O'Fiaich Open Day 2010
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQlAtjXrY6g
O'Fiaich College Open Day 2013 PLC Courses
O'Fiaich Evening Class promo
Thursday, 25 September 2014
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
Lockout 2014 Water Charges Protest
Directed and edited by Marcus Howard. A selection of speeches and short interviews with many non-political groups who are opposing the water charges and Irish Water. The protest was called Lockout 2014 on September 20th and was hosted by a selection of non-political groups. Many people also returned their letters from Irish Water with "Return to Sender No Consent No Contract" in the GPO. Despite the huge number who turned out the protest was not covered by RTE.
#Lockout2014 #Irishwater
Lockout 2014 Water Charges Protest
In case anyone is wondering about the size of the protest I filmed this section near 2 o'clock from the O'Connell statue. I only arrived at 1 and people had been marching around the centre of Dublin I was told since 12. This clip is nearly 2 minutes long but I'm posting it to help figure out numbers.
Lockout 2014 The Size of the Protest
#Lockout2014 #Irishwater
Lockout 2014 Water Charges Protest
In case anyone is wondering about the size of the protest I filmed this section near 2 o'clock from the O'Connell statue. I only arrived at 1 and people had been marching around the centre of Dublin I was told since 12. This clip is nearly 2 minutes long but I'm posting it to help figure out numbers.
Lockout 2014 The Size of the Protest
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
Multimedia Communications Unit 1 Analysing Media Texts
Do you believe everything you read and see? Have you ever disagreed with a story or viewpoint? At what point did you make that decision? Do you ever wonder if the media you read has an agenda or purpose? Who is the article aimed at? Is it balanced or does it prescribe to a particular viewpoint? How do you analyse media to make sure you get a more informed opinion?
Have a look at this article which shows a variety of newspaper covers on the day of the Scottish referendum for independence. Are the covers of these newspapers balanced or unbalanced? Is there an agenda or purpose to any of these newspaper covers?
http://www.thejournal.ie/vote-scottish-independence-1677062-Sep2014/
To Do Now:
Look up 2 articles from the internet, magazine or newspaper of your choosing that are Irish based. Make sure they have an image to accompany the article and bring them into class.
Key elements for analysing Media Text include:
1.The Audience and purpose
2.Language
3.Analysing Headlines
4.Analysing Pictures
5.Fact and opinion
1.The Audience and purpose
The audience and purpose of a text can affect how an article should be written. For example, how technical should an article be which is aimed at an audience who stereotypically are not that technological? Is there anything you should assume the audience knows or doesn't know about already? How should an article for business people be written? How should an article be written for parents or teenagers and young adults?
To understand the purpose that an article was written, helps you analyse it better. You are also better informed to understand the agenda of the writer.The purpose of an article can help the tone, language and style of the writing. There has been a development in some publications for articles which are paid advertising (which is often stated in small writing in a corner of the page).
The videoclip below from Portchester School gives examples from media texts regarding how to analyse the audience and purpose. Take a look at the video before carrying out the exercise in the discussion section.
Uploaded by PortchesterSchool on 14 Apr 2011
Pick 2 articles from the internet or newspaper that are Irish based. Write down how you think the articles appeal to a particular audience.
2.Language Language can help shape the content of an article. How language sounds can influence the impact of the article. How emotions are conveyed can help encourage a reader's way of thinking. Sarcasm can encourage a manner of thinking by belittling an opposing thought through humour. Language can directly address a reader to involve the reader in the argument eg words like "you". Language also uses argument to connect the writing with the author's point of view. This use of language can lead the reader through the ideas of the article to keep them interested.
The videoclip below from Portchester School gives examples from media texts regarding how to analyse language. Take a look at the video before carrying out the exercise in the discussion section.
Pick 2 articles from the internet or newspaper that are Irish based. Write down how you think the articles use of language effects the reader.
3.Analysing Headlines
A headline's job is to arouse your interest in the article. The headline should give a clue as to what it is about. It may be linked with a picture to deliver a greater impression on the reader. Reporters often use alliteration in their headlines to make the article sound catchier.
The videoclip below from Portchester School gives examples from media texts regarding how to analyse headlines. Take a look at the video, then look at the example pictures below before carrying out the exercise in the discussion section.
