A topic that I am not particularly knowledgeable on, is Technology as Art. I am sure that many technologies that I encounter on a daily basis are viewed more as an art form, than a form of technology. Many technologies that we use or experience are likely not thought of as technologies. I do not think of a pen as a technology, per se, but more of a tool. In the context of a museum, when I see some sort of visual display, I would think of that as technology yet also as an art form, however outside of that context, I struggle to differentiate.
Certainly in our classrooms, we can incorporate both concepts as a means to promote creativity. As noted in class, however, some of these opportunities may simply waste time. Once provided with some further insight on the concept, such as Norman McLaren's abstract film which fuses art and technology, I realize that I encounter a fusion of both concepts more than I realize. Do we think that our students would be able to suggest some experiences they have had or things they have seen as technology as art? I think we could likely learn much from them in this regard.
I will have to do some research as to ways to incorporate these concepts into the classroom, as I am sure many of the kids can identify at least with the technological aspect, as well as the art aspect. Using new media in the art classroom would be a fun and modern learning opportunity. Using various technologies such as iPod's, iPad's, Smartboards, or whatever technology is available, to work with programs to create simple works of art. For example, an online art gallery of the children's creations would be a fun way for the kids to showcase their creations for their teachers and families to see. Incorporating art and technology in the classroom is a topic for a professional development session I would be interested in!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Even more useful technology...but do we need it?
We learned a few more fun and potentially useful technologies this week, including ComicLife and Mindmeister. Unfortunately ComicLife is not free to use, however do not fret - there are others! One such alternative is ToonDoo. ToonDoo is a similar type of comic building program, which has thousands of inbuilt clip art images, as well as the option to import your own images. Basic usage is free, however they also offer private ToonDoo spaces for educational institutions to have a secure and private space for their creations. This would be a fun way for our young students to both work with a medium they enjoy (computers and comic strips) while we sneak in some learning! A teacher could have them create comic strips re-enacting moments in history (Christopher Columbus discovering new lands), or they can simply be creative and make a ToonBook of their interests, or just doodle with it. I'll be sure to keep this on my list of "possibly useful programs".
In addition, we discussed the functions of different types of media technology. Certain technologies have different intended uses, be it for providing information, entertaining, or to meet a task or need. My concern, however, is that do we really need these technologies to complete our tasks? Can we not look up information somewhere else, such as a library? I am not oblivious to the fact that times change, as does technology, however I think that the rate of which this is happening is so fast and furious, that we aren't really slowing down enough to think about what we are losing and how it may affect our learning abilities or health as we move so quickly ahead. I hate to sound like an old grump, but by the time we begin teaching in about two years, our students will likely be so far advanced (if they aren't already) in regard to certain technologies, that we may have no hope in catching up.
Of course, it isn't all bad. Having these options and the many programs they contain can be useful for learning, which we never had opportunity to experience in the past, such as Hooda Math. Both parents and teachers can encourage children to have fun and learn at the same time. Programs that offer games and activities yet contain an educational aspect can really add variety to a child's learning, and all the alternative mediums to interact with these programs (computers, television, smartphones, tablets, etc) can take some of the monotony out of learning. It isn't just textbooks anymore!
In addition, we discussed the functions of different types of media technology. Certain technologies have different intended uses, be it for providing information, entertaining, or to meet a task or need. My concern, however, is that do we really need these technologies to complete our tasks? Can we not look up information somewhere else, such as a library? I am not oblivious to the fact that times change, as does technology, however I think that the rate of which this is happening is so fast and furious, that we aren't really slowing down enough to think about what we are losing and how it may affect our learning abilities or health as we move so quickly ahead. I hate to sound like an old grump, but by the time we begin teaching in about two years, our students will likely be so far advanced (if they aren't already) in regard to certain technologies, that we may have no hope in catching up.
Of course, it isn't all bad. Having these options and the many programs they contain can be useful for learning, which we never had opportunity to experience in the past, such as Hooda Math. Both parents and teachers can encourage children to have fun and learn at the same time. Programs that offer games and activities yet contain an educational aspect can really add variety to a child's learning, and all the alternative mediums to interact with these programs (computers, television, smartphones, tablets, etc) can take some of the monotony out of learning. It isn't just textbooks anymore!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)