Simon, creator of critically acclaimed TV hit The Wire and a former journalist, has written a passionate defence of the newspaper industry in the face of the new and digital media onslaught. This will take a couple of hours - make sure you put the time in.
The article, Build The Wall, is available here on the Columbia Journalism Review website.
Your tasks are as follows:
1) Read the article in full.
2) Create a blogpost on your MEST3 Exam Blog called 'Build The Wall analysis'.
3) Summarise each section in one sentence:
4) Summarise David Simon’s overall argument in 250 words.
5) Read this response to the article by Dave Levy, criticising and disagreeing with David Simon's viewpoint. What references to new and digital media can you find in Levy's response?
6) Finally, what is your own opinion? Do you agree that newspapers need to put online content behind a paywall in order for the journalism industry to survive? Would you be willing to pay for news online? Critical autonomy is the key skill in A2 Media - you need to be able form opinions on these issues.
Due: Friday 9 October
However, the main objective is to look at the impact new and digital media has had on the newspaper industry.
The future of newspapers
Read this article from the Economist on the future of newspapers.
On your blog, write a paragraph summarising the argument the article makes. Then answer the following question:
Do you agree with its view that it is ‘a cause for concern, but not for panic’?
Homework
You have some serious homework this week - in addition to finding your weekly NDM stories - which will provide excellent preparation for university. David Simon, creator of critically acclaimed TV hit The Wire and a former journalist, has written a passionate defence of the newspaper industry in the face of the new and digital media onslaught. This will take a couple of hours - make sure you put the time in.
The article, Build The Wall, is available here on the Columbia Journalism Review website.
Your tasks are as follows:
1) Read the article in full.
2) Create a blogpost on your MEST3 Exam Blog called 'Build The Wall analysis'.
3) Summarise each section in one sentence:
- Section 1 (To all of the bystanders reading this…)
- Section 2 (Truth is, a halting movement toward...)
- Section 3 (Beyond Mr. Sulzberger and Ms. Weymouth…)
- Section 4 (For the industry, it is later than it should be…)
4) Summarise David Simon’s overall argument in 250 words.
5) Read this response to the article by Dave Levy, criticising and disagreeing with David Simon's viewpoint. What references to new and digital media can you find in Levy's response?
6) Finally, what is your own opinion? Do you agree that newspapers need to put online content behind a paywall in order for the journalism industry to survive? Would you be willing to pay for news online? Critical autonomy is the key skill in A2 Media - you need to be able form opinions on these issues.
Due: Friday 9 October
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Critical investigation proposal
The next step in our critical investigations is to develop our presentations into detailed academic proposals. You will be given a one-to-one tutorial to help you find the right angle and issue to concentrate on but first need to develop a blog post working through the following headings and tasks:
Working title
Include specific texts in the title and either 'how or 'why' or both, e.g.: To what extent and why are video games such as 'Call of Duty' and 'Grand Theft Auto’ becoming more violent?
Angle
E.g.: What impact are these increasingly violent games having on their audience? Is this simply a moral panic of the 21st century or is further regulation required?
Hypothesis
E.g.: Video games are psychologically damaging for young people, and audiences have become increasingly desensitised to screen violence.
Linked production piece
E.g.: Newsnight-style documentary video report looking at the impact of violent videogames on young people.
MIGRAIN
Apply the Key Concepts to your texts/topic by using the questions from the Summer Research Project to help you. (Include at least five bullet point/key concept). Include as many media keywords as you can.
SHEP
Apply the Wider Contexts (Social, Historical, Economic, Political) to your text/topic, including at least three bullet points on each one.
Issues/Debates
Select at least five and say how each relates to your study, using the Media A-Z to help you think about this:
Theories
Select at least five and say how each relates to your study, using keywords/specific theorists' names from the Media A-Z:
Explain how your study fits into this.
Research plan (media texts, academic texts and websites)
Media texts
What your main focus will be, E.g.:
Call of Duty
Grand Theft Auto
Other media texts
(at least five related examples)
TV documentaries
Research videos online, e.g.:
BBC One - Panorama, Addicted to Games? http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wlmj0
Academic texts/books
(a minimum of five, including author/full title/year, e.g.:)
Barrie Gunter: The effects of video games on children: the myth unmasked (1998)
James Newman: Playing with videogames (2008)
Nancy Signorielli: Violence in the media: a reference handbook (2005)
Peter Vorderer, and Bryant Jennings: Playing video games: motives, responses, and consequences (2006)
Internet Links
1. At least FIVE from Media Guardian or Guardian Culture or another newspaper website.
2. At least FIVE from university websites/academic papers online. Use Google Scholar as a starting point.
3. Any other relevant sites/articles - the more the better.
Use our archive of previous top-grade Critical Investigations to help you.
