ALADDIN'S CAVE
Information For Teachers On The Mediaonics Installation
The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Albert Einstein
The notion that imagination is more important than knowledge, is central to the thinking, experience and learning behind the creation of this installation. The Mediaonics Fantasia aims to rekindle the imagination in us all. To draw upon the innocence and unfettered creativity of childhood where anything and everything is possible. That time and place where dreams and fantasy are alive and real and life seems full of awe and wonder.
We believe that the purpose of education has lost its way and that a better balance is needed to develop the ’imaginative spark‘ in us all that leads to self fulfilment, emotional stability and spiritual well being. Imagination gives knowledge a purpose and allows for the mind to expand and function on different levels.
The National Curriculum is the map by which all teachers steer their boat and many recognise that this map, albeit our guide to the hidden treasure, does not reveal ‘Aladdin's Cave’. It is our intention to offer an alternative voyage to experience learning through the use of interactive new media technology, art, music and sound, performance and role play to stimulate and excite the imagination.
The National Curriculum
With the National Curriculum in mind we have endeavoured to make this experience of value to all levels and sectors of the educational field. This particular installation will draw upon a cross section of subjects including history, geography, art, technology, music, languages, literature, story telling, dance and drama. The potential to draw upon this experience for maths, science, religious education, citizenship and business studies will be part of the ongoing discussion and agenda of the team.
The intention is to promote the idea of using installations as a model for alternative learning environments which can be built around any specific subject or group of subjects. The involvement of students in the deconstruction and reconstruction of their own learning makes this process a very powerful and enlightening experience.
Rather than stipulate exactly what teachers and pupils should get out of this experience it is our intention to provide stimulus and suggestions that can be followed up in a personal way or to fit into an existing scheme or experience. The subject specific strands of the national curriculum will be included but only as a reference. The imaginations of those who experience the installation will be the best resource. There will be a forum and opportunities, on Thursday 21st October at 4.30pm, for teachers to discuss the experience and the potential of this work.
It is of the utmost importance to realise that this installation is being created by teachers and a team of professionals from the creative industries. Employment in this fast growing sector of the economy thrives upon imagination, creativity, intuition and vision.
A person starts to live when they can live outside themselves. Albert Einstein.
