Podcasting Project; Paul Robeson Biography

Record your podcast during class today.

Or:

If you have already recorded your podcast at home, please upload the MP3/MP4 file to Windows Movie Maker and begin editing the audio track.

Remember:

• Hook your audience with an interesting opening for your podcast.
• Introduce yourself so your audience knows who you are.
• Introduce the topic you are going to speak about (or topics).
• Use music or sound effects to transition from one topic to another!

Having trouble?
--Troubleshoot by asking a peer to assist (IF that peer knows the answer to your problem)
--Look it up on the internet
--Ask me (after you've looked it up...)
--Look for converters online if your recording is not in MP3/MP4 format...

WHEN YOU ARE WAITING TO RECORD OR YOU ARE FINISHED EDITING: please answer the handout on biographies for Paul Robeson's biography. Turn in this graphic organizer by Feb. 1 (next class).

• Examine the chapter: "Freedom of Speech": How does this chapter introduce us to the "character", "accomplishments", and "struggles" the subject faced in his life? Explain why the author chose to open the book with this "hook." 
• Examine the chapter "Stages of Development"--why does this chapter appear 2nd? What are some things we learn about the subject? How is the subject REPRESENTED to us? What traits seem to be stressed or seem important?
• In the chapters "A Rising Star" and "A World of Music" Robeson's achievements are further examined. What sources or attribution does the author use to establish credibility in these chapters? How do these 2 chapters echo ideas or information about Robeson's biography in the previous 2 chapters? 
• Complete the last 3 chapters. Note how setting and social events impact a person's life. Consider why the author Scott Ehrlich chose to focus on certain central ideas. What are these ideas, and why do you think he chose to research and present these events in the manner he did?
• What did you learn about writing biographies from reading this book? Think and answer like a writer. 

HOMEWORK: Complete your Podcast RECORDING. Complete your reading of Paul Robeson's biography & complete the graphic organizer that goes with it (see handout).

Podcasting Project; Library & Biography

Please work on your podcasts. If you have completed your outline (this was due last class!) and you have conducted your research (yes, this was also due last class!)--you should be ready to record your podcast.


If your computer has a sound card (not sure these do...) you might use Adobe Soundbooth to record your podcast.


You might also use your cell-phones. Yes, for this project you can use your cell-phones to record your voices. Note: you will need to convert these files into MP3 or MP4 files to access them on our computer.


You may use the video recording equipment we have. Again, you will need to convert and upload into MovieMaker (not a great option, but the one we have available to us in the lab...)


If you prefer, you and your peers might find it easier (and quieter) to record your podcast at home with your own computer equipment. Whatever you decide, you will need to be able to EDIT your sound file so that you can include INTRO/OUTRO sound clips, sound effects (if needed), and, of course, your own voices.


TIPS/IMPORTANT POINTS:
When recording your Podcast:

• You should be prepared to edit your conversation to remove any mistakes or flubs or digressions. Transitions (places where you stopped and started) can be made easily with a sound cue to mask the mistake.
• Record each topic or section separately to make it easier to edit. Long 3-minute files are harder to cut up and edit. Also, mistakes. See point above.
• Make sure you are not recording in a noisy area. White noise from air conditioners or street sounds or accidental phone calls, noise from radios/transistors or media can ruin your take.
• Speak clearly. Make sure you can be heard on your audio recording clip before you continue.
• Before you begin your podcast episode, make sure you introduce and identify the different speakers in your group. If you are working alone, you still want to say hello to listeners and mention who you are.
• Feel free to give your Podcast Program a title or name. "This American Life" for example is a title of the show. You'll note that a podcaster will remind listeners about what they are listening to.
• You can indicate what your next episode will be if you don't want to talk about all the points you are making--or if the conversation becomes too long. For our project, we're PLAYING with the form so you can learn it and do it whenever you want as an option when "writing" for the media. You don't have to solve the world's problems today in a short audio clip.

If you are having difficulties with equipment ask someone knowledgeable about how to fix the problem. Or look it up online. Or ask.


Now for something...not completely different, but different:
1. Go to the library.
2. Pick up the biography Paul Robeson by Scott Ehrlich.
3. Read the book. As you read, note how Scott Ehrlich writes about his subject. What parts of Paul Robeson's life are spotlighted? How is he portrayed by the author as a person? What kinds of research went in to writing this book?
4. If you can't work or don't want to work on your Podcast, be quiet and read.


