On a daily basis, I use my cell phone to talk and text, I email and occasionally use facebook, although not always on a daily basis. I am a late user to texting and facebook. I don't have internet on my cell phone. I don't like being plugged in all the time. I don't want everyone to know almost everything about me. I'm not much of a t.v. watcher, mostly because I really don't have time. I watch specifically what I want on the internet, usually netflix late at night. I'm more attracted to foreign films and quirky independent films, things that are more subtle and require you draw your own conclusions. I'm more interested in conversations where I can hear someone's voice, tone, fluctuation, it's easier to determine their mood and overall opinions. I mainly text when I'm angry, trying to avoid someone or because they've texted me and I realize they're in a situation where they can't talk.
I look at many internet sites on the arts, an artist a day, how to utube sites, artist blogs and websites. I do think these sites could be great tools to use in class. I also think ipods and music can be used in classes as a privilege for students and in combination with art projects. They could design and illustration images for their favorite music or use music as inspiration for certain kinds of projects. We could also upload their artworks onto the school's website as a digital gallery. I would be interested in setting up a class blog with short segment videos on artists, how to use materials as a supplement for their homework and look at each others work. We could have critiques once in a while where they could text their classmates their thoughts and ideas about their work. This type of communication could be helpful with students who are hesitant to talk in class.
I think the possibilities for using technology are endless. A lot of it can depend on school policies and getting prior approval. While I still value speaking in class, working in groups and verbally communicating, I do think technology can be integrated with the curriculum to help make things more interesting and engaging for students.
I think that the idea to share others work online is a great idea! This gives an opportunity for the students to really come to appreciate other students work and gain confidence in their own. I haven't really thought of how I want to use technology in my classroom, but this gives some great ideas. Thanks for your help!
ReplyDeleteOh, the various ways to use technology!
I love all of your ideas for integrating digital technologies into your classroom. Many art museums also have websites that enable students to visit parts of the museum virtually.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I'm a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to new technologies...I have an IPad, but I've never used it. However, I bet there are also new apps that would enable students to do very artistic things with digital drawing and remixing.
One of my good friends got "teacher of the year" for her "film studies" course because her students produced amazing films. When I asked her how she did it, she said, "I just don't hold the students back" because her students knew far more about the technological side of film mixing than she did. I'm sure that many of your students will have many technological skills that will exceed your (and my) knowledge in this area. However, if we as teachers are receptive to these technological skills, then students can bring them into the classroom and enhance their experiences with our disciplines.