Lines of Sight in the "Network Society": Simulation , Art Education, and a Digital Visual Culture : Robert W. Sweeny

It is very important for art educators to learn about visual culture and how to integrate it into their classroom

"... there are no aspects of contemporary life that lie outside of complex 

social, cultural, and technological networks, no individual whose actions 

are not in some way interconnected with those of another. " (Sweeny, 2)

In some way we are all connected by the "Network Society". Between "Global trade, telecommunications, and commerce, including but not limited to digital technologies" we are all interconnected developing social connections into relationships, communities, and societies. I thought it was very interesting, this thought of an interconnected Internet community. 

In one second on the networking site Facebook I can find hundreds of people who not only share the same interests as myself, but we are close enough geographically to interact. Before the Internet and the "Network Society" this action would have been much more complicated and time consuming. It is almost easier to create a community over the Internet than in real life.

How would you integrate Sweeny's ideas in your own lesson plan?

Do you believe it is easier to create a connection in person or over the internet?