I really appreciated the visionary component of this web seminar. I felt that the general message of the discussion was that the ends of student engagement are more important than the means (how the reform is implemented, technology or not). I especially enjoyed the challenge of reforming educators trapped in traditional teaching routines by asking them to look backward at their own experiences in school at what captivated and motivated them.
The panelists seemed to agree that project-based, interactive education was the most meaningful, engaging form of learning, which is exciting because a project-based learning experience is something I would like to cultivate in my own classroom at the School of Arts.
I'm hoping to have my students work towards a larger project of creating a piece of art that either serves the purpose of providing a vision to inform scientific progress or by suggesting ethical guidance for current scientific issues (Suggestions for other options would be gratefully accepted.)
The seminar certainly expanded my thinking regarding my approach to the project, particularly the discussion regarding creative technology. Despite being artistic individuals, my students seem to revert to mass technology for science projects. I'm looking forward to engaging them in meaningful projects that encourage them to explore other resources and means of expression within the science classroom.
