For my learning record I just wanted to post this video that I found. The video reminded me of the things we learn about in class and specifically at Martin Middle School. The privileged school in this video reminds me of my high school and the other school reminds me of Martin. The funding and the staff really do make a difference for the students and I've seen that firsthand now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjiQup4DW2g
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Project Update
This past Friday, three of us from our group went to Martin Middle School with high hopes of collecting our cameras. It was interesting for me to step foot in the school and see it functioning on a school day. The architecture is unique and hard to navigate. You walk into the front door and the school office is difficult to find. There is a "courtyard" in the middle of the school that even though brought light in, gave a cold feel to the school as you were overwhelmed with the look of bricks and bland, unmarked hallways instead of colorful displays like in most schools. I also thought it was interesting how the kids had uniforms at this public school. The collard shirts they were allowed to wear were either grey, black, or white. The color scheme to me seemed very dull and depressing. There seemed to be little encouragement of creativity which makes me worried for these students. The view of bricks, the school SRO, and the color palette of the uniforms made the school seem rather depressing rather than a celebration of learning or school spirit. I think they should change their uniform colors to at least the colors of the school that will help brighten up their environment.
The reason I think all this is important is because our project that we are implementing expects the students to be creative with their photojounalism. Creativity is kind of like a muscle. Kids in creative environments exercising their creative outlets can create things more organically. In conclusion, I wonder and worry for these kids if they are getting setback not only by the changes and inconsistencies in the Holly St. area but also in the lack of enthusiasm and school spirit of the school itself. These setbacks might reflect in the creativity seen in their photos. I guess we will see Friday once we get the photos developed.
Below is a video from my trip this past summer that puts into words my ideas on creativity and the importance of creative environments (the statements are near the end of the video).
http://vimeo.com/75185658
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/75185658" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/75185658">Meraki Creative for DSIC/DEC</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user21174845">Meraki Creative</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
The reason I think all this is important is because our project that we are implementing expects the students to be creative with their photojounalism. Creativity is kind of like a muscle. Kids in creative environments exercising their creative outlets can create things more organically. In conclusion, I wonder and worry for these kids if they are getting setback not only by the changes and inconsistencies in the Holly St. area but also in the lack of enthusiasm and school spirit of the school itself. These setbacks might reflect in the creativity seen in their photos. I guess we will see Friday once we get the photos developed.
Below is a video from my trip this past summer that puts into words my ideas on creativity and the importance of creative environments (the statements are near the end of the video).
http://vimeo.com/75185658
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/75185658" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/75185658">Meraki Creative for DSIC/DEC</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user21174845">Meraki Creative</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Monday, November 11, 2013
Project Update
As for our project with Martin Middle School we have hit yet another setback. When we delivered the project and the materials to the group, it ends up the cameras did not work. In class we did not want to mess with the disposable cameras so we did not test them, but apparently the wheel that you turn just kept spinning.
Thus, our next roadblock has us at a stump as to what to do next with our project and for gathering another idea for the university service day. Once we are able to discuss as a group in class the next step to take our brainstorming for the project day will be easier as well.
Besides the road bump, Greta said that the kids who committed to the project seemed excited about it and that is refreshing to hear. Once we get all the kinks worked out I am sure the project will turn out great, especially since we have gathered kids that are interested in what we are proposing.
Also, this is not directly related to our project or to the project day, but I watched this video on what is the invisible bike helmet, and I think the theme of the article and video is to think creatively to move forward. I think this mindset works for both our project and project day. If we can think outside of the box, and think past what we are told we are capable of, we will be able to think of something extraordinary.
The article about the invisible bike helmet:
http://jalopnik.com/swedes-develop-invisible-bike-helmet-1460189477
Thus, our next roadblock has us at a stump as to what to do next with our project and for gathering another idea for the university service day. Once we are able to discuss as a group in class the next step to take our brainstorming for the project day will be easier as well.
Besides the road bump, Greta said that the kids who committed to the project seemed excited about it and that is refreshing to hear. Once we get all the kinks worked out I am sure the project will turn out great, especially since we have gathered kids that are interested in what we are proposing.
