It's the last day of digital learning before spring break! While this might not look like a typical spring break, I think it will be good - especially under the circumstances - for us all to take a break from all the digital school work and recharge our batteries (no pun intended).
As I'm sure you've all heard by now, the governor of Georgia has announced that we will not be returning to school this semester. I was so saddened by this news - even though it wasn't a huge surprise. My heart goes out particularly to our seniors who are missing out on so many of the big events associated with completing high school. We will continue with online learning through the end of the school year, and I will continue to be here to help you any way I possibly can. Please never hesitate to reach out - even if it's only because you need to talk. These are unprecedented circumstances and they are hard to process, but we WILL get through all of this together.
While it's not exactly a "movie day," I have relevant videos that I would like my classes to watch on our last day before the break. Here are the links and descriptions:
INTRO:
You've all heard me talk in great detail about my former teacher Robert Cohen and you've just finished studying GOTE. I also led our classes in a very shortened version of his famous Pledge of Allegiance exercise. I've uncovered a video of him leading the exercise with a group of students, and then also discussing GOTE. I'd like you to watch the video and we will discuss it and continue studying Cohen's work when we return from spring break. DISCLAIMER: as I mentioned when I led the exercise in class, there is no political agenda in using the Pledge of Allegiance for this exercise, and Dr. Cohen essentially says the same in the video. Also, this video is from the late 90s, but while it looks a little dated, the information is still very valid. You can access the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6NNPltwcVU
Drama 3:
You may recall me mentioning in class that much of my on-camera teaching is influenced by Michael Caine's book: Acting in Film. He made a video that serves as a companion piece, and it is available on YouTube. I'd like you to start watching the video today (it's about an hour long so you don't necessarily have to watch the whole thing today, you may finish it when you return from the break). Please pay close attention to things you've heard before vs. things that are new to you, as I'll be asking you about those things when we return from spring break. DISCLAIMER: this video features one use of the "S-word" and there is also cigarette smoking (this is an older video from a different time) and one of the scenes he uses deals with some mildly-adult content. That being said, I do not believe there is anything wildly inappropriate in this video. In fact, a DVD copy of this video is available for check out in our school's media center. You may access the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZPLVDwEr7Y
Have a great day, everybody, and a wonderful spring break! While next week will be a break from digital learning days, I will still be available via email and Remind if you need anything.