Chapter 8 Reading Response

Chapter 8: Designing with Technologies
Chapter 8 focused on four contexts where traditional subject area learning is enhanced using design activities with technologies. When I think of designing the first thing that comes to mind is drawing and sketching. However, transferring these processes to the virtual world as students complete these tasks on a computer seems to be a much harder, more complex concept. Designing with technologies requires students to contextualize and explore how to illustrate the big ideas of a subject area. Yet, it could and ultimately should be used in the classroom to enhance student learning.

The first context described in the text is drawing design ideas with computer aided design software. This software helps children visualize their ideas in a 3D representation on the screen before it is made for real. The main idea here was that students learn what the thing will look like before they actually make it to reduce the potential failures experienced in making the thing in real life. Students can learn from what works and does not work on the computer to improve and better their actual product. SketchUp was one resource the book talked about in this section. I liked the idea that children can really get an idea for what they would be creating as children can walk through their design as if they were in it themselves. I think children would really enjoy using this application as students get the feeling that what they are designing is real.
· http://sketchup.google.com/#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-sk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=software%20interior%20design This could be used for all children as it seeks to have individuals create, modify, and share 3-D models with others.
· http://www.prodesktop.net/ This is another example of computer software that helps children design their own models. This site is a good resource in that it allows teachers and students to discuss and chat with other individuals using the software.
· http://www.topshareware.com/Kidscape-download-11426.htm This software allows students to create 3D landscapes.

The next section focused on using simulation software to design and build models. Simulations are designed to act as intermediate causal models that link the real world with abstract theories and laws. Thus, through simulations students can learn about what happens given certain characteristics or data. Using simulations also helps students learn what works and what does not work in certain circumstances.
* http://www.aspexsoftware.com/spexworlds/kids_educational_software.htm This site is one of my favorite design software sites available as it gives students the opportunity to create and design their own town, classroom, school, game, playground and numerous other things. The site also offers the ability to create simulations of what would happen given certain characteristics.

Designing in the media arts was another section of the chapter. Designing in the media arts uses Logo programming language. Logo programming language gives students control over what occurs in the system. The major program described in this section was Scratch. Scratch helps children learn basic computer literacy skills while designing games, animations, graphics, and music.
I would use Scratch in my classroom for students to design a visual representation of one of their writing samples. Students can write a short story and then using Scratch can act out this story on the computer. http://scratch.mit.edu/ The Scratch website would also be used as a resource for students to explore and learn from others creations. Then once students are done with their own Scratch project they can share it on the web for others to use, comment on, and learn from.

One of the most interesting sections of this chapter was the section on designing music with composition software. I think the idea of having children use Musical Sketch Pad is great to reinforce musical concepts. Especially in classrooms today where music instruction is being cut due to budgets shortages, using Musical Sketch Pad would be a great resource to introduce children to musical notes and instruments. I would use this technology to allow children to experiment with different instruments and the sounds they make to create a song to accompany lyrics they write about a specific concept. For example, when learning about the different types of habitats around the world children could write lyrics and then compose music on Musical Sketch Pad to create a song. I found this idea to be fun and a great interactive resource to use in my classroom.
* http://www.creatingmusic.com/mmm/mmm.html This site offers Musical Sketch Pad for both teachers and students to use in the classroom.
* http://www.sibelius.com/home/index_flash.html This software could be used in music classes to supplement instruction since students can use a variety of notation styles. Teachers and students can interact and exchange notes and ideas via sticky notes on compositions also. Using this software in the classroom allows teachers the opportunity to send mass notes, instructions and worksheets to every student at once. I would use this in my class to have students create a musical composition to convey what they are learning. Using musical composition software teachers can integrate music into cross-curricular areas of study.

When I first looked at this chapter I thought the material was entirely too confusing and complex for use in elementary school classrooms. The only interaction I had with designing was with using Legos and K’NEX when I was little. Prior to this semester I did not even consider using designing software in the classroom. However, now after practicing with Scratch and reading more in depth about the various resources available for use in the classroom I feel like children would really enjoy designing things with technologies.
The important thing about using technology in the classroom as a tool to assist children in designing models is for the program to provide students with immediate feedback on what children have done. Students should be able to learn what is and is not possible from the program before they try to create the design in real life. Designing with technology helps students develop an understanding of concepts and skills that can then be transferred to other areas of study. Designing also helps students enjoy learning as they see learning can be fun and interactive.
How would you use designing software in your classroom? Is there any grade you would not use some type of design software to supplement the curriculum or would you use it across all subject areas and grades?