7/4 Reflection on Reading

Peppler

I am very interested in the ideas set forth by Peppler (2013) as she is primarily concerned with providing children an avenue to learn in new media. Specifically, she is interested in pushing forward their learning and preventing them from being impeded by new medias. By this, I mean, using platforms that allow for productive experimentation and in which children don't have to contend with too many guidelines that may close off their learning. She mentions that new medias shouldn't only be explored by the highest achieving students, but instead by children of all levels of achievement in traditional subjects. Some child-friendly programs that fit this model, Peppler believes are Scratch, Alice, and Lego Mindstorms. She is also concerned not only with children's ability to learn a program, but to also be moved towards creative expression within the media. I am interested in the potential for a new creative mode of production for children that allows for sincere explorational learning in new medias. I feel connected to this concern of Peppler's theory of education in new media.

Martinez & Stager

Martinez & Stager explain how the development of technology and new medias inevitably leads to higher expectations for children in the arts. This comes as a result of increased access to materials for creation and increased connection to more art and artists. However, these materials don't have to be "high tech" they can be low-fi and low-budget. For example, cardboard construction as in Caine's Arcade uses cardboard as a material for making. Martinez & Stager focus on the importance of making something highly personal while taking advantage of new medias, rather than just the use of flashy new materials for flashiness' sake.

I'm curious about the difference between a maker space and art class and where the dividing line exists. For the authors, it seems these two are separate, but equally important.