Chapter 8- A reflection

Chapter 8 “designing with technologies” is about the 4 contexts where meaningful learning in traditional subject areas can be enhanced with the use of design activities that are made more effective through learning technologies. These cases of designing with technologies include: drawing design ideas with computer-aided design software, testing and designs and building mental models with simulation software, developing programming skills while designing in the media arts, and designing music with composition software. The chapter discusses a few tools such as pro desktops and sketch up that appear to be useful for design, however, I’m having trouble thinking of ways to use them in the classroom. I do think that the simulation software discussed in the chapter would be interesting for students to experiment with, especially during science instruction. These programs “help students build casual links and explanations of how the systems work and how elements within systems interact with one another”.
The chapter also has a lot of useful technology recommendations of art and music classes. I think these can be linked to math as well since math is a major part of these subjects. The program Improptu keeps a running log of children’s log of their precess of designing music so that they can participate in a “reflective practice”. I feel that this reflection process is important and helps students develop compositions that are planned and well thought out.
This chapter helped introduce me to the idea of developing composition skills and writing literacy as a mission for all subjects in school. Design is a tool that can give an added measure of meaning to work done in the classroom. The tools discussed in the chapter will help in building transferable concepts and skills and a joy of learning and creating in students.