Technology in Art Education on Prezi
Molly Marshall did a great presentation on using various technology tools in the Art classroom at the MAEA conference. This presentation spurred the opportunity for both of us to present how to use these tools in the classroom for Art Education students at Kendall College of Art and Design.
As I was reworking the handout Molly created into this Prezi, I couldn't help but think about how the educational system has changed as a result the accessibility of informational technology. This change can be a little scary and overwhelming to think about when considering all of the tools that are out there to help deliver and develop content with students.
Sometimes when I talk about technology with other Art teachers, they are very hesitant to incorporate these methods into their instruction. They look at technology as taking away from traditional methods of creating and learning about art. It is always good to question and evaluate practices before implementing them into your classroom, but at some point there needs to be the realization that using technology does not take the place of traditional methods of instruction - it enhances it.
To come to this conclusion, you've gotta have BOLS - blended online learning systems - and understand that incorporating technology is not a rejection of traditional methods of making art nor is it an abandonment of the need of teachers in the classroom. Technology allows students to create and leave legacies, connect with others from around the world, and teach the 4C's of 21st Century learning (critical thinking, creating, collaboration, communication). In order for this to be successful with students, good teachers who are open and flexible to new ways of teaching are needed more than ever.
Blending your classroom with the use of various online systems is not an overnight transformation. Take a look at the presentation for various ideas and methods both Molly and I employ in our classrooms. If you have a sure-fire tip or tool that helps you create a Blended Online Learning System, please share.
Very nice... I love the Prezi and am going to refer to this more often. Prezi is wonderful thing to use in the classroom and I even teach a class for adults at Northwestern Michigan College on how to use it. Love all the technology people are using in their classrooms.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I really like using Prezi because it allows you to embed content and present materials in a way that keeps the big picture in mind. I also like presentations that need the presenter to make it a full experience. A bunch of text that is then read off by the person presenting the material makes me feel like I could just read it myself without the person presenting. Something to keep in mind to those you are teaching how to use this and other tools.
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