Three themes Milton Resnick used that relate to this course are integrating art and STEM, discovery and learning, and choice based and student centered learning.
Milton Resnick’s Scratch program integrates art and STEM in that it involves both coding and elements of graphic design. Scratch can also bring the physical world to the digital world in projects like the one that saws the tree or ones that are coded to external sounds.
Resnick talked about how the younger generations are considered “digital natives” with technology. I also thought that term was funny because I, and many others, have been saying that we feel uncomfortable with technology and STEM related materials. I have to agree that we understand how to interact with technology, but it is more likely that we do not know how to create. The Scratch program connects to discovery and learning because it allows people to develop skills in creating with technology in a format that is easier to understand than our first impressions of what coding looks like.
The way that choice based and student centered learning is involved is that the program allows many creative routes. Resnick shows different projects children have made, which include mothers day cards, animated stories, science projects, video games, and interactive (digital and physical) art. Also, assuming that the kids chose to make those mothers day cards on there own, that can contribute to art education in informal settings. Once students understand how to use Scratch they may be more inclined to create different projects on their own terms.
joycec1
Hi Ash,
Another example Resnick showed that brings the physical and digital worlds together is the interactive balloon popping activity. I liked this one as it includes coding, digital art, animation, and physical movement. As technology gets more advance, we as humans are finding technology can do many things for us. While some of this technology is great and convenient, I believe it is starting to replace some of our physical movement, resulting in an less healthy life style. I really liked how children now a days are interested in technology that gets them active, moving around, and burning energy!