Field Experiences

My experience at Bryant Park has given me a better insight into how all types of communication are conveyed in public space by means other than words. I have realized how each type of mode (people, sounds, movements and layout) when combined contribute to the way we experience them. The field trip also gave me an opportunity to reflect on my role as a learner; to look closer at my environment and consider how the places I spend every day could be transformed into meaningful learning areas. Furthermore, it reinforced for me that the act of observation and real-world experiences can provide students with much deeper understandings of concepts then what they gain from their time in the classroom.

Walking Transformations 

During the course of this field experience, my group created a large geometric drawing by using a GPS app while walking throug Manhattan. My group had previously planned our route; however, we were also intentionally walking in a 'step-like' fashion so that we could draw the shape. The act of walking on our designated path allowed us to learn about mathematical transformations (such as translation, rotation and dilation) as well as work cooperatively with one another in order to navigate the city and finish designing our project. Using an application involving movement, technology and mathematics, showed me how learning does not have to be confined within the walls of a classroom.