Uploaded by PortchesterSchool on 13 Apr 2011
Look at the following headlines below and take into account some of the suggestions from the video above.
The headline below is playing on the name of the film Slumdog Millionaire
Pick 2 headlines from the internet or newspaper that are Irish based. Write down how you think the headline could attract readers. Break the headline up into sections and comment on the following questions:
4.Analysing ImagesThe job of an image is to interest the reader to view the article it is about. What aspects of an image or diagram should you be looking at when analysing media texts? What makes the choice of picture linked to an article effective or interesting? Does the image add emotion or humour?
The videoclip below from Portchester School gives examples from media texts regarding how to analyse images. Take a look at the video before carrying out the exercise in the discussion section.
Uploaded by PortchesterSchool on 12 Apr 2011
5.Fact and opinion
Can you tell the difference between fact and opinion? A fact is a real event which can be proven by evidence. Opinions are somebody's beliefs or thoughts. Opinions may not be able to be backed up by evidence. How a sentence is phrased can determine if it is a fact or not. Be aware of words like "believe" or "may" compared to words like "is", "was", "were", "proves". Think about how these words convey certainty or uncertainty. Opinion can be biased and sarcastic and the choice of words used will often convey degrees of uncertainty eg "might", "believe" or "think".
To identify facts, look for words which convey certainty and for opinion look for words which convey uncertainty.
The videoclip below from Portchester School gives examples from media texts regarding how to identify fact and opinion. Take a look at the video, then look at the example pictures below before carrying out the exercise in the discussion section.
Pick 2 articles from the internet or newspaper that are Irish based. Write down how you think facts and opinions are discussed. Comment on the following questions:
Have a look at this article which shows a variety of newspaper covers on the day of the Scottish referendum for independence. Are the covers of these newspapers balanced or unbalanced? Is there an agenda or purpose to any of these newspaper covers?
http://www.thejournal.ie/vote-scottish-independence-1677062-Sep2014/
To Do Now:
Look up 2 articles from the internet, magazine or newspaper of your choosing that are Irish based. Make sure they have an image to accompany the article and bring them into class.
Key elements for analysing Media Text include:
1.The Audience and purpose
2.Language
3.Analysing Headlines
4.Analysing Pictures
5.Fact and opinion
1.The Audience and purpose
The audience and purpose of a text can affect how an article should be written. For example, how technical should an article be which is aimed at an audience who stereotypically are not that technological? Is there anything you should assume the audience knows or doesn't know about already? How should an article for business people be written? How should an article be written for parents or teenagers and young adults?
To understand the purpose that an article was written, helps you analyse it better. You are also better informed to understand the agenda of the writer.The purpose of an article can help the tone, language and style of the writing. There has been a development in some publications for articles which are paid advertising (which is often stated in small writing in a corner of the page).
The videoclip below from Portchester School gives examples from media texts regarding how to analyse the audience and purpose. Take a look at the video before carrying out the exercise in the discussion section.
Youtube Video: Media Texts - Audience & Purpose
Pick 2 articles from the internet or newspaper that are Irish based. Write down how you think the articles appeal to a particular audience.
- What is the purpose of the article?
- Comment on the following questions:Is the language persuasive, informative, entertaining or advice oriented?
- Is the article aimed at a wide audience or specific genders and age groups?
- If there is an image used in the article, how do you think this is used to appeal to a target audience?
- Is the article deliberately provocative? If so, why do you think this is?
- Is the wording of the headline mentioned often in the article?
- Do any facts or statistics back up the article's opinions?
2.Language Language can help shape the content of an article. How language sounds can influence the impact of the article. How emotions are conveyed can help encourage a reader's way of thinking. Sarcasm can encourage a manner of thinking by belittling an opposing thought through humour. Language can directly address a reader to involve the reader in the argument eg words like "you". Language also uses argument to connect the writing with the author's point of view. This use of language can lead the reader through the ideas of the article to keep them interested.
The videoclip below from Portchester School gives examples from media texts regarding how to analyse language. Take a look at the video before carrying out the exercise in the discussion section.
Youtube Video: Media Texts - Language
Uploaded by PortchesterSchool on 16 Apr 2011
Pick 2 articles from the internet or newspaper that are Irish based. Write down how you think the articles use of language effects the reader.
- What is the purpose and effect of the language?
- Comment on the following questions:What do you think of the language used in the article?