HOMEWORK: Read the biography Paul Robeson by Scott Ehrlich. Bring your books with you to next class.

Podcasting Project

Please turn in your homework! See previous post for details if you didn't know you had homework.

Podcast Project
Start off by answering these quick brainstorming questions:

• What do you like to talk about?
• Many podcasts are either news-centered, political, revolve around an author/artist/director/actor or address a fan base of some sort (like Game of Thrones or My Little Pony), but they could also be broader topics like sports, westerns, Legos, board-games, Dungeons & Dragons, karate, haiku, fashion, bands, films, your favorite author, your favorite foods, your favorite teachers, the Illuminati, etc.
• Brainstorm in your journal/notes topics that you would want to speak about for 2-10 minutes (see below!)
• Will you be doing the podcast solo or will you have other hosts? (you can have up to 3 speakers/peers working on this project, but the more hosts the longer your minimum requirement!) All members of a group MUST speak during the Podcast Program!
• What segments do you want to do (e.g. tip of the day, reviews, reading a selection from text, breaking news, advice, interviews, etc.)?
• How long will your podcast be? [your podcast should be between 2-3 minutes if you are alone, or 4-5 minutes if you have one partner, or 5-10 minutes if you have 3. Please do not go above 10 minutes in length.
• Please include a short music intro and outro. You can also use sound effects and music between segments. Music cues should be part of your outline for your program. 

Podcasts are not generally scripted, but may include scripted parts where needed. If you are reading a text to comment on it (for example a news article, or a short story, or a poem excerpt) you will need a copy of the text. Otherwise you are engaging in conversation--this should, however, be informed conversation. Podcasts that just "wing it" by blabbing a lot generally are not popular. Podcasts that have a point, or where speakers know what it is they are talking about are more popular.

Instead of a script, you will be required to turn in an outline of your podcast. Again, a sample outline might look like this:

Here is an example segment structure for a music podcast:

1. Intro Theme Song

2. Welcome Message

3. Announcements

4. Song Intro

5. Song

6. Song Intro

7. Song

8. Music News

9. Final Comments

10. Outro Theme Song

Here is an example segment structure for a tech news podcast:

1. Intro & Welcome

2. Announcements

3. Top 10 Tech News Headlines with Commentary

4. Tech Quick Tip

5. Outro

Here is an example segment structure for a review show (movies, food, etc.):

1. Intro Theme Song

2. Welcome

3. Announcements

4. First Review

5. Second Review

6. Interview

7. Third Review

8. Final Comments

9. Outro Music

NOTE: Your outline should be a little more detailed than this by including what your topic of discussion is (what are you reviewing, or what is your tip, or what headline or text are you using?) You may find it useful to write down as many of the details you need on your outline so you can use this outline to guide your podcast and keep you on track. You may also find it useful to research your topic a bit. Ask: what might listeners like to hear or know about my topic?

You should have brainstormed a topic, written a general outline (it can be updated later with more details), and completed your research by end of class today. If you are working alone, you may record your podcast at any time (it will be due just after Midterms).

TIPS when recording:

• Record your podcast in small bits. It's harder to speak for 3 minutes without screwing up or losing track of what you're doing.
• Shorter audio clips are easier to work with and edit.
• You will want to create an MP3 or MP4 of your voice. Use a recording device to save your audio file in this format. There are a variety of converters you can use online, or ask a tech savvy friend, or, if you have an iPhone check out this short tutorial video; or instructions on how to record audio with a smartphone... 
• Once you have an MP3 file, you can upload your audio into moviemaker or other video programs. After creating a black screen, you can select the AUDIO track and use the video editing tools to edit your lovely voice. 
• NOTE: If you are terrible at tech, partner with someone who can teach you how to do this sort of thing. That person might be in a different class as well. Choose someone you like to learn from. The internet also has great sources. I'm not a great source for this sort of thing since the programs I learned and know are either outdated, or were Macs when we had those. Windows & PC's are clunky for this sort of thing. You may use your equipment at home if you have it. Otherwise, use what we have available. 

HOMEWORK:  Start working on your podcast project.

Podcasting: Introduction & Ideas

Today, please listen to a podcast. As we listen, use the outline handout or your own notes to create a topic outline. Keep track of the elements/topics Tippett uses in her podcast.

