Public education is the only solution for preserving a constitutional democracy
Have to start with our young people; knowledge is not handed down through the gene pool
We have some work to do to get them educated
Only a little more than 1/3 can even name the three branches of government, let alone tell us what they do
It’s not only through rallies or marches
Young people are beginning to get engaged in public life through the internet – email, blogging, facebook
Young people can take leadership roles in these spaces
This is a start in the political campaign world, but much more can be done
Have to get them engaged first and show them that government does have an impact on their lives and vice versa
We need to use the medium they’re comfortable with – a computer screen
Give them ownership and tools to use
Partnering with arizona state and Georgetown law school – “our courts” website is free to all users
will allow students to engage in real issues and problems and enable them to find solutions to real problems
lets them step into the shoes of a judge, etc.
encourages young people to make their voices heard in their communities
Two intentions for this project
- Curriculum to be used in classrooms around the nation
one consequence of No Child Left Behind is that civics education has been squeezed out because there’s not testing or funding for it
leaves a huge gap
can’t forget that the primary purpose of public schools in America is to produce knowledgeable citizens who have the skills and knowledge to sustain our nation and form of government
must also stimulate real thinking and debate, as well as a commitment to civic engagement
will exceed state standards - Primarily for young people to use on their own time
kids spend more time with media than at school or with parents
can we get them to spend just a little of that time on civic engagement
young people are interested in fairness and justice
Jim Gee is helping to create a truly immersive learning experience
will have them arguing real legal issues against the computer and against each other
we must ensure that tomorrow’s leaders are informed and engaged in rich debate that leads to wise decision-making
The more we can populate the medium available to young people with these social justice pieces, the more informed they’ll be
Q&A
Reuters: what videogames have you played before?
SDoC: I don’t play videogames – sorry
Reuters: some say games promote violence and are dangerously addictive for kids – does that worry you?
SDoC: certainly, but that’s not the kind of game we’re going to produce
NY Times: can you give examples of issues in the game and when will it be available?
SDoC: we hope by next fall to have the fundamentals on the website; resources for teachers will be up in September; Jim Gee’s work will be available by the end of September; first interactive part will be a t-shirt with a logo on it for high school students to wear – something that would raise a first amendment issue; she would love to put up something for students about the 2nd amendment (what does it mean – is it a personal right or not?); these are things students can learn to be engaged in; can provide them with precedents, the Constitution – let them make arguments for both sides
Q: Why do games & interactive technology better serve your mission?
SDoC: I’ve observed my own children and grandchildren; she’s illiterate as a computer user, but her grandchildren can do anything on there in minutes; they’ll sit in front of the screen for a long time and remain engaged; tells her that this is a good tool for this purpose; she believes that when we learn something by doing it (by having it happen to us), when you make an argument, etc. – you remember and understand it better, moreso than reading a textbook or listening to a lecture; her sense is that when we read something and learn it, there is a part of the brain that will receive it; but if we learn it by doing it, a different part of the brain will also light up (the emotional part – the “a-ha” moment); will ignite a different part of the brain; so things learned in this fashion stick with us longer; that’s what she thinks will be proven in the future
Q: what long-term outcomes do you hope to achieve with this project? Ideal place in 5 years?
SDoC: to know that classrooms all across the country are using this program and exposing children to civics education; will be easier for teachers to plug students into this curriculum – they don’t have to learn it themselves :-p
Q: what advice would you give to those who are trying this for the first time?
SDoC: there are so many subjects that people in this room are working on – all kinds of great programs; there will be as many programs as there are fertile imaginations, and we have a lot of those
Wow! He's cute, he makes me want top be good. Pax. Bad Dog
Awwwwwww! I'm very choked up at the moment. So glad you have more time with Rat. He looks like such a good boy!!
And I never thought of it, but lavendar does work really well for the holidays. Nice job!
Merry, merry Christmas to you, your family and Rat!
Truly a beautiful gift! and thanks for sharing the pictures-
And your illustration is sobeautiful. looks like it is a wonderful and happy home.
I like what you said "Hope and happiness are on the horizon".
I wish you a happy Christmas
and more blessings and peace in the new year.
Some gifts are so unexpected and wonderful. Merry Christmas Val!
I have a feeling that now that Rat has got a new lease of life thanks to Viagra, there's no keeping him at home.
Watch out girls!
Love your festive apron.
i love those trees so much, it makes my heart skip a beat....and i'm so thankful that your little one is ok! pets are the best gifts of all!
What a precious dog!
Love your die cut, and by coincidince, I just posted something lavender for the holidays yesterday!
Merry Christmas!
Beautiful illustration!
Rat is such a great name for a dog!
wow u gave me a scare there, but then no way as big as the one u had. Glad all went well. Merry Christmas Val. Always enjoy ur wok and hope to see much more this new yr. michael dailey
'love this!...and the colours are great for the holidays!
I'm glad to hear everything turned out O.K.
Viagra for canine heart problems....who woulda thunk it?
...oh, neato apron, too.
