Double Entry Journal #6 / Scratch

Quote one:

"Researchers interested in computer-supported collaborative learning have paid little attention to the field of arts and design education as the more prominent focus has been on science, mathematics and to a lesser degree, social studies and language arts" (Peppler, Kafai, p. 1).

I found this quote to be quite shocking. With the growing use of technology and computer supported learning, I am amazed that the art and design fields have not in some way focused more on implementing instructional technology in the classroom. Obviously it is going to be easier to incorporate computer supported learning into some content areas than others, but technology is a very useful tool that can in one way or another be included in even the art and design field. There are a vast variety of programs that would accommodate these fields, and I would imagine that a field like design would especially be enhanced by technology. We are living in the technology age, and everyday it is being incorporated more and more into our daily lives. It is important to include, along with the regular curriculum, the use of computer based learning regardless of the content area.

Quote two:

"Today, literacy can be broadly defined as including any type of communicative interaction involving speaking, reading, listening, and writing with text in print and non-print forms" (Hagood, Stevens, & Reinking, 2002, p. 2). 

I absolutely agree with this definition of literacy. Literacy is very important; it is the key to life. Like technology, literacy is also an enormous part of our everyday lives. We use our literacy skills for everything we do. In today's age it is not only important to be able to read, write, listen, and orally communicate, it is also important to be able to use computer based learning resources. I believe that the traditional literacy based abilities will never fade away, but as we progress into the future I believe that computer based literacy will continue to develop and be incorporated more and more into the educational system as well. Literacy, no matter what form, is an ability that should be greatly promoted and focused on.  

Quote three: 

"Despite Brandy’s ability to do sophisticated work on the computer (and was now in many ways technologically fluent), Brandy was still unable to read at grade level and had very much stayed at the same level in both reading and writing" (Peppler, Kafai, p. 3).

I found this quote to be a combination of inspiring and worrisome. It is fantastic that computer based technology encouraged and helped Brandi become more educationally involved, but being able to read at an age appropriate level is paramount. Reading is the foundation of learning; every part of life builds upon it. If I were working with Brandi I would suggest doing some computer based learning that focused specifically on reading. Because she has become comfortable and fluent with technology, using it to advance her reading abilities would be most beneficial. As far as learning goes, there is no one correct way to support and advance the processes. Everyone learns differently, the key is finding the best method for the individual; and utilizing that method to build upon other subjects and abilities.

Peppler, Kylie A., Kafai, Yasmin B. (n.d.) Collaboration, Computation, and Creativity: Media Arts Practices in Urban Youth Culture. California: (n.p.).

Hagood, M. C., Stevens, L. P., & Reinking, D. (2002). What do THEY Have to Teach US? Talkin' 'Cross Generations! In D. E. Alvermann (Ed.), Adolescents and Literacies in a Digital World. New York: Peter Lang Publishing.


Scratch animation ideas:

For my Scratch animation project I think am going to use homonyms; words that share the same spelling and the same pronunciation but have different meanings. My field of specialty is English, and too often I see individuals use the wrong form of a word when writing. It is a mistake that can be easily made. I feel that creating a game that helps individuals learn how to use the proper form of words in context would be very beneficial; as well as fun and challenging to play.