One thing that I could possibly use a blog for is to get students in the class and possibly in other areas of the country or world to discuss what art means to them. Most of them have a very limited understanding of how art helps them and reflecting on this with other students may help them. They could also talk to other students around the world about the kinds of things that they do in their art classes and how art plays an important role in their lives. They could share their art with each other also.
It just seems to me that my idea is very simplistic. This is all new to me so any ideas and comments would be greatly appreciated. I still do not have a great understanding of this stuff!
I do think that this could serve as a wonderful instructional tool if I could find a way to adequately incorporate it into my art program.
Susan
Posts
For my elementary school teacher mentality... Just to be clear: visual arts teacher = "art" teacher?
ReplyDeleteIf so, instead of the broad subject "what art means to them," could you use the blog to start discussions about a certain artist? Discussions could include: stating observations, connections, research about one specific painting or an artist's entire collection...
What other mediums does 'Visual Arts' cover?
Susan, here's a possible solution to getting computer access to your students. Does your school have a computer lab that you can reserve? At my school, we have a computer lab that teachers reserve. The students log on to a computer using their ID and password.
ReplyDeleteAs a suggestion for how to use a blog in an art class, maybe you can have students blog about certain artists and discuss by comparing different art styles.
I can imagine that initially you may think that it's difficult to incorporate blogging into a high school art class. However, try to think outside of the box and seek suggestions from others. Or hopefully, others will offer their opinions to you.
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem, actually I don't have any computers in my classroom and would have to make them do the assignments outside of the class but like you said, what if they don't have access. In my school we have computer labs but they cannot be reserved, they are only used by the business and programming classes. Because of this assignment I have been thinking about what else my students could do if they don't have easy access at home. The only thing I came up with was that the school's library has a few computers that students could use during their lunch or free periods, maybe your school has a similar set up.
An idea for your class blog for art. Maybe you can have them scan some of their art work so that you could display it on the blog. If it is something 3 dimensional, maybe you could take digital photos so you could post them on the blog. The students could describe their work and they could comment or critique on each others work. I am new at this too, so I am not even sure this is possible.
Vicky
Vicky,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion. Having the students display some of their own artwork on a blog site and then have others critique it is a great idea. They usually do not enjoy critiques in class because they feel put on the spot or do not want to speak up. Doing this on a blog would definitely help them to give a more honest answer.
Susan
Diane,
ReplyDeleteWe do have computers in our library but you have to reserve months in advance. I have done it before and it was a very frustrating experience.
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI understand your dilema completely! I had to purchase my own computer last year because I didn't have one in my classroom to work with. OUr one lap was always taken and some of my students didn't have computers at home.
I worked (buddied up with) the computer teacher and asked if they could work on some projects in her class. This worked well for me. Those students who did not have access at home I would suggest that they either go to the library or stay after school (I would stay after with them).
One other thing that you could do is just offer your blog for extra credit. I am considering this. Maybe post links to articles or in your case pictures. They could write about what they saw or read and turn in a hardcopy for you.
-Melissa
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I am a middle school Visual Arts teacher. How did we miss that connection? I will share with you how I intend to use a blogsite.
Through our school-based teacher webpages, we have the capabilities to set up classroom blogs. I decided to begin slowly, after I spoke to the principal and tech specialist. My intent this week is to begin photographing student work. I will then, download the photos in batches to my blog. Next, I would like each artist to comment on their work. I still need to come up with a guide for their blog posts, one thing at a time…. My issue is that I now have a new group this semester and it will be difficult rounding up last semester’s artists. I intent to get as many to comment as I can, and leave the other pieces blank, but each artist will be informed, due to the fact that permission slips need to be signed and returned. I think the artists will find it exciting to receive comments on their artwork, and the blogging experience will evolve naturally. The first time through, it probably will be slow going, but I’ll never realize the potential of this medium unless I just do it. So, please watch the progress of the site and give me feedback. Here is the URL for our school website:
http://schoolwires.henry.k12.ga.us/lm/site/default.asp
Click on the teachers tab at the top of the page (in maroon) and then, find Kimberly Phillips and click. You will be taken to my webpage and at the bottom of the page there is a slideshow of work done last year. On the left-hand side you will see a link to go to the blogsite. Right now, it just says Yada Yada, but it will be changing soon. This is great to be in the same group with another art teacher, we can really help each other.
Looking forward to your feedback,
Kim
EDUC 6710
Once again, sorry Shannon, I know now, you are not Vicki. I think I've got this committed to memory now.
ReplyDeleteWell, I am silly, you are Susan, geez.
ReplyDelete