Tuesday, February 3, 2009
AWNM 5 Play
Lucy Gray: Lucy Gray is the Lead Technology Coach at the Center for Urban School Improvement at the University of Chicago. In her current role, she is responsible for the development of a technology professional development program on three University of Chicago Charter School campuses. Lucy also supports technology integration efforts at the North Kenwood/Oakland Charter School. She is also an Apple Distinguished Educator.
Eric Grant: Eric is the Program Manager for KnowledgeWorks Foundation's Map of Future Forces Affecting Education. In that role, he searches for examples ofinnovation in learning and teaching, explores technology and social trends, and loves bringing the voice of the Foundation to the global conversation.
Lori Soifer: Lori is a School Board Trustee from Birmingham, MI.
Stephanie Sandifer: Stephanie describes herself as “an educator with a background in visual art and design.” She is currently employed at a Houston, Texas area high school in an administrative position focused on school improvement, and her personal interest areas related to that include: school size and structure, leadership (including distributed and teacher-leadership), technology integration, experiential learning, and the elimination (or radical revision) of No Child Left Behind.
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As I was reading the blog, I noticed that four major points arose. One foremost point that was discussed was whether play should be incorporated into school after considering the implications of integrating it, including personal preference and the best interest of the students. Some talked about whether Play is always a positive component in a work environment for students who are easily distracted. Others argued that fun and enjoyment puts meaning into their work, therefore driving ambition and motivation. In my opinion, entertainment distracts me profoundly, but Play, in different formats aside from games and what is typically defined as play, could be beneficial. I think integrating all other five senses into the learning environment would be Play for me individually because it is a different approach to educating and this is, in some ways, fun.
Another prominent point the blog discussed was if Play can be constantly having fun or if play encompasses more of a passion for work. I think that passion and play are different factors of the work place for some. Personal preference and personality determine whether an individual feels a need for entertainment in the work place. Some prefer to work individually and silently with a passion without the element of Play as a distraction. Passion and play are not interdependent for all individuals. My neighbor is an astrophysicist and amusement and play is an interruption of his passion as his work is rigorous. However, passion is subsists when a certain individual has a desire to be interested and engrossed in work through play.
The effectiveness of a learning environment when the element of Play is integrated into the curriculum was discussed as well. Once more, I think that personalizing education is key in developing learners. If an individual learns through play, then educators should implement the element in their “personal curriculum”, but some would not respond to this integration positively. Those who are easily distracted, immature, or take things too far in terms of what is appropriate are most likely not the best candidates who learn well through Play. I think that Play can be effective only after all of the senses described in A Whole New Mind have been mastered because each and every one of them, in my opinion, is interdependent.
The physical aspect of Play was, in my perspective, a neglected discussion topic, but some were attempting to bring life to it. There is clearly scientific proof that physical activities; running, jumping, or simply just lying down, release “creative juices”, otherwise known as endorphins. I truly believe that schools need to let students go outside to learn. I know I learn best when I am not on the brink of a seizure, initiated by hostile fluorescent lighting and harsh white floors. The physical aspect of Play is very important because moving around and being in natural surroundings never cease in failing to make people feel better.
From what I read on the Live Blog from period five, I thought that everyone was very prepared and everyone developed thoughts thoroughly and in an intelligent manner. I read that the inner circle also did a tremendous job with Play. I think Play is an important element when used appropriately in terms of mental development, but the physical aspect is particularly important because the physical being is the vessel of the mental being.
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