It's one thing to have students create traditional works of art that they take pride in, but technology can be an aid in taking these works to an entirely new level of development. Makey Makey is an invention device created to be easily used by any age or level of technology background (including no background at all!) This invention kit is made up of a circuit board, alligator clips, and a USB cable. Connecting ordinary objects to a computer through the Makey Makey transforms these objects into interactive materials and methods of learning.
While experimenting with the Makey Makey myself, I created simple sketches that I could relate to sound clips that I had created using Bfxr (a free online sound effect creation system) which I had uploaded to Scratch (a free online video game creation system). The sound effects that were created begin to augment the interactive experience between the work of art and the viewer by providing more than just visual appeal. Now, the viewer has the ability to make the art stimulate another one of their senses and in turn, create a more satisfying piece. A redefinition of the way we make art has occurred now that the ability to implement a variety of media to enhance it, especially when the materials and steps can be carried out by all ages. We can see the drawing of a balloon and understand that it is a balloon, but when we can hear it blowing up and then popping by the action of us touching it, an entirely new wave of inspiration flows through us.
While experimenting with the Makey Makey myself, I created simple sketches that I could relate to sound clips that I had created using Bfxr (a free online sound effect creation system) which I had uploaded to Scratch (a free online video game creation system). The sound effects that were created begin to augment the interactive experience between the work of art and the viewer by providing more than just visual appeal. Now, the viewer has the ability to make the art stimulate another one of their senses and in turn, create a more satisfying piece. A redefinition of the way we make art has occurred now that the ability to implement a variety of media to enhance it, especially when the materials and steps can be carried out by all ages. We can see the drawing of a balloon and understand that it is a balloon, but when we can hear it blowing up and then popping by the action of us touching it, an entirely new wave of inspiration flows through us.