First of all a big Merry Christmas to you Val! What a wonderful present to receive more time with the pets we love so dearly. A heartfelt hug to you and Rat.
Now I cannot let my dear husband see that apron. ha He keeps teasing me saying he is going to buy me one. I kind of get messy in the kitchen.
Your tag is lovely, beautiful colors. And what wonderful news to get for Christmas. Rat (cute name)is a lucky dog. Who knew all the benefits of Viagra!
this is what xmas is all about, what a sweet little fellow, enjoy enjoy
What a super cutie dog you have. So glad they were able to help you have more time with your dear pet! We are very fortunate to live in these times. Love your horizon piece. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
I don't know why you didn't draw your little dog instead of the little cat in that window.. what a cute house!!.. :)
Hooray for healthy pets!
Love the illo too.
Happy Holidays.
love
Oh Val, how wonderful. That must have been the hardest night ever. It's a rebirth for Rat. How fabulous and what a gift. And modern medicine helped. Amazing.
I'm really am so happy about your dog. I just love dogs, animals in general, and know from experience their loss can be devastating. Good for Rat!!!
Your artwork is lovely as ever, Val. Love the blues and purples.
btw: You are invited for a Christmas Eve drawing on my blog. Hope to see you there! Have a very merry!
good news all around on this post: val and rat reunited, awesome gift tags, cool apron, and super cool shoes. and then, a real life smiling val in all her glory!!!
happy holidays, my friend. don't forget that 2008 could be the year.. :)
Great pieces! So happy that Rat survived! Truly a great gift!
neat illustrations, love those colors too! glad all is well. neat pictures.
What a lovely Christmassy story. Hope Rat thrives on his viagra.
Merry Christmas, Val, and thanks for your blog support over the last few months since we 'met'.
xxx
I LOVE stories that end well! Thanks for telling us! I'm happy for you. Our pets are so precious! Have a very Merry Christmas, Valerie! :)
Oh Val, I'm so glad he's doing so much better!! What a wonderful gift! I love your illustration too, too beautiful!!
Hello Val,
Great !
Long life to the dog Rat !
Merry Cristmas to you Val !
You are nice !
Have a wonderfull week !
Wow! Some adventure you have with Rat. I imagine how difficult it could be to see him so sick. He looks so adorable (especially when he was a little puppy). I hope you can enjoy much more time together, Val.
Happy holidays!
That is the best gift, I can't tell you how much our kitty kids mean to us, I am so happy for you that you are able to have more time with your buddy. Love the die-cuts and cute picture of you too! Merry Christmas to you and your family
Oh RAT!! I'm so glad he got hooked up with the right meds! I think that is the only med out there with a really sweet side effect for that ol' boy, eh? And look at that little white old man face...he's so sweet! Ahhh....dogs are just the best, aren't they?
Merry Christmas to you and your big bear...AND RAT! Love those little red shoes you have on and look how BEAUTIFUL you are!
Have a safe and warm holiday Val...
xo
Dood!
hello, i emailed you but got an error. anyway here's the reg cleaner i uses, this shit is good, don't stay without protection!
hello, i emailed you but got an error. anyway here's the reg cleaner i uses, this shit is good, don't stay without protection!
Hi Valerie,
Ah yes, how well us old men know about those pills your dog is taking. I hope dog Viagra is not so expensive, or perhaps Rat doesn't have to take it every day. Anyway, he looks quite healthy now.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting.
Merry Christmas!
Well, this just goes to show you learn something every day! So happy Viagra did the trick...ah, now for the big smile on your face....
This tag has to be my very favorite illustration of yours! Ever. I love it!
And the picture of you and rat made me smile, and the story put a tear in my eye. I am so happy to know that Rat was with you at this Christmas time, and I hope there are many more. And I just love the photo!
It has been nice getting to discover all of your wonderful talent this year. i wish you the best in 2008, and much more time with the sweet pooch!
The gift tags are beautiful and so lovely just like you.
What really touched my heart was the story about RAT.
I am so glad you were able to make those in charge wait one more day. What a delightful Christmas gift.
Your Backwards submission is equally delightful. I love 'walking around' in your tiny villages and the world of Val's houses.
Have a supercalifragilistic New Year!
awww. sweet lil rat. I'm so happy he's okay!! Whadda day that was, huh? I know. My mom had surgery that same day and I spent my time there in the hospital, worrying the same way you were.
Wishing Rat many, many, many years. Viagra, huh?! I love that! Well. That it has helped him. I wouldn't (blush!) know.. in a personal way.
You're in my heart, Val!
Oh I am sorry, I am late. What a difficult time it was for you but I am glad all is well. What a blessing. Happy New Year Val. You are a blessing too. Thanks.
what a miracle!! Im very happy he is ok!! I am dropping by to say hello and also to say thank you for the christmas gifts for the christmas exchange! Thay are all sooooo pretty!! It made my day when I opened the mail!! You did such an awesome job val.. thanks a ton!!
What a wonderful Christmas gift!