Role of Art Education in Teaching Students Media Literacy?

In today's technological era, it is essential that kids become literate in digital media.  After reviewing the ibrain article, I believe the statements regarding a generation being skipped due to the technological revolution that is upon us.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, it is essential that we (as educators) stay up to speed on digital literacy.  It is quite simple to fall into the ordinary drab of the technology that is available to us today.  For instance, I teach Adobe Photoshop.  I am currently using a version of CS3 in my classroom.  After purchasing these liscences, I have learned EVERYTHING about CS3 in the last 3 years.  There is a version CS6 out on the market, and it does WAY more.  Students in my classroom today, are already passing me by in the sense that they are using CS5 & 6 at home, and are confused at the backwards technology of CS3.  Some Freshman students are coming to me only to have learned on CS5.  It is difficult to take them backwards.

I love Muddy's concept of a technological Boot Camp.  It forces both educators and students alike to explore what is out there, familiarize with it, and make an educated decision as to whether it would be a beneficial educational tool.  I am going to (with Muddy's permission of course), try and adopt a boot camp style training for my digitalites in class.  I think this will help me learn, as well as help them help me by deciding what "works" for the necessary literacy in an educational setting.

Week 4 - Read & React

Digital Diet Chapters 5 & 6

In Chapter 5, the book introduces VOIP  as a means to communicate via the web.  Skype, was the example that was used in chapter 5, and proves to be a powerful VOIP tool as it is not only effective, but FREE!  The only other comparable option that I can think of (and I am not an expert), is Facetime.

In reaction to the reading, I was overwhelmed.  I am not a person who likes being in front of a camera, nor am I someone that likes to hear myself recorded.  This makes it difficult for me to get it together when skyping and facetiming.  I must admit it was nice when I was in Mizzou this summer getting to meet up with Mandy, my son, Charlie and newborn son, Sam.  So, in retrospect, it has its rewards.  

On an educational final note, I find that it is a powerful tool in the classroom as well!  Our Science classes just skyped an educational lab with Harvard!  Imagine that!

In Chapter 6,  microblogging was discussed and introduced.  I am not a social networker, but if I were, I would be a microblogger.  I do not like reading/typing long entries.  Limiting posts to 140 words makes it a better option for me, if I chose to pursue one.  I do not see how this could be an effective tool in the classroom with sites like edmodo out there.  

In Chapter 8, Social Networking was discussed, and I must say that it COULD be a valuable asset from the standpoints of clubs, groups, classes etc.  It is hard for me to stay on top of things like that, and I am mostly disinterested in most people's lives, so I see no benefit for me, personally.  I hear of numerous cases where teachers and students are getting in trouble for unprofessional relationships on facebook.  I just dont like putting my personal life out there for others.  

EDMODO is a Social Networking educational site (much like LORE), but looks, and acts like facebook.  In a social networking place like that (where you have more control, as a teacher), I feel more safe and in control of what is said and done.

Brooks Young Chapter 5

Wow!  after reading this, I can easily see how the social revolution took over the planet.  Can you believe that most did not have internet in the early 90's?  HI-LARIOUS!

Diet, Chapter 9 introduces Voice thread, and screenr.  I loved playing with screenr in boot-camp.  I can see it being a VALUABLE tool for me when teaching things such as Photoshop and drawing technigues in Illustrator.  That is the most valuable asset that I have discovered this week.  Voicethread, I could not figure out.  I found it somewhat difficult to use and of no comparison to screenr.

When discussing the pros/cons of Social Networking in the classroom, I am still a bit torn.  To me, its kind've like getting the first ipad in a sense that you kinda want to "wait it out" and let them fix all of the "bugs" first.  I think as the internet continues to evolve, a better social solution will be put in place for the classroom.  I can't wait to see the next internet revolution....What will it be?

AVATAR - Kin Korn Karn

Too Much Fun!!!!

Love the ZOMBIE PAINT!!

Popplet Visual Map

Visual Popplet map for Stall Wall idea at Heritage High School

So my idea is to generate a Stall Wall for students that are using the restroom.  I consistently have students who do not listen to the morning announcements, and need to know what is going on.  I also have a constant stream of students wanting to use the restroom.  Why not try and connect the two together and create a knowledge bank for consistent potty goers and unwilling listeners.  A....Stall Wall!

Inspiration Board

Inspiration Board - Change Inspires Me!
Rusty Torbett

I am inspired by change and the powers of nature.  To the left is an inkwash that I painted 2 years ago. It is the last artwork that I created, but one of my favorite pieces.  I need to create more time to work on my personal art.

 It is written in Indian folklore that Spiders represent change.  The Robin's egg and the baron tree represent a natural transition from winter to spring.

Screenr Screencast

Hello,

Had problems getting my screenr to embed, so here's the link!

http://screenr.com/gCS7

Social Media Reflection

With Today's technology, I feel like using Social networks or social media for education can be a bad thing, but also a good thing if used respectfully and responsibly.

I am going to take the position that networks such as facebook, myspace, and similar ones such as these, are no good for education.  As a person who was "once upon a time" in the business world, working with professional colleagues and interests alike, social networks were beginning to explode and allow me to find old friends, colleagues, and yes, even girlfriends and re-connect.  I could investigate what was going on in their life as they could mine.  It was a neat experience, and sort of fun.  BUT for a guy like me, it was simply too much work to remain "linked in" at all times with everyone.  I kept an account UNTIL:

Enter Torbett the teacher.  It was as if a new fresh realm of bored, homeworkless, needy teenagers sought refuge in Mr. Torbett's facebook pages.  Hundreds of minors flooded my friend request lists wanting to peek into my personal life like it was a new and undiscovered world.  It scared me.  I was immediately put into a strange position of either denying all of them, some of them, or none of them.  There was not a win for me.  As an USAF guy, I am fully aware of the things that can happen when you are put into a lose, lose situation.  This was an instance.

I found myself explaining to students "why" I chose not to let them into my personal life.  They were unwilling to accept my explanations and hurt and felt as though I did not like them.  It was a tough spot.     Then to follow, Media stories begin to emerge of inappropriate activities between teachers and students on such networks.  NO WAY!  I'M OUT!

In my opinion, it must be made clear that I am the teacher and that they are the student.  We are not friends, but mentors.  It was in Doc's class this summer that I heard a speaker say that teens are adults who consistently make the wrong decisions.  It is my job to help guide them.  Not socially, but responsibly.  My dad was NOT my friend, he was my disciplinarian, mentor, guide, and hero.

Networks geared towards education as a MAIN theme (such as LORE), are wonderful social landing pads for both students and teachers to effectively collaborate socially.