Digital Documentary

I really was nervous and unenthusiastic about this project when the class first started. I have to admit, I am having fun with the movie program and enjoyed writing a dialog about my topic. I think this project shows how technology does not have to be a barrier, but it can enhance a project for someone at any age. While I will admit I am still struggling with the technical issues, it is not as if this project is far from my reach.
One of the most important aspects of this project for me was seeing the different approaches people were taking. I found it helpful to write my narrative first and then worry about everything else falling in place. However, some people found the exact opposite. I think this shows people's different thought processes and the multiple ways one can learn and interact. Even in one aspect, like the narrative, involved many drafts and directions to take the movie. The multiple ways of conquering this project were overwhelming to me because I am use to having a structure handed to me with a check-list of what to accomplish. Though I was overwhelmed I am glad I got to see my own thought process true at work, and see how I divided the project into sections.

Learning and Action

Gee talks about cultural models as images, stories, principles, and metaphors that capture what a specific group identifies as normal. A cultural model is the reality of a group of people. When thinking about cultural models it is important to note that each person's learning experience would create their own cultural model. Students in the same classroom would share the lesson experience, but would interpret and digest the information in their model. I think that Gee is using this idea to point out how close learning and action coincide. What a person learns and how they use that information in their model determines their future actions. A student may decide to hold onto their views and norms, or they may grow into a new cultural model.

I actually think the school system is designed to accommodate these models to a certain extent. Thinking about college there are many "norms" that come from being on your own, entering large lecture classes, finding your identity, teacher expectations, and so on. I see cultural models as a positive, for if students can find their own model and understand how they view and interpret the world they will become well-rounded and more educated about themselves and others.

Situated Learning

The whole idea of situated meaning and learning is that students take their interests, values, goals, and sociocultural background to help evaluate and understand a new concept or idea. If a teacher is trying to present a new topic to a student, the student is going to fall back on their experience and previous knowledge to help filter through the new information. I think this is why classroom structure, for the most part, is always about the same. There are usually desks and chairs, a teacher in the front, and either a movie, lecture, small group activity, or class discussion. This common structure is probably the most effective for students have adapted and become use to this way of learning. If students came into class and had to sit on the floor, face backwards, and do an odd activity, it would be out of their past experience. Of course, the new experience would be different from what they were use to, so it may stand out and stay in the student's mind in that respect, but the student would struggle to associate it with their past.
Teachers have to be aware of their students' past experiences and not assume a discussion or reading will have a particular kind of reaction.