Also, this is not directly related to our project or to the project day, but I watched this video on what is the invisible bike helmet, and I think the theme of the article and video is to think creatively to move forward. I think this mindset works for both our project and project day. If we can think outside of the box, and think past what we are told we are capable of, we will be able to think of something extraordinary.
The article about the invisible bike helmet:
http://jalopnik.com/swedes-develop-invisible-bike-helmet-1460189477
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Gentrification
1.) The gentrification currently happening in the Holly St. and Marlo Heights neighborhood seemed to be more similar than what is happening in the Mueller Development. The Mueller Development is a complete transformation of the area and the creation of a new neighborhood/community that is completely different from surrounding communities. While all of these examples of gentrification are disruptive to their areas, I think the gentrification in the Holly St. area was the easiest to identify because it had the largest contrasts houses. The new homes in Holly St. were very disruptive to their neighborhoods and the environment while the gentrification in the Marlo Heights neighborhood was not as alarming. The Mueller Development however was completely redefining the neighborhood and forgetting its past.
2.) What I thought was an interesting similarity is the article points out that "hipsters" are a part of the gentrification. I have read many articles, and know from a first-hand account that "hipsters" are the ones venturing into East Austin. Although this a label and cannot be a fact necessarily, it would be interested to research into that similarity more. The difference between the two occurrences of gentrification is the history of the area. South Africa has a corrupt government since their segregation and equal rights movement was more recent than ours. I do not know a ton about the apartheid and history of South Africa, but I do know that it is still seen in their society and it was more recent than ours.
3.) I was thinking about the projects and the similarity that I noted in the previous answer and I feel like something that needs to be done is communication and awareness. The people of this area need to be informed on what is going on. As an outsider I think, if I were not educated by this class I would not be able to full comprehend and value the of fairly doing business in living in that area. The area is indeed attractive to live in because of the newness of it and the prices, however I am sure people do not know about the negative affects on the neighborhood. I am not sure how LCCE would organize the volunteers but I think their first goal and plan of action should be on educating people.
2.) What I thought was an interesting similarity is the article points out that "hipsters" are a part of the gentrification. I have read many articles, and know from a first-hand account that "hipsters" are the ones venturing into East Austin. Although this a label and cannot be a fact necessarily, it would be interested to research into that similarity more. The difference between the two occurrences of gentrification is the history of the area. South Africa has a corrupt government since their segregation and equal rights movement was more recent than ours. I do not know a ton about the apartheid and history of South Africa, but I do know that it is still seen in their society and it was more recent than ours.
3.) I was thinking about the projects and the similarity that I noted in the previous answer and I feel like something that needs to be done is communication and awareness. The people of this area need to be informed on what is going on. As an outsider I think, if I were not educated by this class I would not be able to full comprehend and value the of fairly doing business in living in that area. The area is indeed attractive to live in because of the newness of it and the prices, however I am sure people do not know about the negative affects on the neighborhood. I am not sure how LCCE would organize the volunteers but I think their first goal and plan of action should be on educating people.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Gentrification Readings
Three things I thought were very interesting from the articles were:
1. How far back the history and actions that led to the current demographic environment of the area can be traced.
2. The 1928 segregation laws about Clarksville
3. In the "Dallas fed" article it talked about how the police treated the residents of East Austin differently, which I feel like is something that is not usually addressed or ignored if you live outside of the community.
1.) When reading the Empty Stairs article, I was amazed as to how far back in time the article went to explain East Austin. I did not expect the history to trace all the way back to the Republic of Texas era when the land was sold to freedman. History has always been an interested of mine, especially when it relates to your current surroundings or interests. It is mind boggling to think about how the actions, sales, and influences of that time effected the future so much.
2.) I currently live in the Clarksville area, and I have heard about some of the history of the area but I did not know fully the social climate of the area around 1928. My jaw literally dropped when I read the second article that stated how the city of Austin neglected the people's needs of this area so that they would be forced to moved into the "negro" district.