• On Being by Krista Tippett. Today we will listen to the most recent podcast: W.E.B. DuBois and the American Soul with guest speakers Maya Angelou, Elizabeth Alexander, and Arnold Rampersad. You will be required to read DuBois in your ELA classes next year (Common Core stuff...)

You will note that most podcasts start with an audio clip or audio intro (usually the program's theme music). The host (speaker) will usually introduce him/herself and identify the topic the podcast will cover (your title, for example). Sometimes there are advertisements and the naming of sponsors, other times there are interviews with specialists, or the reading of a significant passage or quote. Largely, a podcast is a lecture or speech about something a listener would find useful, interesting, thought-provoking, or entertaining.

A sample outline for a typical review show might look like this:
1. Intro
A. Theme Song
B. Welcome
C. Announcements

2. First Review/Topic
A. Sound clip/reading of a passage
B. Discussion of the sound byte or passage

3. Second Review/Topic, etc.
4. Interview, etc.
5. Third Review, etc.

6. Conclusion
A. Final Comments
B. Outro Music

HOMEWORK/LAB WORK: Browse any of the following podcasts. Select one you would like to listen to and listen to it. As you listen, outline the structure of the episode. After outlining, summarize your reaction to the podcast in a short paragraph response. Essentially: What did you learn/notice about podcasting from listening to this podcast? Your outline & response is due to hand in on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Check out either online source:

• This American Life
• Best podcasts ever (From Slate)

How to do it:

Hey! Watch these videos/read these linked articles to help you get started on the nuts and bolts of the assignment!

• Important websites to examine! How to Set Up Your Podcast
• Podcasting 101: From Setup to Publish in 10 Minutes (video tutorial)

Short Play Project: Using the News/Media Creatively

Today, if you have finishing touches on your magazine, make them. Magazine projects turned in after today are considered late. No more time in the lab will be given to you to complete this project, so it's up to you to complete on your own time.

In the lab today:

Mr. Gabriele (director of the Black History Assembly) would like to commission the CW department to write 2-4 minute (2-5 page) sketches. The task:

1. Work alone or with 1 partner.
2. Choose one of the following time periods:

• Slavery (Slave Rebellion) or Reconstruction
• Harlem Renaissance
• Civil Rights Movement
• The Obama Years...Yes, we can...

3. Research and find one real news article concerning your chosen time period. The easiest way is to type the topic and add newspaper article to the Google search. Once you have selected a news story, print it out. You will attach the article with your scene/script.
4. Read the article and inspire yourself. Use the article and information found in it to inspire your scene.
5. Scenes should be dramatic--skip all the exposition except for the climax of your scene.
6. Remember this is for a celebration of Black culture. This is not the time to get negative (at least the ending of your scene should have a tone of hope: Yes, we can...I have a dream...Free at last, free at last...).
7. Scenes should be written for 3-4 characters. If selected, you gain extra credit, can use the scene for your portfolio, and it will be performed by actors during the Black History Assembly. Otherwise, it's just class credit for the marking period.

Print out and turn in your draft (whatever you got) at the end of class. We might be expected to revise.

HOMEWORK: Complete all missing or incomplete work (including the Black History News Article draft if you did not complete it in class--although you should STILL print it out and hand in what you HAVE!) 

Magazine Project: First Deadline!; Extra Credit Opportunities

Please complete your magazine projects today. You may turn them in by the end of class if you'd like me to look over them. The official deadline is next class. We will not be spending the entire class on this project next time (we have other stuff to do in the lab) but this is the last day I'm giving you all time to complete the project in the lab.

When you turn in your work:

• Proofread your work before you submit it. Have your partner (or ask someone) to help you edit and correct your proofreading errors.
• Fill up that "white space" with ads. There should be no white space on your pages at the end of an article.
• Keep your formatting consistent all the way through the magazine. There should be a uniformity to your project, layout & design.
• Make sure your articles attribute your sources and give yourself credit for the articles you wrote in the by-line under the headline. 
• Do NOT staple your magazine together. I'll have to pull the staples to create the copies. I will make double-sided copies of your magazine for you. Next class, I'd like to share these with the class so you can see each other's fine work.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES:

NOTE/ANNOUNCEMENT: The playwrights' festival will be held on January 19-22. We are in need of writers (x5), directors (x5), and actors (x10-20). Schedule will be as follows:

Jan. 19: All meet from 3:00-4:00. Meet potential directors and actors dressed in costume with a prop. Writers stay until 7:00 or 8:00 to write scripts. Dinner provided.

