The truth is that the film is just that: it's film. Motion pictures. The medium has limits and possibilities that shape and reshape the story. It is as ridiculous to judge the musical merits of the movie as it is to judge the musical in light of Victor Hugo's massive novel.
If I wanted a screen version of a musical, I would watch the film adaptation of Oklahoma and question why it feels more like a camcorder shot of a play than a real movie. Instead, what I get in Les Miserables is live singing, complete with close-ups, panoramic shots and whispering. I get bold imagery. I get scenery instead of stagecraft. I don't get a theater production and that's okay.
So, it has me thinking of technology and teaching. Often, teachers say, "A blog is basically an online journal." Except it's not. At least not when it's done well. It is a blog. This means it has the potential for comments, tags, scheduled posting, a global audience and multimedia. True, a student video can be similar to a live presentation. But if that's the case, why not just speak in front of the class.
I know this is an unoriginal thought, but seeing Les Miserables reminds me that students need to learn not only how to use technology, but how to recognize the potential and the limitations of each medium they use.
Interesting analogies in terms of explaining tech use and characteristics of the medium for shaping communication, impact, effect, and audience response. Good way to explain the logistics and power of blogging as a medium not comparable to standard journaling.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy!
DeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteYou make a very valid point. Each medium can only go so far and that is something both my students and I struggle with. There is a lot of "if only." We recognize at times we are limited but also try to think of new possibilities.
As far as Les Miserables, I have yet to see it. I want to but after seeing the Broadway Company of Wicked the weekend before Christmas I fear I may not like it as much as I may want to. Almost like the nice kid who you know has worked hard but who's project just won't be as good as the rest of his classmates.
I would love to see Wicked, by the way. Still haven't seen it, but it's always piqued my interest.
DeleteExcellent thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMy LesMis/Education take-away has been on form and approach. The reactions to the movie are very different from someone who is familiar with the play and a lover of film vs. someone who is an avid fan of the show vs. someone who has only read the book vs. someone who thinks Hugh Jackman is dreamy (snikt). Interestingly, if I know the context, i can come very close to guessing the overall impression the film will make.
Its an excellent frame for a discussion about personal context and how that influences the learning object. Learning objectives devoid of personal context are ultimately a mixed bag, precisely because they remove one or more essential components in the learning process -- namely, the learner. probably my next blog post.
And i recommend the 25th Anniversary concert for the booming voices http://www.amazon.com/Les-Miserables/dp/B004J64QR4/ref=sr_1_2?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1357308280&sr=1-2&keywords=les+mis
I love the 25th Anniversary cd as well as the 10 year.
DeleteI like your point about the personal context. It's easy to miss that as a teacher, especially as we plan tasks. Limited time and limited perspective both contribute to that all-too-common disconnect that students feel.
I think it is important to address the differences in the various forms of media with our students and to teach them that we must consider our topic purpose and audience prior to selecting a format to share information. When is it best to use a video to share our message? Under which circumstances would a live presentation have a more favorable impact? When should we use a Prezi? When would it be better to NOT use Prezi? We don't choose a format because we like the format, we choose the format because it will be most effective in serving our mission.
ReplyDelete