An Above 'Normel' Day

Five COSTAATT Students wanted an A. Well everyone knows that-lecturer-whose-name-I-shall-not-call does not give those. These 5 students were given a 40% project to work on, to write a blog. A blog with "something to do with social media". In addition to this they were to find innovative ways to promote this blog.

Students listen attentively during "A 'Normel' Housewarming"
Photos By JB Photography

A "Normel Housewarming" was to be an event to assist with all of the above. A simple program with a theme which could never be emphasized enough. The program began with opening words from the COSTAATT Guild President, Mickel Garraway. After this Ken Sambury, one of the organizers, welcomed the gathering and introduced The Head of the COSTAATT Communications Department Ms. Clarinda Jack . Both Ms. Sophia Edwards and Ms Clarinda Jack spoke from a lecturer's perspective, about the reasons why they added the Course "Communication Via Social Media" to the college curriculum.

Karel Mc Intosh

Then the first feature speaker, Karel Mc Intosh shared her knowledge on social media from her experiences. To start she gave the history of her latest project, Outlish.com. She explained that even before the website was up and running she had hundreds of fans on the Outlish.com facebook fan page. She explained that she met many of the individuals who have assisted her with this project through social media. It was most remarkable she said, that the reason she was speaking at COSTAATT was because she developed a friendship with Ken Sambury through a bloggers meet-up earlier this year. To cement in the minds of the audience the power of social media she explained how several different individuals from several walks of life have been able to harness this power to create greatness. She spoke of Gary Acosta, the popular spoken word artist who has been able to use his talent and now has produced an album, has done several shows and has received support from major brands such as Red Bull Energy Drink. Another noteworthy example was that of the "trini puppet master", Roger Alexis who was simply doing a project for school, looking for no fame. And someone discovered his video after four months of it resting on youtube with minimal views. According to Karel, his video exploded and thanks to facebook and youtube over 800,000 people have seen his videos. His youtube channel alone has 763,681 Total upload views. That is according to the last census, half the population of Trinidad and Tobago.

Buhwhamoder listens attentively as Ken Sambury asks a question

The second feature speaker, Buhwhamoder Latchmanpersadsingh kept the crowd in stitches. This comical character, the brain behind the fiercely popular Trini Slap Chop Parody was eager to share his lifestory. He spoke of his journey through life, dropping out of school during form 3 to sell doubles. His opinion is that anyone and everyone should do their own thing and forget asking for handouts and depending on other people. For him harnessing the power of social media was his way out of doing his own thing. He explained that spontaneity has kept him going and social media only showcased his true personality. Now he will be sharing his spontaneity to Trinidad and the World for Carnival 2011.

Buhwhamoder and Kadiela Mcsween Perform during the info session

Students had an opportunity to ask questions and Buhwhamoder matched these with comprehensive answers. When asked on his opinion of Traditional Media by Trini Corner House blogger Kaelanne, he heralded youtube as the future and didn't comment on his thoughts of print, radio and television. He gave the students a quick dose of his slap chop song and Kadielia Mcsween danced the slap chop dance briefly before the close of the info session.