Advantages of Integrating Technology
Seeing how technology has always been a part of the evolving classroom, it only seem appropriate to address how modern technology helps art teachers and benefits students. The changing dynamic of media and communication on a global scale raise several issues when it comes to preparing students for tomorrows societal integration. Roblyer & Doering (2013) that the "arts teach relationships between the use of essential technical means and the achievement of desired ends" (p.356). It is clear that with the increasing availability of information and the ability to communicate at a faster pace student will need to understand how to create digital media in a relevant format with more dynamic content. The more recent development of the National Standards for Art Education has enlisted a comprehensive list of guidelines to assist teachers in understanding what basic knowledge students should have before graduating high school (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). Without access to technology for research, demonstrations, and collaboration, it is difficult to imagine how a student would succeed in a job market so driven by the digital age. This article provides some additional examples of advantages to technology including how it assists with different types of learners.
Disadvantages Of Integrating Technology
There are some drawbacks to so much technology bombarding young learners who may struggle to grasp new concepts or who get distracted easily. There is the funding gap between school systems and the dwindling support of art programs in the current economic climate (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). There are also the rise in ethical issues such as the pirating of music or the use of source materials without permission. Roblyer & Doering (2013) point out that "it is important to instruct [students] about issues of appropriation and repurposing of images and how this use intersects with plagiarism" (p.364). With so many advancements in software and changing trends it is also difficult for educators to stay updated on what programs will be the most beneficial for students. The article i have included here covers several related issues to the disadvantages of technology integration.
Specific Programs, Activities, Etc. Applicable to the Art Classroom
Art has it's traditional roots in the creative process of learning a skill where seeing, hearing, understanding, and creatively replicating are fundamental to success. It might seem that technology would take these instinctual activities and some how make them obsolete. I hope that the following examples will mimic if not parallel the creative process passed down through history.
Students will need to see and learn about historical and contemporary artists working in particular media in order to find inspiration for their own creativity. Computers allow faster access to digital files of recorded paintings, drawings, prints, and access to craft projects students can learn through online video tutorials.
Ask students to visit museums in their area. Galleries or public exhibitions are also great opportunities to find inspiration. Students could research these activities online and research a specific artist or piece of art before exploring their new destination. They could also visit museums though virtual tours.
One of the best things students can learn is how to design a logo and create business cards for a real or imaginary company. Student might need creative skills in marketing and understanding software programs that allow for quick manipulation of images or graphic concepts will give them skills desired by many companies (Roblyer and Doering 2013).
Sad but true in many schools there are a lack of funding and in my old high school the fine arts classes where always last to receive any money. This results in the teachers find other alternatives. According to Roblyer and Doering, "technology advocates point out strategies such as open-source options that make technology use more equivalent to costs of other instructional materials," (2013, p.17)
ReplyDeleteSad but true in many schools there are a lack of funding and in my old high school the fine arts classes where always last to receive any money. This results in the teachers find other alternatives. According to Roblyer and Doering, "technology advocates point out strategies such as open-source options that make technology use more equivalent to costs of other instructional materials," (2013, p.17)
ReplyDelete