As a budding art teacher, the use of technology in the classroom, generally, is as a supplement to the arts curriculum, unless of course the subject matter is learning how to use photoshop, i movie, or illustrator, which are computer based programs. Nevertheless, the most obvious use of software may exist in exploring issues in art history and having kids do research given a specific subject. For example, a teacher directed inquiry would be if I were to assign a unit on Marcel Duchamp, I would provide some hints as to what subjects are germaine to Duchamps work e.g., readymades, surrealism, dada, chance operations et al., or, in a more constructivist manner, provide a short introductory lesson on Duchamp and turn the kids loose to find out as much as they can on the artist. Falling into the latter method, a web-quest could also be appropriate in an art class in learning about various techniques in, say, painting, photography, or printmaking. My overall intention would be to use technology in the most broad, interesting, and appropriate manner in order to keep coming at the curriculum in various ways. We must face the fact that the old school drill/lecture type of instruction is frequently boring for kids these days--unless handled in an exceptional, integrated manner that encourages the input of students. I definitely enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for art history, but with that, know I must be absolutely committed if I am to 'turn on' the kids. We've all experienced classes in which we have a natural interest, and then that interest is sabotaged by a boring teacher. Our goal in effective teaching is to explore different methods, softwares, and experiences that bring the subject into the kids "world of interest." This is easier said than done, but with one look at the internet resources available in all content areas, it behooves us to stay current and keep our minds open.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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Wade, I certainly agree with your assertion that, in regards to an art class, students are probably better off being allowed to explore educational technology on their own. Must of the time, artistic inspiration grows out of our individual experiences and moments of clarity. These moments seldom ever arise during lessons of direct instruction. Being able to explore at their own pace would allow them to operate within their own zone of creativity, enabling each budding artist to develop spontaneously. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteThe art teacher at my school just wrapped up an art history lesson. Students were each given an artist to research and write a short summary on the artist's life and work. She had the students do the reports using Google Docs, but in restrospect I think a wiki would have worked much better (my fault for not having thought of it until I saw the issues that Google Docs raised). For research / reporting projects, consider a wiki as a way of collecting student work, and also allowing for student discussion of each other's work. And the edit history feature is invaluable in these cases!
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