EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY PHILOSOPHY
One of my greatest goals for my future art classroom is to utilize technology to encourage creativity in my students. American graphic designer Milton Glaser, best known for his I ♥ NY logo, said, “Computers are to design as microwaves are to cooking.” A computer, and other technology, are tools, and it's the use of these tools that can greatly enhance learning and creativity far beyond traditional teaching methods. As an art student and then professional graphic designer, I knew that technology utilization in the art field would only grow. Creating art digitally provides many affordances that traditional art media does not allow. Incorporating the latest technology in my lessons will allow my students and I to reach beyond the classroom, and challenge the students to see artists' creations from around the world, connect with other artists, and learn the multitude of affordances of technology for art creation, documentation, and whatever other possibilities that it may present.
While I believe there are a variety of useful ways to engage students in learning, two of my favorite ways of incorporating technology into lessons is through the use of the TPACK model and ACOT Stages of Technology Integration. Combining technology, pedagogy, and content with knowledge and always striving for Stage 5 Innovation, provides students the opportunity to become active learners and not just flippant paint slingers. And while I do think there is a place for spontaneity, great artists’ whims are really ingrained with creative thinking that manifests itself in all of their endeavours. Harnessing this skill of becoming an engaged learner will greatly enhance all aspects of students’ lives. All professional fields require intent observation and creative responses to find solutions.
There are many ways to incorporate active learning into the art classroom with technology. Many professional artists document their work online, providing easy access to current, professional work that would otherwise be reserved for museums and shows, and having this information available is a valuable resource. Students can learn about professional artists' technique, new methods, gain insight into processes, solutions to client needs, and understand artists' connections and collaboration with each other. I hope to have my students use this same kind of online documentation in their personal eportfolios, allowing them to better comprehend their artistic growth over time and overall thinking process of each piece and breadth of work. It will also give them a platform for artistic online feedback from others outside the classroom.
Being exposed to a range of artistic technologies is an overall benefit and may intrigue a student to pursue that avenue as a career. There are so many creative possibilities in the digital art and design fields. And while not every student will pursue an art profession after my class(es), I do hope they will move on in life with tools for insightful contemplation, confidence to communicate their ideas, skills to be great observers, and have a broader perspective to be active, positive contributors to others in the world.
One of my greatest goals for my future art classroom is to utilize technology to encourage creativity in my students. American graphic designer Milton Glaser, best known for his I ♥ NY logo, said, “Computers are to design as microwaves are to cooking.” A computer, and other technology, are tools, and it's the use of these tools that can greatly enhance learning and creativity far beyond traditional teaching methods. As an art student and then professional graphic designer, I knew that technology utilization in the art field would only grow. Creating art digitally provides many affordances that traditional art media does not allow. Incorporating the latest technology in my lessons will allow my students and I to reach beyond the classroom, and challenge the students to see artists' creations from around the world, connect with other artists, and learn the multitude of affordances of technology for art creation, documentation, and whatever other possibilities that it may present.
While I believe there are a variety of useful ways to engage students in learning, two of my favorite ways of incorporating technology into lessons is through the use of the TPACK model and ACOT Stages of Technology Integration. Combining technology, pedagogy, and content with knowledge and always striving for Stage 5 Innovation, provides students the opportunity to become active learners and not just flippant paint slingers. And while I do think there is a place for spontaneity, great artists’ whims are really ingrained with creative thinking that manifests itself in all of their endeavours. Harnessing this skill of becoming an engaged learner will greatly enhance all aspects of students’ lives. All professional fields require intent observation and creative responses to find solutions.
There are many ways to incorporate active learning into the art classroom with technology. Many professional artists document their work online, providing easy access to current, professional work that would otherwise be reserved for museums and shows, and having this information available is a valuable resource. Students can learn about professional artists' technique, new methods, gain insight into processes, solutions to client needs, and understand artists' connections and collaboration with each other. I hope to have my students use this same kind of online documentation in their personal eportfolios, allowing them to better comprehend their artistic growth over time and overall thinking process of each piece and breadth of work. It will also give them a platform for artistic online feedback from others outside the classroom.
Being exposed to a range of artistic technologies is an overall benefit and may intrigue a student to pursue that avenue as a career. There are so many creative possibilities in the digital art and design fields. And while not every student will pursue an art profession after my class(es), I do hope they will move on in life with tools for insightful contemplation, confidence to communicate their ideas, skills to be great observers, and have a broader perspective to be active, positive contributors to others in the world.