Discussing: Resnick, Ranker, & Yi

Resnick (2006):

He believes that the world needs to start thinking of computers as paint brushes and less like televisions in order to reach its full potential.

Computers are more than just "Information machines." They can be used for so much more like like creative design and expression. Resnick says that they can be more then mindless interactions and passive consumption.

Computers can lead to exploration of design, invention, animations, graphics, musical compositions. Inventions are made everyday thanks to the assistance  of computers. An example could be "intelligent stuffed animals."

Something Learned: "Crickets" A small enough computer to fit in a small childs' hands. This computer can do things such as control motors and lights. Crickets are new mediums for expression, experimentation's, and exploration. Cricket is a new form of technology that can help children to become "actively engaged in designing with new technologies and creates their very own graphics and animations and even robotic constructions."

Ranker:

Rankers article discusses digital video production about the Dominican Republic. Digital video production allows people to explore several different topics and fields. Ranker calls this "multimodally."

Exploration of digital media changes the traditional meaning of literacy. The web, videos, and instant messaging are all very popular types of online media/communication. new types of social interaction are being discovered every day. People can talk online in just about any form and can talk about pretty much anything. The web adds images, sounds, and videos clips that go along with print now. Print and text in books are no longer technologically advance or very common. Technology has progressed reading in so many ways. There are now Kindles, i-pads, A nook, and plethora of different applications. Reading is not fun and inventive.

Ranker talks about story telling and how media education can get children involved in enjoying reading, self inquiry projects, and intellectual growth.


Yi: Relay Writing in an Adolescent Online Community

Relay writing is a form of writing that enables multiple people to express their ideas and/or feelings. Relay writing can start by having one person start the story and then pass the story a long until the last person finishes it. This is a good way to show creative writing at its finest. Relay Novel's may not always go according to plan (well from the starting persons point of view), but it is a great exercise and strategy to get kids more interested in writing and reading.
Children enjoy places where they can go and unwind, talk about their feelings and emotions, write poems and share images and opinions. An online diary or chat room can work wonders for children with communication problems or shyness.