Art and Service Learning, Module 4-2 Digital Literacy

"Be not simply good-be good for something."
                              -Henry David Thoreau

I recently read an article for class discussing service learning and the art room.  It talked about making every day (not just Earth Day) a learning day in regards to the environment.  They suggested things that are easy, such as paper recycling (and having students go into classrooms and explain the importance of paper recycling). Another easy idea would be collecting aluminum tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, or making and selling bookmarks to help out a local Food Bank in your area. A more elaborate idea might be making, repairing, and cleaning out nesting boxes for birds.  The whole idea of service learning is that it is something local and that students feel the humanity in the project that you choose.

4.1 Changes

I love this idea- kids being kids, and solving problems all at the same time!  The implications for my classroom are huge- here are kids in a classroom creating, and at the same time helping researchers solve problems. At Kidsteam, kids and researchers are design partners.  The program is a collaboration between higher education, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. My goal is to open up my classroom so that it does not
 inhibit innovation and free thinking, and encourage my students to think outside the box.

Emerging Technology

I am fortunate to work in a school district that is very up to date on technology.  We are lucky enough to have Smart boards in just about every room, flip cameras to check out in the library, color printer (for special printing), I Respond units, digital cameras, and a television editing studio.  I feel certain that there are other technology items at my fingertips at school that I have left out.  What I'd love to know is what YOU use and how you use it!  Please help me out this blog post is for a class and I need some ideas of what I can do in my classroom!  Thanks!