By: Dani Moulton
BLUE BELL, PA--The popularity of Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” has allowed it to spread in all media circles. But can student media creators use it as well? Despite the song breaking the records chart for becoming the twenty-eighth song to land at number-one on Billboard Music’s Hot 100, the simple answer is no. .
“I’ve had students use copyrighted music in their projects before,” says Allan Schear, Professor of Communications here at Montgomery County Community College. “Even though I told them not to, they uploaded those projects to Youtube, and it got them in trouble.”
Student media creators don’t get paid for this work, so that makes it okay, right? Wrong. Copyright laws protect intellectual property such as songs, images, and concepts from being used by other people, whether the media creator is being paid or not.
On the bright side, if you’re desperate to get Pharrell’s song, or any others, into your project, you can always buy the licensing rights to the song. Usually for a very high price.
Websites like PerpetualLicensing.com and GreenlightRights.com can help you get started on the process of obtaining these rights. However, the safer and cheaper choice for student media creators is to use royalty-free music websites to get unlicensed music and make them just as “Happy.”
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Mobile Technologies: Nuisance or Necessity?
By: Dave Aston
BLUE BELL, PA--Like most modern technologies, mobile devices, such as smartphones, both assist and interfere with our day-to-day activities.
According to a Pew Research presentation, more than 85 percent of America is connected to the internet. Nearly half by smartphones.
This persistent mobile connection has created a culture of “got to have it now”, “got to know it now”. Combine this with the ability of a smartphone, and devices like it, to display ads and multi-task like a computer, distraction naturally comes into play.
Mike Giampaolo, a liberal studies student here at Montgomery County Community College, agreed that distraction is a problem.
“[Mobile devices] can really cut into your time,” he said. Mike uses his mobile device, an iPod touch, for a myriad things. Emails, the Blackboard app, contacts, music and homework highlight just a few of such things.
Chris Markopulos, a digital audio production student at Montco, echoed the sentiment. He uses his iPhone for just about everything from contact management to music playing to homework to writing and composing. Except Chris’s primary complaints of his device of choice that he uses “literally everywhere” are its short battery life and “lack of sync”.
The reaction from Montco faculty was a little more diverse.
Matt Porter, the Senior Producer and Technical Services Manager for Montco’s Arts and Humanities Division, loves his mobile devices. Of his iPad, smartphone and laptop, he said, “They connect you to anything...anytime.” Porter sees this as a blessing and a curse.
When asked about the downsides of his mobile devices, he replied with the same answer. He added that though it’s nice to be connected, it’s nice not to be connected. He said being too connected leads to something he hates: “Earphone Zombie Mode.”
Assistant Professor of Geology, George Buchannan, would make Porter proud. He uses his two mobile devices, a laptop and a smartphone, for specific, limited reasons. He uses his smartphone only “when needed.”
Professor Buchannan, who mostly uses his laptop, said these technologies make many things like disseminating information, writing notes and distributing exams easier. Unlike most that were interviewed, he sees no downsides to the use of mobile technology.
Colleges and universities don’t see any downsides either as they continue to push for a greater online, thus mobile, educational presence. This necessity is becoming a nuisance. Most students who use these mobile technologies every single day are pushing back in the form of wanting more in-person education.
A recent Educause study showed students, like ours, have an increasing desire to have more of their education face to face. Not online or mobile.
CNN backed this up with the opinion of business owners. “Being able to attend when you want means you have no face-to-face, so there are no real-time answers to questions you have," Dannie McClain, a New York business manager told CNN. "You...have to wait for...someone on IM that can answer you."
Montco does its best to strike a balance. As recently as this semester, an on-campus version of one of the Health and Wellness classes, ESW 235, was launched. Previously, this class was only available online.
One thing is clear, regardless of how we use, or how often we use, any mobile technologies, we always have to deal with their ups and downs.
BLUE BELL, PA--Like most modern technologies, mobile devices, such as smartphones, both assist and interfere with our day-to-day activities.
According to a Pew Research presentation, more than 85 percent of America is connected to the internet. Nearly half by smartphones.
This persistent mobile connection has created a culture of “got to have it now”, “got to know it now”. Combine this with the ability of a smartphone, and devices like it, to display ads and multi-task like a computer, distraction naturally comes into play.
Mike Giampaolo, a liberal studies student here at Montgomery County Community College, agreed that distraction is a problem.
“[Mobile devices] can really cut into your time,” he said. Mike uses his mobile device, an iPod touch, for a myriad things. Emails, the Blackboard app, contacts, music and homework highlight just a few of such things.
Chris Markopulos, a digital audio production student at Montco, echoed the sentiment. He uses his iPhone for just about everything from contact management to music playing to homework to writing and composing. Except Chris’s primary complaints of his device of choice that he uses “literally everywhere” are its short battery life and “lack of sync”.
The reaction from Montco faculty was a little more diverse.
Matt Porter, the Senior Producer and Technical Services Manager for Montco’s Arts and Humanities Division, loves his mobile devices. Of his iPad, smartphone and laptop, he said, “They connect you to anything...anytime.” Porter sees this as a blessing and a curse.
