Age 12:
“The artistic power that technology can offer. I don’t use 3-D
software, but I do love to make pixel art. The razor-sharp precision that you
can get with pixel art offers huge potential. I also play with vector-based art,
which is good for animation, and can produce a fun cartoony effect, but I still
like pixel better.
I wouldn’t change much in my learning environment, but I
would like to learn how to use some of the 3-D drawing and programming software
out there.”
(In discussion, he says technology and digital media is a
huge factor in his creativity. However, he still enjoys simple doodling. He
says it helps him think.)
Age 11:
“Cracking open cyberspace, conquering the digital world.”
(In discussion, he appreciates what technology he has but
what would love more.)
Age 8:
“We have lots of fun stuff. We have tape and art supplies.
We have comfy chairs and couches. We have a forest to play in.”
(In discussion, technology does not really factor into the
creative life.)
Age 5:
“Well, I think it’s fun, interesting, and sometimes a little
weird on the internet. Sometimes it can be a little too loud, and a little too
quiet. That’s what I think.”
(In discussion, technology is used as an educational and
entertainment tool, but is not really used much creatively. She is very
sensitive, and sometimes has a bad reaction to stories, both in books and
cartoons/ movies.)
Age 3:
(I didn’t ask him, but at this point he mainly uses
technology for entertainment. Sometimes he acts out storylines he sees. He
loves apps involving numbers, letters and words, although I don’t know how much
he learns from them. I don’t really see a creative influence there.)
*****
Some notes...
About two years ago, my two older boys started using Scratch Programming. They both loved it. While they both program, they have found themselves drawn to different parts of the artistic process, and actually the programming process. One of my boys also really enjoys the social aspect of Scratch, and doing group projects.
We also had a blast making digital movies my first year at Wilkes! We also used material from Common Sense Media to discuss digital safety and responsibility. Scratch has been a great testing ground for these issues.
This year, we have had a major technology upgrade, acquiring more computers. (Scarily, we're at about a 1:1 ratio, although each child doesn't necessarily have their "own" computer. This partly happened because the boys had a class where they were programming, so we had a sudden need for laptops. Before, all the kids could just share one desk top.)
While not directly related to technology, this year my kids have been spending more time writing for their creative projects. Thanks to the support from my Wilkes classmates, I was able to set up a family website, and then the oldest three set up their own. They don't always use it, but enjoy it when they do.
My oldest two definitely use computers more than my younger ones. I don't know if this is an age thing or a gender bias.
In the future, I see at least some of my kids creating with programming, and all of my kids using technology to create and share their artwork, digital movies, and writing. Ideally, I would like to use social media to connect them with others to share their interests as time goes on. My oldest is about to turn 13, and I am planning on getting him his own e-mail and feedly account at that point, so not everything will be seen through me.
References
Digital literacy and classroom curriculum [web page]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/curriculum
Scratch [web page]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://scratch.mit.edu/
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