I am lucky in the fact that what I plan to do with technology at the moment is already an attainable goal for me. Last year, I had an LCD projector/screen installed in my room and this year I got four computers in my room. So, students not having access to computers is not an issue. Using the screen, I could show students videos of different artists and demonstrations, as well as step by step instructions to navigate certain parts of the internet, but to tell you the truth, they know a lot more than me most of the time! One other thing that I would like to learn to use is the SmartBoard. I have access to one, but I don't know how to use it at the moment, and I would like to find ways to use it in the artroom so that the technology could become more interactive for the students.
I would like to find more resources on the internet, and possibly bookmark some of the sites that would be most beneficial to my students. I would also like to search the internet for more ideas on collaborating with other artrooms around the world. I know that they are out there, I just need to find them.
I also would like to acquire some software for my computers so that students could create/manipulate artwork on the computers. Right now we don't even have Photoshop on our computers. There are so many different types of technology out there for them. I think that I need to find someone who is more experienced in this field to give me suggestions as to what I need and create a "wishlist" of sorts. Then I could try to get a grant to purchase the equipment. I definitely don't want to wait around for the district to purchase it. Also, I need to acquire some other technologies to go along with the computers that art students could use, such as digital cameras and scanners. ( I feel like a kid at Christmas asking Santa for gifts!)
So far, I have been able to take a couple of steps (baby ones) to implement my game plan. Just today, I introduced a lesson to my class and I showed them a video from TeacherTube explaining the project. It is called "The Memory Project" and I found it via the internet. Art students from all over the world volunteer to create portraits of orphans from other areas of the world and send them to these orphanages so that these children have something to call their own, and at the same time allows my students to feel a part of something bigger and to reach out to others. I had to communicate with the organizer of this project via the internet also, in order to receive our pictures. The students seem to think that it is a good idea (so far) so we will see how it goes. I need to get final approval on it tomorrow from the principal. We need to raise $15 per picture in order to participate so we are going to create a sort of "gallery showing" of all of the artwork when we are complete and invite parents and community members to help to donate. At the showing I plan on using technology further by showing video of the project and a slideshow of the students creating the portraits.
Ahh, such grand plans! We'll see how it goes. Thanks for listening! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Susan
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Susan,
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the “feel like a kid at Christmas”. I have the opportunity to spend $45,000.00 from a grant for opening a new CTAE (Healthcare Science) program this year and “Technology” is at the top of the list. I am already looking into the possibility of another grant for next year, but need help with wording the proposal to fit the request.
It is my goal to submit the proposal in June 2010…when I have completed this Master’s program.
I also have access to a SmartBoard and I am not using it to its full potential. This is something I have on my “to do list” for next semester, but I need more time to feel comfortable using it with the students in the classroom.
If your schedule is like mine, finding the time to sit and surf the web to find resources is currently limited. These courses have helped; I just need to find more time to locate content specific websites.
The Art teacher at my school has participated in a project very similar to "The Memory Project", in fact it might be this very one. I will check with her to see and let you know. Her students are very successful with this and look forward to it each year. The portraits are amazing and through technology she is able to receive pictures of the orphans holding their own portraits! It is a great project and I hope you find the funding!
Susan,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have some wonderful resources to work on your goals! How fortunate that your students are very knowledgeable of how to use the Internet. I am not an art teacher, so I have a hard time thinking of new ways and ideas of how you could use tools I have. However, I do have a SMART Board in my room, and I will tell you - it's wonderful! It makes teaching much more interactive. It would be a wonderful way for you to "show" students how to actually execute a partiuclar drawing/painting/etc. strategy. Like I said, I do not know a lot about art, but I would definitely think the SMART Board could be very fun to use in art. Good luck acquiring your additional resources; I know we all feel like there is always another item on the "wishlist!"
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI have had a Mimio Board in my classroom for almost two years. It is very similar to the SMART board and compatible with their software. Unfortunatley one road block in my GAME plan is that I have receive very little formal training in using it in the classroom. I have been shown the basics but do not know how to use it to it's fullest potential. I wish to be able to use it effectively. Many students could be benefiting from the available application and activities involving the use of the Mimio Board.
Deborah,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like finding the time to work on these things is really our biggest roadblock right now. I, too, am looking forward to finishing my master's so that I have the time to do the research and experiment. Although this program has really helped to get me started.
Susan
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI would love to have been in your class! Your students are lucky to have you. What a great project and one they will never forget. I like the way you will be using the technology in your class and I hope you get the funding! Great post.
Allison :)