"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn." ~John Cotton Dana

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Double Journal Entry #8

“Brandy’s case illustrates that computation can be used as a way to tell stories or to create personally meaningful artwork in the case of the birthday card.  Computation is also a learned skill that becomes useful as youth, even those like Brandy who are unable to read, can use for creative production.”

I chose this quote because it demonstrates how there are many types of literacies that someone can have, and that there is more than one way that someone can tell their story.  Even though Brandy couldn’t read and write on the level that other kids her age could, she still found a way to communicate her thoughts and feelings.  With help, she was able to learn how to use the computer programs to express herself.   Technology gave her the opportunity to be creative in a way she couldn’t through writing.  I like the idea of using the computer as another resource for students to use their creativity and express their thoughts.  Not all students have the ability to communicate how they want to through their writing, and this is another way to differentiate instruction to fit how they learn best.  With some mentoring from the teacher or other students, they could learn how to use media arts in the classroom.

Additional Resource

I was researching ways to integrate technology into art lessons and came across this article, Using Technology in the Elementary Art Classroom.  I really liked the article because it gives teachers a variety of detailed examples of ways to integrate technology into an art lesson.  Some examples include students creating an online gallery, creating digital portfolios and artwork, and taking a virtual field trip of an art gallery.

Resource

Swanson, Becca.  (2010). Using Technology in the Elementary Art Classroom.  Retrieved from http://voices.yahoo.com/using-technology-elementary-art-classroom-6257142.html

5 comments:

  1. I like the article you found. I especially like the idea of students photographing their art and making a digital portfolio. That will help a lot in this growing technological age, and will allow them to better market themselves.
    Your comment reminds me of the story about the autistic girl who couldn't communicate with any one until a laptop was set in front of her and she could type to others what she was thinking, feeling, or wanting.

    ReplyDelete
  2. There is so much potential for video game design to address the needs of struggling students. In school math is rarely taught in ways that address spatial thinking. Oddly spatial thinking is foundational for mathematical thinking. I've heard that video games play and design can support the development of spatial thinking.

    For the final project you will need to conduct a literature review. I think the question for your literature review should be:

    How does video game plan or design support the development of spatial and/or mathematical thinking?

    ReplyDelete
  3. As a math teacher I agree with Dr. Linstrom- spatial thinking is the foundation formathematical thinking. It is interesting because sometimes my students who are very good in art, also good in my class (alg I, 8th grade math).

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like your response to the quote you chose. Literacy involves so much it is hard to sit down and create a list. It is so important to be literate by using more than one resource or type of literacy. Being about to communicate and express yourself is very important for everyone students and adults.
    Art isn’t really a subject I had given much thought to but it is an important subject. Incorporating technology and literacy into art is just as important as into English or chemistry.
    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like your response to the quote. I agree as I teach in a technology classroom - many of my special needs students are able to perform at the same level as regular education students. This is really a benefit to inclusion and increasing the self confidence of students with special needs and to also help them improve their literacy schools.

    ReplyDelete