apoduval

Week 9: Maker Movement + Innovation

I have always been a fan of the Maker Movement. From a young age, my favorite experiences all involved me actively engaging with a topic– building with legos, creating with paints and scrap materials found around the house. A project that I am currently working on is similar to many referenced in the Peppler and… Read more Week 9: Maker Movement + Innovation

Week 8: Constructivist Approach in Blikstein

In Blikstein’s study, the researcher discusses theoretical pillars for digital fabrication. One line in this section stood out to me in particular: “This chameleonesque adaptivity [of machines], which is embedded in technology, permits the acknowledgement and embracing of different learning styles and epistemologies, engendering aconvivial environment in which students can concretize their ideas and projects with… Read more Week 8: Constructivist Approach in Blikstein

Week 7 Reading

As a student who loved math growing up, but gradually lost interest over time, I often wonder what changed. I found Keith Devlin’s talk on “Using Video Games to Break the Symbol Barrier” very interesting.  Devlin argues that one explanation might be found in the way math is represented, particularly in its symbolic form. He proposes… Read more Week 7 Reading

Week 6: Curwood

Throughout my middle school years, many of my friends were drawn into the world of Harry Potter fan fiction, writing stories, reading work of other contributors, and actively finding solace in the community. Such interactions have always fascinated me. In Curwood’s publication, the author discusses the potential of such fan-fiction communities to “reflect the ways in which… Read more Week 6: Curwood

Week 5: Squire Reading Response

Squire’s 2006 publication argues that educators need to adapt to the greatly evolving world of gaming– a medium that holds a strong influence over adolescent children. I was particularly interested in the discussion on the social component of gaming, children “participating in a social world.” One manifestation of gaming as a means of social media is the… Read more Week 5: Squire Reading Response

Misc. Barbie: Redesigned Article

I saw this article and found it to be very relevant to our class discussions re: diversity! Check it out: http://time.com/4197499/barbies-new-body-photos-of-curvy-tall-and-petite/?xid=time_socialflow_facebook

Assignment 1: Polly Pocket Review/Redesign

Name:Polly Pocket Wall Party Treehouse Intended audience: ages 4-10 Primary purpose: Play! Adventure with Polly and friends (no educational agenda) Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Polly-Pocket-Wall-Party-Treehouse/dp/B0094FZO4E/ref=sr_1_1?s=kids&ie=UTF8&qid=1453977146&sr=1-1&keywords=polly+pocket When I was six year old, one of my most cherished possessions was my Polly Pocket doll. A small, petite, blond plastic toy, Polly evoked my creativity as I conjured up imaginary worlds and adventures.… Read more Assignment 1: Polly Pocket Review/Redesign

Week 4: Black et al 2014 Response

“The differences between these two text samples are striking, particularly in the indicators of lexical density, 5.7 words per sentence for Barbie Girls versus 14.61 for Xtractaurs, and grade level, 1.67 and 9.63, respectively.”     After reading this quote, I could feel frustration bubbling through my body. Why is it that today, in a world through which women should be perceived… Read more Week 4: Black et al 2014 Response

Week 3 Reading: Miller

I enjoyed the Miller reading, specifically with regard to discussion on efficacy of print books vs. ebooks. When discussing Roberts and Barron 2013 research, Miller places the discussion in the context of low-income SES and educational equity. I was fascinated to learn that reading level directly influences the way children adapt to different reading mediums.… Read more Week 3 Reading: Miller

Parasocial Activity: Aditi + Lizzie McGuire

In first grade, I experienced my first heartbreak: my favorite show, Lizzie McGuire was cancelled! The show’s protagonist, Lizzie, a quirky relatable middle school student, taught me about the trials and triumphs of growing up. She guided me through a new world of social norms and cues (those not as applicable to a 6 year old),… Read more Parasocial Activity: Aditi + Lizzie McGuire