- Who do you think the language is aimed at?
- How does the writer engage the reader?
- Do individual words, phrases or sentences impact upon the reader?
- Is the language used biased or unbiased?
- What observation can you make about the writers use of language? What is the tone of the writing like?
- Can you use a quote from the article to back up your thoughts?
- How is the article designed to make the reader feel?
- What is the effect of the language?
3.Analysing Headlines
A headline's job is to arouse your interest in the article. The headline should give a clue as to what it is about. It may be linked with a picture to deliver a greater impression on the reader. Reporters often use alliteration in their headlines to make the article sound catchier.
The videoclip below from Portchester School gives examples from media texts regarding how to analyse headlines. Take a look at the video, then look at the example pictures below before carrying out the exercise in the discussion section.
Youtube Video Media Texts - Headlines
Look at the following headlines below and take into account some of the suggestions from the video above.
Pick 2 headlines from the internet or newspaper that are Irish based. Write down how you think the headline could attract readers. Break the headline up into sections and comment on the following questions:
- Do you notice any alliteration? Are there any puns within the text?
- Does the headline have more than one meaning?
- Is the headline very dramatic compared to the article?
- Are there exclaimation marks at the end of the sentence? If so, what does this suggest to you?
- Are there any command verbs suggesting you should take action (eg vote, ban, stop etc)
- Are there any strange ideas in the headline? If so how would that interest you to want to read the article ?
- Is there strong opinion within the headline? Why do you think this is so?
- Is there any slogans used?
- Is there any name dropping in the headline to spice up the article?
- Are there any rhetorical questions within the headline (questions that don't need an answer)?
- Do any of the headlines suggest they are speaking for you? (do they use language like "our" or "they"). Why do you think this is so?
- Is there a problem highlighted in the headline? How would that effect the reader?
- Is the headline simple or factual?
- How does the headline combine with the message in the image used (if there is one)?
- Are there any metaphors used?
- Is there any rhyming of words used?
- Is the location mentioned in the headline? How could this be important for the reader?
- What is the message behind the headline?
4.Analysing ImagesThe job of an image is to interest the reader to view the article it is about. What aspects of an image or diagram should you be looking at when analysing media texts? What makes the choice of picture linked to an article effective or interesting? Does the image add emotion or humour?
The videoclip below from Portchester School gives examples from media texts regarding how to analyse images. Take a look at the video before carrying out the exercise in the discussion section.
Youtube Video: Media Texts - Images
- How is the text and layout used in the image?
- How is the information organised?
- What does the image suggest?
- How is the image linked to the article?
- What emotions is the image trying to convey to the reader?
- Is the image positive or negative?
- What kind of people are in the image? What is their bodylanguage and appearance like?
- How is colour used in the image?
- What mood does the image convey?
5.Fact and opinion
Can you tell the difference between fact and opinion? A fact is a real event which can be proven by evidence. Opinions are somebody's beliefs or thoughts. Opinions may not be able to be backed up by evidence. How a sentence is phrased can determine if it is a fact or not. Be aware of words like "believe" or "may" compared to words like "is", "was", "were", "proves". Think about how these words convey certainty or uncertainty. Opinion can be biased and sarcastic and the choice of words used will often convey degrees of uncertainty eg "might", "believe" or "think".
To identify facts, look for words which convey certainty and for opinion look for words which convey uncertainty.
The videoclip below from Portchester School gives examples from media texts regarding how to identify fact and opinion. Take a look at the video, then look at the example pictures below before carrying out the exercise in the discussion section.
Youtube Video Media Texts - Fact & Opinion
Uploaded by PortchesterSchool on 14 Apr 2011
Pick 2 articles from the internet or newspaper that are Irish based. Write down how you think facts and opinions are discussed. Comment on the following questions:
- What language used communicates facts?
- Is the whole article factual or is there some opinion? How does the language change if there is?
- Are there statistics used?
Please take a moment to give feedback in the comments section below
What was difficult in this task?
What did you learn?
Is there anything else that could have been included in the topic to make it easier for you to understand?
Was the topic explained well or not?
Are there any video links from Youtube that may also be useful?