You have 10 days to complete this detailed proposal before you need to start your research in depth. Good luck!
Working title
Include specific texts in the title and either 'how or 'why' or both, e.g.: To what extent and why are video games such as 'Call of Duty' and 'Grand Theft Auto’ becoming more violent?
Angle
E.g.: What impact are these increasingly violent games having on their audience? Is this simply a moral panic of the 21st century or is further regulation required?
Hypothesis
E.g.: Video games are psychologically damaging for young people, and audiences have become increasingly desensitised to screen violence.
Linked production piece
E.g.: Newsnight-style documentary video report looking at the impact of violent videogames on young people.
MIGRAIN
Apply the Key Concepts to your texts/topic by using the questions from the Summer Research Project to help you. (Include at least five bullet point/key concept). Include as many media keywords as you can.
SHEP
Apply the Wider Contexts (Social, Historical, Economic, Political) to your text/topic, including at least three bullet points on each one.
Issues/Debates
Select at least five and say how each relates to your study, using the Media A-Z to help you think about this:
- Representation and stereotyping
- Media effects
- Reality TV
- News Values
- Moral Panics
- Post 9/11 and the media
- Ownership and control
- Regulation and censorship
- Media technology and the digital revolution – changing technologies in the 21st century
- The effect of globalisation on the media
Theories
Select at least five and say how each relates to your study, using keywords/specific theorists' names from the Media A-Z:
- Semiotics
- Structuralism and post-structuralism
- Postmodernism and its critiques
- Gender and ethnicity
- Marxism and hegemony
- Liberal Pluralism
- Colonialism and Post-colonialism
- Audience theories
- Genre theories
- Contemporary Media Landscape
Explain how your study fits into this.
Research plan (media texts, academic texts and websites)
Media texts
What your main focus will be, E.g.:
Call of Duty
Grand Theft Auto
Other media texts
(at least five related examples)
TV documentaries
Research videos online, e.g.:
BBC One - Panorama, Addicted to Games? http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wlmj0
Academic texts/books
(a minimum of five, including author/full title/year, e.g.:)
Barrie Gunter: The effects of video games on children: the myth unmasked (1998)
James Newman: Playing with videogames (2008)
Nancy Signorielli: Violence in the media: a reference handbook (2005)
Peter Vorderer, and Bryant Jennings: Playing video games: motives, responses, and consequences (2006)
Internet Links
1. At least FIVE from Media Guardian or Guardian Culture or another newspaper website.
2. At least FIVE from university websites/academic papers online. Use Google Scholar as a starting point.
3. Any other relevant sites/articles - the more the better.
Use our archive of previous top-grade Critical Investigations to help you.
You have 10 days to complete this detailed proposal before you need to start your research in depth. Good luck!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Media Awards meeting
A reminder that we are meeting at lunchtime today to establish our Year 13 Media Awards committee and allocate roles. We are looking for people to manage the following:
Get involved - this is YOUR Media Awards!
See you in DF07 at lunchtime!
- Hall decoration and design
- Refreshments
- Entertainment/music
- Graphic design/Photoshop work
- Marketing and promotion
Get involved - this is YOUR Media Awards!
See you in DF07 at lunchtime!
Sunday, September 27, 2015
NDM News case study: Audience and Institution
Remember our key question from the lesson: How has news changed in the last 20 years?
Now consider that question specifically in relation to audience and institutions.
What are the benefits for audiences and institutions from the changes new and digital media have had on the news industry?
What are the downsides for audiences and institutions as a result of new and digital media in news?
Blog task: Audience and Institution
1) Read this extract from the Ofcom 2014 report on the consumption of news in the UK. What are the key statistics relating to the influence of new and digital media?
Blog task: Audience and Institution
1) Read this extract from the Ofcom 2014 report on the consumption of news in the UK. What are the key statistics relating to the influence of new and digital media?
2) Come up with an example of an institution that has benefited from the changes new and digital media has brought to the news industry. Explain how new technology has helped the institution and try to find statistics or financial figures that support your point.
3) Find an example of an institution that has suffered as a result of the changes new and digital media has brought to the news industry. In what way has it had a negative impact? Again, try and find actual statistics or financial figures to explain your point.
Complete for homework if you don't get it finished in the lesson: due next week.
