1. The first article,“The Arthur Interactive Media Study: Initial Findings From a Cross-Age Peer Mentoring and Digital Media-Based Character Development Program,” by Edmond Bowers and others started the study by using the Arthur Interactive Media (AIM). AIM was used to observe the engagement of elementary kids in interactive graphic novels and activities that were offered online. Main goal was to encourage prosocial behaviors from behind the screen and as a result students showed high participation in The interactions.This showed that AIM influenced positive youth character and prosocial behaviors. The video on the Arthur Interactive Media Buddy Project allows the readers to see and hear how the AIM project was beneficial to prosocial behaviors in young children. Giving children a platform to explore topics like forgiveness and honestly allows the children to model such characteristics. The Arthur comics game is a way for children to be able to experience negative behaviors that have good intentions and learn how to be able to handle situations in a proper way. For the NPR podcast, it celebrates the impact the Television show Dora had in bilingualism and diversity.
2. As a child, I remember watching Dora a lot more than watching Arthur. But when I read the research about the show Arthur, I guess it surprised me that there was so much thought and learning put into one show without children or maybe even parents noticing. I think if I had watched the show more I could have been able to pick up on such learning skills. PBS emphasized learning and values on the shows it offered which has impacted many other children in the world in different ways.
3. Are there other ways for shows to incorporate education and values like PBS has?

1. The main theme for all of the readings were comic books and how children can benefit from them being introduced into the education curriculum. After reading Secret Coders by Yang and Holmes, I couldn’t help but think about how much this book could teach children who are learning about material that is difficult from them to follow. Some children can find concepts really difficult but the way this book introduces binary numbers, shapes, statistics, coding, and geometry angles and degrees can help children in a whole different way. Through this book they would be able to learn these topics in a interesting way. I had a very hard time following along in math especially when it got difficult, secret coders comics book combined attitude, terminology, and themes that are relevant for children to relate to. This book allowed the reader to be engage and pay attention to detail in a easier and more fun type of way. For article by Hall and Lucal they argue how well comics could educate children since they are creative possibility. In addition, which could help teach lessons in race, gender, socioeconomic status in a more settle and thorough way. Yangs Ted talk argues that children are creative and need to be in an environment where they can be creative thinkers. He emphasizes that it is critical to make the school curriculum more engaging since many children are visual learners in this generation. On the other hand, the Ted talk by McCloud, argues that through visual experience, comics can help children be able to learn about other senses.
2. From Today’s reading, I would have to say my favorite reading was the Secret Coders book by Yang. As I was reading I noticed I was learning something new with ever flip of the page. The strange thing is I didn’t notice I was learning until half way through the book. Yang did an excellent job introducing math concepts through literature and by doing it in a very subtle way. This book can be very useful to children who have easier time visualizing rather than listening. Additionally I found the article by Hall Lucal very interesting since they encouraged students to think in a different way when it came to social concepts. Lastly, Comics allows children to be able to relate to topics in media more easier since it allows for a fun way of learning.
3. Do you think children would benefit from having an introduction comic book for every class they take? (summary of what they are learning that year)

1. The article by Collin and Halverson first summarizes many challenges in relation to digital technology. It then argues that new technology brings different learning opportunities but also has significant challenges due to affordances of digital media. The Gaiman argues the importance of reading and how it benefits individuals futures. He emphasizes that books of all genres should be accessible to students. Emphasizing reading in early child development can allow the children to create a mind of their own, freely. The third article by McNicol argues that since teachers are inexperienced with teaching graphic novels they put a Ban on them from all Chicago public schools Libraries and schools. This is problematic since teachers are not empowered to approach new learning techniques. The last article by Degand argues that the situation about education through stereotypes and biases can be improved by providing relevant media . The video produced by PBS mainly argues that Society needs to be the advocate for children reading because if can impact their lives in many different ways which can allow them to be able to be creative in this economy. The podcast by This American Life argues that libraries are essential to child development since it can also be a safe place for children to be who they are.
2. When reading the Gaiman article, I was able to relate to the argument about being motivated no matter the quality. I find it beneficial to be self motivated to read class material no matter the quality of it. There’s always something to take away from a reading. On the other hand, as a child I remember specific shows and book series being labeled as bad influences on childhood development. For example, Spongebob squarepants was a highly popular showed childish and immature behaviors to children who tended to imitate.
3. What age did reading become important to you, and do you think early emphasis on reading can impact learning development?

The video Arts and stories started off with the conversation about how public education represents our best great hope for the future of our young people in U.S.. Erica Halverson argues that schools are not focusing on what is most important for the future of the children. She then emphasizes art is very important for children, So they can pave the path in creativity and innovation for the future. Art allows for creativity and innovation to be seen, since it allows the children to be able to communicate self effectively. And secondly, story telling allows for the children to be heard and to be able to share to people in safe space. The main argument from the article Digital Assumption to Digital Invention by Nicole Mira, Ernest Morrell and Danielle Filipiak is the fact that society has to move beyond the thought of the youth being passive consumers and/or critical users of digital technologies so that we can create a community where youth communities are digitally innovative. Lastly the Article by Gerbner, argues that story telling is how people in the world know what they know or what they think they know. People in engage in stories and grown to adopt thoughts or actions from them.

One thing I remember about my education that relates to the Ted video is how my school emphasized creativity. Making art one of the most important classes at my school. The principle knew creativity started in the art room. I could remember how creative my assignments were since we were given freedom to create our interpretation of that assignment. Being allowed this at such a young age has allowed to be very innovative in my life from coming up with topics for papers to fixing something broken on my car. Art showed me the freedom to be creative and to be true to myself and that’s something I can truly relate to in these articles.

Question:

With Cultural indicators limiting media content, how might free speech be affected since stories may be altered to fit social norm?

My name is Alicia Sloss. I am a fourth year Human Development major with a Minor in Education. My favorite form of media is video games and Netflix but also like listening to music. The last book I read was Girl time which was for my EDU 100 class last quarter.