(if so please copy and paste the link in the comments section with a sentence explaining what it is)
Tuesday, 16 September 2014
Media Studies Transition Year Parts of an advertisement
We are exposed to 3000 advertisements per day. An advertisement sells a product, service or message. Companies spend millions on selling their products to us. Advertising is communicated through the mass media. The mass media involves newspapers, TV, the internet, photographs, posters, brochures, flyers and computer games.
Everyone is targeted either directly or indirectly. With the popularity of social networking sites like Facebook, companies have a better understanding of targeting you directly based on the information you have uploaded.
Class Discussion in pairs
1.What advertisement have you just seen or heard?
2. How does the product or service compare to the advertisement?
Report back on partners contribution
Why Advertise?
“Advertising is based on one thing: Happiness.”
Don Draper from the TV series Mad Men
(alternate quote: What you call love was invented by guys like me, to sell nylons. )
Advertising often sells a dream so you will want to make a purchase. Companies spend so much on advertising to influence and persuade us to spend our money to purchase their product, service or message. We are often told how our lives would be different by the advertisement if we just purchased that one particular product.
The 3 Main Parts of an Advertisement
1-Caption or Slogan
2-An illustration to assist the caption
3-The copy
1-Captions and Slogans
A caption is a brief explanation often attached to an illustration, poster or piece of writing. Slogans are a motto or striking phrase to be associated with the advertisement.
The purpose of the caption or slogan is to:
• Promote successful qualities – happiness, freedom, beauty, originality and “coolness”
• Appeal to a reader’s hopes by tempting them with a promise eg you will look younger, more attractive, feel happier etc
• Appeal to a reader’s insecurities eg you won’t be as happy, successful or cool unless you purchase our product.
- Using the language of opinion as fact eg “Whiter than white” “kills 99% of all known germs dead”
Exercise 2: My Favourite Slogan Written Exercise
- What is your favourite slogan?
- Write about the choice of words used. What kind of positive or negative words are used?
- What promise or threat is made?
- Is a celebrity or mascot used in the advert?
- How is it catchy? (Is alliteration, repetition, rhyme, metaphors or similes used?)
- How easy is it to remember?
Exercise 3: Comparison of 2 Advertisements
Look at the two examples below for GoCompare and Compare the Market.
- What product is being advertised?
- Why are both advertisements set in a previous century? (consider stability, reliability, reassurance etc)
- Which advertisement do you prefer? Why? (comment on the use of repetition, humour etc)
- What are the slogans used in both ads?
Go Compare Ad
Compare the Market Ad
2-Illustration
The illustration gives an image about what the product looks like or will do for you. The product may be linked with happy successful people, couples or families. The product may also be linked to an emotional image or story eg babies, love, cute animals etc
Chanel Advertisement
Evian Advertisement
Chanel Advertisement
Evian Advertisement
The 4 parts of an illustration
a)-Lifestyle
b)-Values
c)-Colours
d)-Logos
The 4 main parts of the Illustration
a)-Lifestyle is the type of lifestyle you are being sold. What kind of life are the characters in the advert leading? What kind of dream is being sold? Will buying the product realistically help you achieve the lifestyle from the advert?
b)-Values are what the product promises you will attain if you purchase it. The aim of the adverts is that the consumer will immediately associate the promises which have been made as soon as the product is seen to encourage purchasing.
c)-Colours are used to associate different feelings with the advert. Yellow is associated with happiness, green with nature,red with excitement and danger, purple with luxury and black with danger and sophistication.
d)Logo is the sign which identifies the brand. Examples of famous logos include Addidas, Nike and McDonald’s
Exercise 4 Visual Impact Written Exercise
- Pick an advert from the internet
- What is the scene and what props were used?
- What is being said by the people and their faces?
- What gestures are being shown?
- What kind of lifestyle is being communicated to you?
- What colours are used?
- Is a logo used?
- What values are suggested by the advert?
3- Copy is where claims are usually made about the product. It is the main text in an advert. Sometimes the copy will suggest you will be safer or happier if you use this product. Often facts, opinions and promises are contained within the copy
When looking at the copy as a reader you need to be able to make the distinction between facts and opinions. Advertisers use various methods of persuasion to sell their product or service.
Fact and Opinion
When analysing whether a statement is a fact or opinion, consider:
Who is saying this statement?
Can the product deliver this promise?
What evidence is presented for the statement?
Look at the following claims in the gallery below. Can you tell what is fact and what is opinion?