In the article, "Make Learning Pop!" Shaunna Smith wanted to explore ideas and ways to use technology alongside hands-on art. This is where she found the digital fabrication process which as she explains, "uses design software and personal fabrication machines to trim and perforate paper and other thin media" (26). Smith took this idea of digital fabrication and created her own technology infused lesson on how to design pop-ups for books and to create paper sculptures. All ages, from kindergarten to adult, can use this in order to learn to use technology and see how far their creativity can take them. Smith finds it to be a very beneficial lesson for her students because it challenges them to take an abstract idea and bring it physically to life. She finds that it sparks creativity and that it makes learning about literacy and the arts a fun and entertaining process. With the help of some of her colleagues, Smith was able to have each of her students create 1 to 2 pages of pop-ups that she collected and turned into one book. The students all worked together to make sure that each individual pop-up page worked with the rest. Their book dealt with language arts concepts.
I thought this was a very unique art/ language arts project. It is a great way to infuse technology into an everyday lesson, and the students seemed to really enjoy it. Smith mentioned that her students even began to use digital design terminology while in class. Not only is this a fun way to use technology, but it also allows students to really push their creativity. They can almost make anything that they can imagine and design. Once I learned how to use something like this myself, I would definitely consider using it in my classroom. I plan on teaching middle school language arts and I think this type of technology infused lesson works really well this age group.
This lesson and use of technology helps students to create original works, as seen in ISTE Student Standard 1 on creativity and innovation. It also demonstrates concepts of collaboration in Standard 2, and critical thinking in order to make the project all work together, as in Standard 4. Digital fabrication also teaches students how to use technological systems, demonstrating the understanding of Standard 6, technology operations.
Smith, S. (2102). Make Learning Pop! Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(8), 26-28.
Kendyl,
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post and I love the use of the pop-up books. I think it is important for teachers to implement creativity and critical thinking into the classroom. I liked how she used technology for this project, and this is something I would use in my own class. I think it is important that teachers allow students to use their minds and let their creativity take them places. I often feel that using technological devices like this one make it easier, because the computer and the child's mind is the resource. If teachers tried to get all of the supplies for the pop-up books that could add up, and if the room already has computers then I find it a great idea!
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ReplyDeleteWhat a great too and approach! I love that students had an opportunity to work individually on a collective class project. Not only does that encourage collaboration and teamwork it also facilitates individual creativity. Whilst using technology to have a hands on experience students are able to express themselves in creating their 1-2 pages which is pretty cool. It has been my experience as well, as you had mentioned technology infused lessons works really well with children. This can transform content that might normally be boring into an experience that is engaging and might allow for students who otherwise wouldn't have to enjoy it. Although this specific technology will not be very useful for me as a college professor, I will definitely try to find ways to incorporate hands on learning as well in my classroom. Thank you for the interesting read!
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