13. Creating an Xtranormal Cartoon

11. Creating an Information Graphic

10.Digital Story Outline

For my digital story, I would continue with my focus on Central American immigration. One of my storylines would focus on the immigrants and their personal stories of their journey through Mexico. The other one would be going to "La Casa del Migrante" ( House of the Migrant) and learning about the organization. My interviewees would be the migrants and the people in the charge of "La Casa." The hardest part of the first storyline option would be getting the migrants to open on a personal level. However, I would explain to them that as a student, I am looking to create awareness of them and their situation. For the second storyline option, I would have to draft a statement of purpose for the organization and create an appointment to meet with them. This can be resolved easily by clearly stating my purpose and good scheduling.

My thoughts

It is easy to forget that good things are still happening in this world. We see and hear so many terrible things that it is very overwhelming. I hope that with every bad thing that is happening, two good things can happen. There is bad but there is also good and alot of it. One single act of kindness can and does make a difference.

Gallery: Caravan of Mothers Searches for Children Who Disappeared Coming to America

http://www.takepart.com/photos/caravan-central-american-mothers#traces-on-the-tracks

Immigration’s Hard Road: A Journey North in 9 Photos

http://www.takepart.com/photos/immigration#

9. Video Slideshow with Voiceover

8. Video Slideshow

7. Screen Structure Images

The photos were taken in the border city of Piedras Negras in Mexico. They show Central American immigrants around "La Casa Del Migrante" (House of The Migrant). Here, migrants who have travelled through the entire country of Mexico can rest here before continuing their journey. Most migrants are around the house since they are only allowed to come in for the night. The home was established by the local church and is run through donations and fundraisers.


http://www.slideshare.net/addy579/central-american-immigrants

Train of Death - illegal immigration in Mexico

6. Video Clip re Concept

Immigration: Central American Migrants en Route to Arizona

Everyday Central Americans leave their home and cross the border into Mexico.This video is very informative regarding the immigration of Central Americans through Mexico into the United States. It shows the hard reality of many who are looking for the American Dream. In Mexico, they board “La Bestia” (The Beast) a train that takes them across Mexico. It is a "free" method of transportation, but a very dangerous one. Before boarding the train sometimes they must pay local drug cartels tariffs for boarding. The train hardly stops and the migrants have to run to catch it. Migrants have suffered severe injuries including the loss of limbs or even died trying to board the train. In addition, the migrants must ride on the top of the train with the risk of falling at any moment. There is no security for migrants and they have to deal with the drug cartels who kidnap, torture, and kill them. In August 2010, 72 migrants were killed in Tamaulipas a bordering state with Texas. Migrants must endure extreme violence and dangers without any assistance from the local police. It is a very dangerous jouney but migrants do it because they have no other option.

Read:
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-07-30/world/wus.la.bestia.penhaul_1_cargo-train-illegal-migrants-bare-essentials?_s=PM:WORLD

http://articles.cnn.com/2010-08-25/justice/mexico.dead.bodies_1_mexican-authorities-mexican-officials-mexican-navy?_s=PM:CRIME

5. Defining and Visualizing Concepts

 

When we think of immigrants we usually think of Mexicans. They do make up the highest percentage of U.S. immigrants (legal and illegally). However, Central Americans also play an important role in immigration. There is a lot of information on Mexican immigration but it is important to note that but that information does not apply in its entirety to Central Americans. It is important to create awareness of Central Americans in the United States. I will be researching the quantities and motivations of Central Americans. The quantities of Central Americans can be determined by consulting the census. Some of their motivations can be determined through interviews and books/articles. Both concepts can be described through charts, videos, interviews, and pictures. Since these concepts deal with quantity I would use process and data visualization to accurately depict them. Mostly, I would be using charts and graphs to show the information. I found that motivation is defined as positive and for these immigrants the motivations may be positive but the result of that motivation could be negative.

4. Illustrating Concepts

While I do believe the animate was much more effective in delivering Zimbardo's ideas quickly and efficiently, the talking-head video went much more in depth discussing the research. It really depends if the person wants to get a general idea or an in-depth understanding of Zimbardo's talk. I enjoyed the talking-head video but I was able to understand the animate version better. Both videos are effective if geared toward the correct audience. In my opinion, the animate would be more effective with digital natives while the talking-head video would appeal more to digital immigrants.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJybVxUiy2U

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3oIiH7BLmg&feature=youtu.be

3. Exploring Online Sociology Site

Everydaysociologyblog.com

This website/blog is about the discussion of current events by sociologists from all over the United Sates. It is composed of posts from sociologists like Karen Sternheimer and Sally Raskoff. It also gives sociology instructors and students the ability to submit a guest post. There are also useful links to sociology related books, news, and videos. I initially selected this website because I thought the title was very accessible. Scrolling down, I came across the editor’s post about why she decided to become a sociologist. Like Karen Sternheimer, I had also chosen sociology with reservations only to discover that it was something I was very passionate about. I feel more secure now that I know I am not the only one to discover my passion for sociology at a late stage.  

2. My Online Life

Technology and the Internet have made my life very easy. I can get information on anything I want in seconds. Through my laptop, tablet, and cell phone I can have access to all of the information where ever I am. Access to information on any subject has made my school experience so much easier. Smart phones have so many advantages. The main advantage is communication. Other advantages are the internet and being able to use it on your cell phone to get directions, find reviews, book a flight, pay your bills and talk with online friends through Apps like Facebook. I do believe I have been exposed to many of the dangers that come with the use of online media. Fortunately, I have not personally experienced cyber bullying or been attacked by an online predator. I acknowledge that I have made a new identity through my online Facebook by showing only what I want others to see. We do live in a media-obsessed society. I think we are more focused on maintaining online relationships than physical ones. Even though I might not talk to someone face-to-face it still feels like we are in contact even if it’s online. We are fortunate to have so much technology available. It is up to us to use it to our advantage or disadvantage.

1. Who Am I?