Reflection 5

                                                                                                                                                         

After reading these texts, it is evident that the arts can have huge impact on kids. Art needs to be valued because it can be a fulfilling part of a child’s school experience. Instead of schools cutting out the arts due to funds, they should change the mentality that arts should be the first to go. The video makes a strong argument for the importance of art. The concept of artful thinking made sense to me. Letting kids imagine and observe art can definitely increase their critical thinking skills and enhance the creativity of these kids. It teaches the kids to observe stimuli and think critically.

I particularly enjoyed reading “Media Literacy is Vital in the Age of the Image.” Younger people can learn easier due to the neurons that are available. These neurons begin to be pruned the older we get and it becomes more difficult to learn new things. (for example a second language) This article in particular made me more aware of the importance that electronic tools and new technology have when finding information and learning new knowledge. We may not be reading as much as a society, but we can communicate and learn through visual stimuli.

I felt like I could connect to some of the examples used in these articles and videos. I actually prefer to learn through visual stimuli and have done well in the past in my art classes due to my comfort in that learning style. I believe that taking classes in the past that could be considered art classes helped me greatly through school and made me the thinker and learner that I am today. Seeing something and creating something myself in these classes enhanced my ability to observe and imagine, just as the kids in the video did.

The fact that schools tend to cut out the arts when funds get low is very disturbing to me. I would like to make others aware of the importance that art and visual literacy has on kids in our schools. It is inevitable that our future will consist of a shift from traditional learning to more learning through technology and visual stimuli. The art classes in todays schools help prepare kids for the future while also encouraging them to critically think.

Reflection 4

                                                                                                            John Hawkins

                                                                                                            Reflection 4

 

I feel as though the trends listed in the report are very accurate. I strongly agree with the idea that social media is changing the way that people communicate, present ideas, and interact. The use of social media allows us to share news and information very quickly and effectively. I learn new things each day from the use of Twitter and Facebook. Some of the things are not useful, however, sometimes I learn key information through social media. This trend is beginning to expand. A few years ago, the age-group and overall population using social media devices like Facebook and Twitter was much smaller. In today’s world, it is not uncommon for young children and elderly people to utilize social media.

The major challenge that I can relate to the most is the fact that education’s own practices limit the broader uptake of new technologies. I believe that people are hard headed when it comes to change, especially with technology. It is important that we focus on some of the benefits that accepting change can have on our country’s education. Trying and applying new technologies to the educational field is very important. I believe that schools should understand how beneficial the use of innovative technologies can be for the kids’ learning and encourage the teachers to urge their kids to apply new technologies.

I was very fascinated with the use of 3D printers. Not only do I find this concept very interesting, I also see how beneficial this can be for education. I would like to experience the way a 3D printer works while creating models and prototypes. If this concept keeps becoming more affordable, 3D printing can become even more vital to learning than it is today. Incredible advances like 3D printers and virtual laboratories are very fascinating to me. Reading this article made it very clear to me that times are changing dramatically and technology is becoming more and more important in the field of education.

                                                                                          Reflection 3

1)     I enjoyed hearing about the kids who go to the school called “Quest to Learn.” It was interesting and very impressive to see how these kids learn in a different way including much more hands on learning and technology use. This approach is much different than traditional schooling and in many ways very beneficial. It made me think about how much my life and learning experience would be different if I were to be put in an environment like this. I struggle with digital aspects of life and wish that I could be more familiar with technology like these kids are.

2)     I definitely need to sharpen my digital skills. I struggle with many facets of technology and skills that could help my time management. If I were to improve my use of technology, I would be able to save much time by efficiently utilizing my ipad, computer, and the internet. The lack of skills and comfort with technology definitely shows. It makes school much more difficult to me due to the lack of experience with technology. I hope that this EDIT 2000 class can help improve my digital skills.

3)     These projects remind me that using technology provides a link between us as people and can open up things for us from a learning standpoint. After hearing the kids talk it is evident that their constant use and familiarity with technology benefits them greatly. It makes me think more in depth about technology and how important it really is to us as a society and these kids in their learning careers. Being able to interact digitally can be very useful and these kids are getting a head start that will benefit them in the long run. I wish that all kids would have the chance to experience projects like these.

4)     Social networks link almost everyone together in a way in today’s world. Through the internet, it is very easy to access information about one another  very quickly. It is good in many ways, for example, you can check up on old friends and family. However, it also takes a sense of privacy away from our lives. For example, I can look up almost anyone on facebook, twitter, etc. The only huge downfall I see about these networks is the large consumption of time that it takes from peoples lves.

5)     I would like to be able to teach kids who are interested how to throw a football. After playing quarterback in high school and staying involved with the game after my career ended, I feel like I could help young kids learn proper ways to play the game. Specifically, I would like to provide kids with detailed information that would aid them in this skill. Most all young kids throw the football at some point and many would like to play later in their lives. Providing them with proper throwing mechanics would enable them to continue their career and also help them be more successful.

6)     After spending time myself as a volunteer at two different after school programs, I am aware that these programs are very beneficial to the kids. Not only do they keep the kids out of trouble and help them learn academically, but they also teach these kids social skills and how to collaborate with one another in order to reach common goals. There were many times where this became evident at the boys and girls club. I saw many different types of kids, but all of them benefitted from being put in this after school environment.