4) Answer the following question in a mini-essay on your blog:
Who has benefited most from the changes new and digital media have had on the news industry - audiences or institutions?
Use this set of points for a very similar question - although not specifically about news - to help you come up with some additional points. (Username: greenford; Password: greenfordedu)
Use this set of points for a very similar question - although not specifically about news - to help you come up with some additional points. (Username: greenford; Password: greenfordedu)
Complete for homework if you don't get it finished in the lesson: due next week.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Ignite presentations - learner response
There have been some outstanding Ignite presentations on a wide variety of different topics - it really is a highlight of the year to see such engagement and expertise on such contrasting texts. Hopefully the Q&A sessions following the presentations have highlighted media debates and issues that your critical investigations will address and develop.
Your learner response is as follows and will take some time to do properly:
1) Create a new blogpost called 'Ignite presentation learner response'
2) Type up your feedback in full including the rating for significance, structure, simplicity and rehearsal. You then need to use this feedback to self-assess and write a detailed WWW and EBI for your research and presentation as a whole.
3) The final aspect is a paragraph discussing how your presentation will lead into your critical investigation. Some of this may refer to your feedback (a greater focus on media debates, for example) or in rare cases you may want to change the focus of your investigation entirely.
You will get some lesson time for this but will need to complete for homework.
You also need to ensure that ALL your research from over the summer is posted to your MEST4 coursework blog.
Due: next week.
Your learner response is as follows and will take some time to do properly:
1) Create a new blogpost called 'Ignite presentation learner response'
2) Type up your feedback in full including the rating for significance, structure, simplicity and rehearsal. You then need to use this feedback to self-assess and write a detailed WWW and EBI for your research and presentation as a whole.
3) The final aspect is a paragraph discussing how your presentation will lead into your critical investigation. Some of this may refer to your feedback (a greater focus on media debates, for example) or in rare cases you may want to change the focus of your investigation entirely.
You will get some lesson time for this but will need to complete for homework.
You also need to ensure that ALL your research from over the summer is posted to your MEST4 coursework blog.
Due: next week.
NDM Baseline assessment - learner response
Well done on completing your new/digital media baseline assessment - it's an important first step towards success in the A2 MEST3 exam next June.
The first part of your learner response is to look carefully at your mark, grade and comments from your teacher. Next, read the Examiner's Report from this exam and look particularly at the comments on Section B and the question you've answered on audience empowerment.
Your learner response will depend on your own individual essay but you MUST do the following:
1) Create a new blog post called 'NDM baseline assessment learner response'
2) Type up your feedback (you don't need to write the mark and grade if you want to keep this confidential)
3) Complete the learner response task given.
The first part of your learner response is to look carefully at your mark, grade and comments from your teacher. Next, read the Examiner's Report from this exam and look particularly at the comments on Section B and the question you've answered on audience empowerment.
Your learner response will depend on your own individual essay but you MUST do the following:
1) Create a new blog post called 'NDM baseline assessment learner response'
2) Type up your feedback (you don't need to write the mark and grade if you want to keep this confidential)
3) Complete the learner response task given.
Monday, September 14, 2015
New and Digital Media: News case study
Today we are starting our new topic - New and Digital Media and News. You need to complete the following activities...
News institutions
Research the major players in terms of UK news providers and make notes in a detailed blog post. List companies, publications/ channels/programmes, owners, statistics and anything else you find relevant.
You must include all three platforms (print, broadcast, e-media) and both commercial and non-commercial institutions (e.g the BBC).
Make sure you include at least FIVE different institutions across the three platforms. You may wish to use bullet points to cover the key information about each institution.
The impact of Google
Read this article looking at the impact Google has had on the traditional newspaper business.
Answer the following questions:
1) Why has Google led to the decline of the newspaper industry?
2) Do you personally think Google is to blame for newspapers closing and journalists losing their jobs? Why?
3) Read the comments below the article. Pick one comment you agree with and one you disagree with and justify your opinions in detail.
All of this work needs to be done on your MEST3 Exam Blog - it's the first step in developing an outstanding case study that will help reach that A grade in the MEST3 exam.
Finish for homework if you don't complete it in the lesson - due Friday.
**REMINDER**
Next week you have your baseline assessment in new/digital media. You've got the question in advance so no excuses! The question:
Good luck! If you have any questions then speak to us - we're here to help!
News institutions
Research the major players in terms of UK news providers and make notes in a detailed blog post. List companies, publications/ channels/programmes, owners, statistics and anything else you find relevant.
