Academic Aesthetic

To start, I need to apologize to all of you, my loyal readers, for going “AFK” for so long. (I’m surprised you’re still here, but far be it from me to look a gift horse in the mouth.)

The truth is that I have been procrastinating (a bit), but I’ve also been diligently working on other projects at the same time – ones that did in fact wear me down and/or lower my creative potential. Those projects aren’t done, but I’m ignoring them for a half hour or so.

I owe you that, at least.

I also had the bright idea of recording this as a podcast, but so far every time I was inspired to do so I either did not have the time, was in a public place (odd that a ham like myself gets nervous about such things), was in an environment that provided too much background noise (don’t ask about my car – please), or a combination of all of the above.

So here you go. We’re caught up to today, so let’s move on.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about boxes, most likely because of my recent move. As most of you know, moving requires you to scrounge a lot of boxes in which you can place everything you own so that you can move it from point A to point B.

Since my wife and I are both packrats, that adds up to many, many boxes.

When we started we had a system – a box for linens, a box for winter clothes, a box for books (ok, that was more like ten boxes…), and so on.  We had everything categorized.  Of course it didn’t end that way, but that was the plan.

So why am I rambling on about this?

Because schools are boxes, too.  Every day I walk into a school (box), step into a classroom (box in a box), and teach a subject (box in a box in a box).  Thankfully the Interrelated Art program I’m in requires me to teach art lessons that reinforce other subjects.  Through those I get to poke some serious holes in at least some of the boxes … but the boxes are still there.

I’m not the only one thinking of boxes either, as shown in this chat log from a recent webinar.  I’m ending with this, because I was a participant and I think it says what I’ve been trying to say.

from Teryl Magee:
Ahh…losing time or thinking outside the box?

from Diana Laufenberg:
what if there is no box?

from Teryl Magee:
No box might be nice depending on how you look at it!

from Teryl Magee:
Agree Tracy!

from Jenny Vreeland:
It’s what many teachers are afraid of.

from cathy masse:
There is often not enough technology available for all students and staff

from Aaron Smith:
Some people, finding that they are outside the box, then build a new one for themselves.

from Diana Laufenberg:
hence the DEN?

from Marie Coleman:
we often do set up limitations on self!

from Teryl Magee:
Ohh…deep thinking Aaron. Then I guess we step outside that box again!

[some conversation cut out to maintain the illusion of brevity] 

from Aaron Smith:
Teryl, the box is a comfort zone. I wouldn’t destroy it if they need it, but I would install lots of windows and a really big door.