3.) The third point of interest caught my attention because my roommate, who is a Young Life leader at Travis High School, talks about this problem from personal experience. She says it is known among her girls (who live in this area) that the police discriminate and treat people in East Austin differently. She has told me stories about how the girls joke that if you're African American you will get in trouble over the hispanics, and that if they are with Hannah (who is a white, blonde hair, blue-eyed, bubbly college student) then they will not get in trouble. Hannah also says when she is in East Austin she can usually get away with going over the speed limit because the cops are busy doing other things than giving people speeding tickets. It is always interesting to read articles that have proof of what the community knows to be true. Sometimes we question the validity of if their is just a perception of discrimination amongst the people who are victimized, but the article proves the legitimacy of the situation.
1. How far back the history and actions that led to the current demographic environment of the area can be traced.
2. The 1928 segregation laws about Clarksville
3. In the "Dallas fed" article it talked about how the police treated the residents of East Austin differently, which I feel like is something that is not usually addressed or ignored if you live outside of the community.
1.) When reading the Empty Stairs article, I was amazed as to how far back in time the article went to explain East Austin. I did not expect the history to trace all the way back to the Republic of Texas era when the land was sold to freedman. History has always been an interested of mine, especially when it relates to your current surroundings or interests. It is mind boggling to think about how the actions, sales, and influences of that time effected the future so much.
2.) I currently live in the Clarksville area, and I have heard about some of the history of the area but I did not know fully the social climate of the area around 1928. My jaw literally dropped when I read the second article that stated how the city of Austin neglected the people's needs of this area so that they would be forced to moved into the "negro" district.
3.) The third point of interest caught my attention because my roommate, who is a Young Life leader at Travis High School, talks about this problem from personal experience. She says it is known among her girls (who live in this area) that the police discriminate and treat people in East Austin differently. She has told me stories about how the girls joke that if you're African American you will get in trouble over the hispanics, and that if they are with Hannah (who is a white, blonde hair, blue-eyed, bubbly college student) then they will not get in trouble. Hannah also says when she is in East Austin she can usually get away with going over the speed limit because the cops are busy doing other things than giving people speeding tickets. It is always interesting to read articles that have proof of what the community knows to be true. Sometimes we question the validity of if their is just a perception of discrimination amongst the people who are victimized, but the article proves the legitimacy of the situation.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
5 Stages of the Craft Model
The five stages of the CRAFT model are:
1. Contact
2. Research
3. Action
4. Feedback
5. Teaching
As for our project at Martin Middle School I think the two most important components from the CRAFT model for us at the
moment are "contact" and "research." We have been having communication problems with the Middle School so that is why
the first two components are so vital in our project.
Since we have decided on changing our project to have a photojournalism focus the third most important component will be
teaching. We will have to show the kids how to use cameras effectively and declare what subject matter we want.
I found it very interesting that less than 1% white students go to Martin Middle School. Coming from a diverse high school
the unbalanced percentages of ethnicities represented at the middle school is shocking to me. Interestingly there is a almost
a quarter of whites in the community.
The second piece of research I think is interesting is actually a lack thereof. When trying to find information about Martin
Middle School on google I found it very difficult to find anything. When trying to find information on the school no photos
would come up on google. I am not sure but it would be interesting to see if the lack of information is due to parents that
do not have access to computers or utilize computers as a primary form of communication with school activities.
The third piece of research that has been helpful is my research done on photojournalism. Since the direction of our project
has changed to having the kids tell their stories using disposable cameras I have tried finding effective ways to teach kids the
art of photography. A big possible problem with having the kids take pictures is that they don't know how to use the camera or
they take photos that are not of a quality we can use. The kids we are working with may or may not have an interest in
photography but that is something we do not know yet and cannot control. One of my favorite TED talks I have ever watched
is on an artist named JR who does a form of storytelling through photos. His video helps get me excited about this change of
direction and the opportunity that the project now holds. However I still need to continue researching how to teach the kids
the technical and artistic ways to best utilize their cameras because I have yet to find a source that I like.