You must include all three platforms (print, broadcast, e-media) and both commercial and non-commercial institutions (e.g the BBC).
Make sure you include at least FIVE different institutions across the three platforms. You may wish to use bullet points to cover the key information about each institution.
The impact of Google
Read this article looking at the impact Google has had on the traditional newspaper business.
Answer the following questions:
1) Why has Google led to the decline of the newspaper industry?
2) Do you personally think Google is to blame for newspapers closing and journalists losing their jobs? Why?
3) Read the comments below the article. Pick one comment you agree with and one you disagree with and justify your opinions in detail.
All of this work needs to be done on your MEST3 Exam Blog - it's the first step in developing an outstanding case study that will help reach that A grade in the MEST3 exam.
Finish for homework if you don't complete it in the lesson - due Friday.
**REMINDER**
Next week you have your baseline assessment in new/digital media. You've got the question in advance so no excuses! The question:
- Developments in new/digital media mean that audiences can now have access to a greater variety of views and values. To what extent are audiences empowered by these developments?
Good luck! If you have any questions then speak to us - we're here to help!
Friday, September 11, 2015
Year 13: Weekly New/Digital Media homework
In Year 13, you have an ongoing homework EVERY week of the year without fail: to find, read and post TWO New/Digital Media news stories on your blog.
We recommend putting this homework into your timetable so you have a regular slot you complete it every week.
The details: every week you must find, read, summarise and comment upon two stories about New and Digital Media (A/B candidates will do more). The best sources to begin with are...
The Guardian: Digital Media
The Guardian: Technology
The Guardian: Newspapers
The Guardian: News Corporation
The Independent: Media News
The Telegraph: Digital Media News
...but don't stick exclusively to these throughout the year. Find your own too - magazines like the Economist have some excellent articles and you may find interesting blogs or media sources elsewhere too.
You'll also find stories linked from our Twitter account, @blogmacguffin so make sure you're following that.
Most importantly, you need to do the following on your blog for each story...
You'll be presenting these to the class each week (I'll randomly select a student and you'll be expected to present from memory, so make sure you come prepared) and this will ensure you build up an archive of up-to-date examples to include in any exam answer. Indeed, by the end of the year, you'll have over 50 stories to call upon in the exam when you need to provide examples from the wider media.
What does this look like? Check out this blog post from one of our previous Media students - this gives you an idea of what a valuable resource these stories quickly become.
Due: EVERY week - no excuses.
We recommend putting this homework into your timetable so you have a regular slot you complete it every week.
The details: every week you must find, read, summarise and comment upon two stories about New and Digital Media (A/B candidates will do more). The best sources to begin with are...
The Guardian: Digital Media
The Guardian: Technology
The Guardian: Newspapers
The Guardian: News Corporation
The Independent: Media News
The Telegraph: Digital Media News
...but don't stick exclusively to these throughout the year. Find your own too - magazines like the Economist have some excellent articles and you may find interesting blogs or media sources elsewhere too.
You'll also find stories linked from our Twitter account, @blogmacguffin so make sure you're following that.
Most importantly, you need to do the following on your blog for each story...
- Provide the title and weblink;
- Include a relevant image or graphic;
- Summarise the story in your own words;
- Produce a list of bullet points of any key data/statistical information;
- Comment on the story: What's your view? (At least one paragraph).
You'll be presenting these to the class each week (I'll randomly select a student and you'll be expected to present from memory, so make sure you come prepared) and this will ensure you build up an archive of up-to-date examples to include in any exam answer. Indeed, by the end of the year, you'll have over 50 stories to call upon in the exam when you need to provide examples from the wider media.
What does this look like? Check out this blog post from one of our previous Media students - this gives you an idea of what a valuable resource these stories quickly become.
Due: EVERY week - no excuses.
Year 13 New/Digital Media baseline assessment
Your baseline assessment in New and Digital Media will be in the week commencing Monday 21 September. We're being generous and giving you the question in advance:
- Developments in new/digital media mean that audiences can now have access to a greater variety of views and values. To what extent are audiences empowered by these developments?
- Here's the Mark Scheme for the question (June 2010).
- Here's a C grade model answer.
It's out of 48 and the grade boundaries are as follows...
- A: 37 (77%)
- B: 31 (65%)
- C: 25 (52%)
- D: 19 (40%)
- E: 13 (27%)
Important note: If you do not reach your A2 minimum target grade (always much lower than we're aiming in A2 Media) then you will re-sit this assessment after school.
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