For my digital artifact I decided to make a Twitter essay, inspired by the main themes in Ashley Hinck’s article “Digital Ghosts in the Modern Classroom”. In her article, Hinck says that “…all [her students] know of digital making are the template/shortcut platforms that have enabled them to participate in digital culture up until this point.” (Hinck) She continues to explain how these platforms not only effect how her students see technology, but school as well. They have become programmed to follow a set of tasks or steps that will inevitably bring them to the right answer.
The problem with this mentality, Hinck continues is that it can “ limit openness and creativity.” (Hinck) She then gives the readers some solutions for breaking away from these rigid parameters and encourage their students to use loose technological platforms such as Scratch or Raspberry Pi to encourage them to explore a more CREATIVE PROCESS.
This exploration of creativity through technology is the theme I focused on in my Twitter essay. I wanted to explore the idea of using technology as a form of expression rather than a place to drag and drop ideas into a template that’s already been used by thousands of people. Through this exploration, I decided to take Hinck’s advice, and I explored the loose technological platform called Scratch.
A couple hours later, and with the help of the Scratch tutorials, I came up with this animation of my name.
Turns out Scratch has endless possibilities, I could have tinkered and explored with that program for hours. Another great aspect I enjoyed about Scratch, was once our animation is uploaded there is an option for explaining my work in the “Notes”, and a “Comment” section for my peers or other Scratch users to give feedback. What a great tool for exploring reflection in the classroom. Every student could have their own accounts, watch their final products and give feedback to their peers.
In conclusion, Hinck’s article has sparked a desire in me to continue to explore other technological platforms, and to find more creative platforms for expressing my ideas and those of my future students. Moving forward, if students are encouraged to use technology to their artistic advantages, I think we are looking at a very dynamic and promising future of students who are with thinkers and tinkers.