(Here is the link to JR's TED talk: http://on.ted.com/JRTEDTalk)
1. Contact
2. Research
3. Action
4. Feedback
5. Teaching
As for our project at Martin Middle School I think the two most important components from the CRAFT model for us at the
moment are "contact" and "research." We have been having communication problems with the Middle School so that is why
the first two components are so vital in our project.
Since we have decided on changing our project to have a photojournalism focus the third most important component will be
teaching. We will have to show the kids how to use cameras effectively and declare what subject matter we want.
I found it very interesting that less than 1% white students go to Martin Middle School. Coming from a diverse high school
the unbalanced percentages of ethnicities represented at the middle school is shocking to me. Interestingly there is a almost
a quarter of whites in the community.
The second piece of research I think is interesting is actually a lack thereof. When trying to find information about Martin
Middle School on google I found it very difficult to find anything. When trying to find information on the school no photos
would come up on google. I am not sure but it would be interesting to see if the lack of information is due to parents that
do not have access to computers or utilize computers as a primary form of communication with school activities.
The third piece of research that has been helpful is my research done on photojournalism. Since the direction of our project
has changed to having the kids tell their stories using disposable cameras I have tried finding effective ways to teach kids the
art of photography. A big possible problem with having the kids take pictures is that they don't know how to use the camera or
they take photos that are not of a quality we can use. The kids we are working with may or may not have an interest in
photography but that is something we do not know yet and cannot control. One of my favorite TED talks I have ever watched
is on an artist named JR who does a form of storytelling through photos. His video helps get me excited about this change of
direction and the opportunity that the project now holds. However I still need to continue researching how to teach the kids
the technical and artistic ways to best utilize their cameras because I have yet to find a source that I like.
(Here is the link to JR's TED talk: http://on.ted.com/JRTEDTalk)
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Holly St., Marlo Heights and Austin Gentrification
BLOG POST ASSIGNMENT: In your blog post for this week,
discuss the similarities and differences between Holly Street, Marlo-Heights,
and Colony Park. Also, conduct some research on gentrification in
Austin, Mueller Development in Austin, and food desert in Austin---all terms
which were mentioned in the Colony Park Community Profile. What did you
learn about the terms? How are they affecting Austin residents in these
3 communities?
Similarities:
Differences:
Gentrification in Austin:
Gentrification as described by Google is: The restoration of run-down urban areas by the middle class (resulting in the displacement of low-income residents).
When researching information for my project on Holly St. and Martin Middle School, I found a website that described the ethnicities of Martin Middle School and its neighborhood. The middle school itself has less than 1% whites while the area has far more represented in the population. This could be a result of gentrification, that most of the whites moving into the area have not had kids yet and are of a younger population since gentrification of this area is more of a recent "trend" among young professionals. I live in the Clarksville area of Austin and I know gentrification has already occurred in this area.
According to an article from the Austinist (http://austinist.com/2011/04/19/census_data_shows_significant_chang.php) the population of whites in East Austin has increased by 40%, while the population of African Americans in East Austin area have decreased by 27% and Hispanics by 10%. The concern is, where are they going?
Mueller Development in Austin:
Austin Food Desert:
A food desert is an area where residents are living without nearby access to healthy foods, and they therefore resort to processed foods. People in East Austin might be close enough to markets or places with healthy options, but they might not be at a price affordable to the general population of the area.
I looked at the following website to read about Austin's food desert:
http://speakupaustin.org/ideas/eliminate-food-deserts
How it affects the 3 communities:
These areas are losing their homes and their culture because of gentrification. Many of families of this community are either moving in with relatives in the area or moving our of the area they have called home and further away from central Austin. New businesses and restaurants are popping up in this area and driving up the prices of food and other necessities of people in this area. As new businesses open up, and others are closing, people in this area are left with limited options for their every day purchases.
The food desert affects far more than what first meets the eye in East Austin. I have always had an interested in how eating healthy versus not affects our body and development. I have seen many documentaries that show the problems that Food Deserts have on child development especially when it comes to diabetes and education. Kids who are not living on a balanced diet often develop health problems and cannot focus during the day because they are not sustained on substantial, healthy calories. I am sure the schools in this area are suffering as a result of the ripple effects of the food desert.
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