Jan. 20: Playwrights turn in play script; producer copies plays. Directors, writers, & actors rehearse from 3:00-7:00 (playwrights leave at 4:00).

Jan. 21: Actors & Directors rehearse after school (3:00-7:00); writers may attend 3:00-4:00.

Jan. 22: Actors/Directors meet after school for final rehearsal & tech. Dinner provided. Show opens at 7:00.

Please let friends and family know about this fund raising event for the Creative Writing Department. We are in need of actors, directors, and writers.

ALSO:

Mr. Gabriel (director of the Black History Assembly) would like to commission the CW department to write 2-4 minute (2-5 page) sketches. The task:

Choose a newspaper article from one of the following time periods:

• Slavery and/or Emancipation period
• Harlem Renaissance
• Civil Rights Movement
• The Obama Years...Yes, we can...

Inspire yourself by looking at a newspaper article or headline from the time period. Use the article to inspire your scene. Scenes should be dramatic--skip all the exposition except for the climax of your scene. Get right to the point and the drama!

Remember this is for a celebration of Black culture. This is not the time to get super negative (at least the ending of your scene should have a tone of hope--this is a common theme in African American literature). Scenes should be written for 3-4 characters. If selected, your scene/skit will be performed by actors during the Black History Assembly. Details on dates coming up. The assembly is sometime in February.

HOMEWORK: None. But you could try that extra credit...

Magazine Project: Deadline Looming!

Today, please use your time in the lab to continue working on your Magazine Projects.

By now:

• It is assumed you have written your 5 articles (if you have not, you will likely not complete the project on time--but you may find it helpful to catch up as home work. That is work you do outside of our class time.
• You should have a cover for your magazine.
• You should be working on your table of contents. Each article you wrote (all 5) should have a headline. Order your articles and decide on what page the articles appear.
• Set up consistent formatting. Are you using 1 column, 2 columns, or 3 columns for your feature articles? What fonts are you using? It is okay to have more than one font (one for headlines and a standard one for articles).
• Don't watch your partner work! Divide up tasks. If you are working on a table of contents, your partner could be setting up the interior of your magazine or writing ads. Or vice versa.

HOMEWORK: None.

Layout/Design & Ads

Today, please use the time in the lab to put your magazine together. Choose what features will appear in what order. Make sure each of your five articles has a title and byline (see below). Your cover of your magazine should have an appropriate masthead and title. Make sure you create your table of contents as well. See requirements & vocabulary below.

To assist you, read the handout before you go too far.

Some layout vocabulary:

MASTHEAD: In American usage, a publication's masthead is a printed list, published in a fixed position in each edition, of its owners, departments, officers and address details, which in British English usage is known as imprint.

BANNER: The headline across or near the top of all or most of the newspaper per page. 

BYLINE: Name of the reporter who wrote the story, placed atop the published article.

CUTLINE: Any descriptive or explanatory material under a photograph or picture.

FLAG: The printed title of a newspaper on the cover.

NEWS HOLE: The space in a paper allotted to the articles or non-advertising material. Journalists have to fill this hole with words. :)

Requirements:

• Must have front and back cover.
• Cover page must have title of magazine, names of featured articles, and a photo/art design that suggests one of the feature articles for that issue.
• Cover and back pages must be illustrated.
• Must have table of contents page with name of author, titles or headlines of featured articles and page #'s.
• Must include at least five (5) articles per writer. Each article must include a headline or title and an author's byline.
• Articles may be formatted for single, double, or triple column--but this should be consistent or artistically designed within the magazine.
• Magazines should include advertisements to fill up the "white space" left by articles. These advertisements should be original. (In other words, you must create the ads yourself). You may write full-page ads, but each ad should be artistically designed and appropriate for your magazine style/genre. Ads may be included on a feature page.
• Magazine should be an EVEN # of pages.
• Each page must be numbered. 

You will be graded on your writing, layout-design, and creativity.

For help creating a layout for your magazine, check here (or look at the handout). For more advice, check out this article.

Samples of cool layout design for magazines (look here!)

If you'd like to use InDesign (for advanced students) tutorials to do that can be found here.

HOMEWORK: None.