Interactivity #4

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtiU90LxWB56dG5hckd0Um5DMzc2RFE4QkNVU3NuUnc

While it is very likely that students and people in general have at one point or another seen some form of surrealist art, I don’t think that they are aware of what the style actually entails. My choosing of this lesson plan, titled “Digital Dali: Surrealism in Art Today”, was based on the above reasoning as well as the fact that it intertwines both art history and the process of creating art. From my own experience as an art student, a lesson in which I have to create art that connects to art history information I learn is the most successful type of lesson.

The major gap I encountered in this lesson was found between the curriculum goal, for students to enhance their creativity and better understand surrealistic techniques through technology, and the teaching strategies. The lesson plan said nothing about introducing surrealism to the students, and without such research and introduction it would be difficult for the students to comprehend the lesson. A background knowledge of the basic concepts of surrealism is necessary in order to benefit from this lesson and its Adobe Photoshop Elements techniques which would involve working with light, color, and movement. The lesson also failed to include the need for cameras, which are essential to having the photographs needed.

In order for the students to enhance their creativity as the lesson goal states, they should be able to take their own photographs to serve as a basis for the project. Without the use of cameras by all students it is implied that perhaps one photograph or stock photographs would be used in the lesson. This would severely take away from the ability of all students to enhance their creativity.

"Bully" Spring 2012 Documentary

Being an individual affected both directly and indirectly by bullying, I was very moved by this short preview of an upcoming documentary which focuses on bullying and the effects it has on kids. Bullying has always been present both in and out of schools, yet it does not receive nearly the amount of attention that is necessary for change. Are we doing enough to prevent tragedies such as that of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi, or of the 11 year old's suicide described in this documentary trailer? I strongly believe that the answer is no.

Although it is not apparent from the trailer, I am curious to see if the relationship between technology and bullying is addressed in this documentary. The ever-growing amount of youth who has access to the various types of technology has made bullying in the 21st century unique and much more challenging, I think, to fight. I think as teachers we need to be aware of the constantly changing face of bullying which is present in our society today. I think this documentary will show the brutally real effects of bullying, and rightfully show.