When asked about the downsides of his mobile devices, he replied with the same answer. He added that though it’s nice to be connected, it’s nice not to be connected. He said being too connected leads to something he hates: “Earphone Zombie Mode.”
Assistant Professor of Geology, George Buchannan, would make Porter proud. He uses his two mobile devices, a laptop and a smartphone, for specific, limited reasons. He uses his smartphone only “when needed.”
Professor Buchannan, who mostly uses his laptop, said these technologies make many things like disseminating information, writing notes and distributing exams easier. Unlike most that were interviewed, he sees no downsides to the use of mobile technology.
Colleges and universities don’t see any downsides either as they continue to push for a greater online, thus mobile, educational presence. This necessity is becoming a nuisance. Most students who use these mobile technologies every single day are pushing back in the form of wanting more in-person education.
A recent Educause study showed students, like ours, have an increasing desire to have more of their education face to face. Not online or mobile.
CNN backed this up with the opinion of business owners. “Being able to attend when you want means you have no face-to-face, so there are no real-time answers to questions you have," Dannie McClain, a New York business manager told CNN. "You...have to wait for...someone on IM that can answer you."
Montco does its best to strike a balance. As recently as this semester, an on-campus version of one of the Health and Wellness classes, ESW 235, was launched. Previously, this class was only available online.
One thing is clear, regardless of how we use, or how often we use, any mobile technologies, we always have to deal with their ups and downs.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Media and Body Image
By: Mikaela Loeper
BLUE BELL, PA--Sexually objectified images of girls and women appear in many advertisements. Elizabeth Heubeck and Doctor Louise Chang of WebMD.com point out that these advertisements start early, targeting elementary school aged children to emphasize the importance of attractiveness and beauty. These advertisements begin showing up on television and in magazines that are later directed toward adolescent girls.
Studies show that over 80 percent of Americans watch television daily. Add in the availability of the internet through phones and other devices, children are exposed to increasing amounts of media. Children ages eight through eighteen are engaged in some form of media consumption about 7.5 hours daily. A large portion of this interaction is through television alone.
For American girls, being “model thin” is the standard they are bombarded with on a day-to-day basis. According to WebMd.com, a recent study found that TV programs which are focused on appearance are swaying the self-esteem of girls as young as five. With such a focus on attractiveness being everywhere in the media and is used in virtually every form of information and entertainment, it is hard to believe it does not have an effect on the human psyche.
Actors, singers and celebrities that share the title of “attractive” are portrayed to be living glamorous and appealing lifestyles. Many of these people become role models for children and adults alike. However, being exposed to this unrealistic ideal has drastic emotional and physical effects on younger children.
So what is the solution? It starts with the parents. I asked local youth pastor Sean Olsen at Morning Star Fellowship where he thought the problem lied. Pastor Olsen responded, “I think the issue is that children are spending more time watching TV and going online or on their phones than they are actually talking to their parents. [Teaching] kids to think critically about the things they are seeing, reading and hearing is a big and important start.”
Courtney Gilroy, a student here at Montgomery County Community College, said, “I think it’s because parents...start...using TV to quiet their kids and pretty soon it becomes a habit. What they see...changes the way they look at the world. Especially when it comes to what it means to be pretty.”
You may not be able to run away from media that exaggerates body image. But you can ensure our future generations have a better sense of beauty than our society does today.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
An Interview with Tom Kolsky
By: Mark Brennan
BLUE BELL, PA--After serving as the host of "Issues and Insights," for almost 30 years at Montgomery County Community College, Dr. Thomas A. Kolsky is now giving up his post and passing down the torch. It is always a sad notion to have someone so involved and integrated in a program leave that very program after over 20 years. In Dr. Kolsky’s case, there is no exception.
"What motivated me to do the show Issues and Insights has been basically my interest in raising public awareness of a whole variety of social, political, and cultural issues that affect this country," Dr. Kolsky said on the night of the last show of "Issues and Insights,” a panel and discussion series on Montco Radio.
Thomas Kolsky was born in Soviet Russia and has lived in several places like Czechoslovakia and Israel. As a History and Political Science professor, he was educated at Rutgers University, University of Hawaii, University of Pennsylvania, and George Washington University, the last of the these earning him his PhD. He has taught Political Science and History here at Montco since 1971.
"I'll never forget these lectures," said a passerby as he smiled at Kolsky during the last show of "Issues and Insights."
What is remarkable about Dr. Kolsky is that he has also made a name for himself as a comedian. He constantly surrounds himself with humor and spreads it wherever he goes. According to the MCCC faculty page, "Over the last 15 years [Dr. Kolsky] lectured extensively on politics, Middle Eastern and Jewish history, as well as on humor. He was deeply influenced by observing life's absurdities as he grew up in Czechoslovakia, Israel, and the United States." Dr. Kolsky is also a political caricaturist, exploring yet another outlet for his humor.
However, it is not all fun and games for Dr. Thomas Kolsky. "The discussions in the show have led to a great deal of awareness. They brought participation by the community and in some cases even raised controversy. At one point I was attacked for being biased and the school had to defend me," Kolsky said with a smirk on his face.
Thankfully, everything he accomplished has not gone unnoticed. On the website ratemyprofessors.com, a blogging website where students review and comment about college professors and their strengths, Kolsky has met much praise. Almost every single comment has something positive to say about Dr. Kolsky. One enthusiastic student wrote in November 2013, “[I] took him for [honors] political science and he was surprisingly very nice and funny! [He was] great at explaining [the] material and will always give chances to improve your grade! [He’s a] great guy!"
Dr. Thomas A. Kolsky will be missed as a part of the "Issues and Insights” team and family.
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| Dr. Thomas A. Kolsky |
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| Caricature by Dr. Kolsky |
The Master Plan: A Decade Full of Changes
By: Tim Balch
BLUE BELL, PA--Everyone needs a makeover at some point or another. In this case, Montgomery County Community College is getting a big one. In 2012, it was announced by the college that major renovations to the school’s Central and West Campuses would begin, with a projected timeline that ends in 2022. This kind of structural expansion has been labeled to coincide with a “Master Plan” that will encompass the entire decade-long renovation plan.
BLUE BELL, PA--Everyone needs a makeover at some point or another. In this case, Montgomery County Community College is getting a big one. In 2012, it was announced by the college that major renovations to the school’s Central and West Campuses would begin, with a projected timeline that ends in 2022. This kind of structural expansion has been labeled to coincide with a “Master Plan” that will encompass the entire decade-long renovation plan.
Montgomery County Community College was founded 1964 and has grown to be one of the fastest growing community colleges in the country. As of today, the college serves over 30,000 credit and non-credit students, with over 80 percent being county residents. It’s no wonder that MCCC President Dr. Karen A. Stout was able to green-light such an extensive program for the college.
The Master Plan for the renovations is available on the college’s website for the public to view. The plan outlines in detail the proposed changes to the buildings and the landscape.
At Montco’s west campus in Pottstown, the plan proposes a redesign of pedestrian crossings, lamplight patterns and parking lot reassignment. This is to accommodate the increase in student enrollment and visitors to the campus.
The plan, however, recognizes the differences between Central Campus, located in the suburban locale of Blue Bell, and the urban setting of West Campus. One of the largest aspects of the school’s renovation program is the remodeling of the Health Sciences Center at Central Campus. The teachers and coaches operating out of the Health Sciences Center will move all of their classroom and office operations to the neighboring class building this summer. During this time, the Health Sciences Center will gain larger classrooms, more spacious offices and larger, more sophisticated athletics facilities.
Claire Kratz, a long-time Montco Health and Nutrition instructor, is happy to see the renovations take place. “I need a larger classroom. There [are] so many kids crammed into one room, no one even has [space] to move around.”
Montco has matured, though. The college's popular Culinary Arts program opened the doors to its own building in 2013, complete with its own retail cafe and bakeshop with a wide variety of international cuisine. With the new changes coming in the next decade, it’s clear this new Master Plan shows that Montco is still growing.
Montgomery County Community College Celebrates 50 Years
By: Jake Brams
BLUE BELL, PA--This year, Montgomery County Community College is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. The college will be commemorating the occasion with special events taking place at both the Pottstown and Blue Bell campuses as well as online. Many of these events will recognize veterans as well as helping out the homeless. Montco administrators are encouraging everyone, but especially students and the surrounding community to attend all events.
As Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro said at the Blue Bell campus in January, “This [community college] is a driving force for our economy, for education and most importantly [to provide an] opportunity to so many who might not otherwise have the opportunity.”
Among many of the events are the nominations taking place online for the college's “Fabulous 50.” The “Fabulous 50” is a list of influential and inspiring alumni that have helped the college bloom during its long journey. On the webpage anyone can write in any of the alumni they wish to be included in the list. The college will hold a special event in November to recognize those that make the list.
Students of Montco are well underway in their attempt to tackle fifty different acts of community service in 2014. Students and alumni have been encouraged to participate in a music contest for a college song, in which the winning composer will receive a 300 dollar prize.
First among many of the items commemorating the anniversary is a hardcover book entitled “50 Years of Thinking Bigger”. At 128 pages, the commemorative book chronicles every decade of Montco’s history with dozens of photographs and can be ordered through the college's website at www.mc3.edu/campus-life/50th-anniversary/8372. Handcrafted wooden dolls are also available with sales of many commemorative items going to charity through the Montgomery County Community College Foundation.
The “50 Points of Pride and History Highlight” webpages illustrate the many aspects in which Montco takes pride. Among these points, Montco recognizes its achievements as an institution as well as the achievements of its leadership, faculty and the ever-increasing support it provides to its students.
Since 2000, Montco has added online courses. These help students gain a better understanding of what knowledge they can gain from the internet in an age where it can be hard to know what source is legitimate.
With the various celebratory and informative events Montgomery County Community College is offering everyone can jump in on the fun. Even the busiest students are helping to make this anniversary one for the ages. Fifty years is a huge milestone for Montco, so it is only natural for it to be celebrated in a grand fashion.
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