Chapter eight was all about how to integrate technology into the arts. This was one of the most interesting chapters in the book and I’m not even a big fan of the arts! It discussed a variety of technological resources and provided lots of links. It actually made the case for using technology effectively.
One of the best ideas from the chapter was that the arts allow students to be creative and expressive themselves in their own way using both sides of their brain. Technology can help students to “find their own voice” and then to share their voice with others. Technology resources allow students to create artworks, songs or even plays and then transmit their completed projects to the world through the Internet. This really enables students to have a meaningful purpose when they are working.
The web also provides students and teachers with access to virtual museums and even musical or dance performances. This allows students to view pieces of art, listen to music, view dance and appreciate culture from all over the world. It opens up the world of possibility to them. Students can view the culture of places that they have never been and may never visit.
One of the museums that especially intrigued me that I hope to investigate with my students is the National Museum of American Indians. I had never heard of this museum before, but I think that it might have lots of images and cultural exhibits that would help my students to understand what the life of a Native American is really like. Only by viewing and immersing themselves into a culture will students truly understand it.
Another interesting thought in the chapter involved dance. The author described a program called EduDance which connects professional dancers with classrooms so that students can increase their level of exercise by learning dance steps. What a novel idea! Having a professional dancer come into the classroom to teach would help any teacher’s comfort level with dance steps. The use of videos and online sites can also help students to learn dance steps.
Overall this chapter provided a real wealth of ideas and great links to check out. Integrating technology into the arts seems pretty easy and also makes a lot of sense. I hope to use more technology in the arts.
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I enjoyed the information that Cindy and Stacey shared. They did not seem to have much trouble finding Arts related sites. I am not surprised because there is so much out there.
ReplyDeleteStacey's comment about having students try the real "tools" before using the technology I can appreciate. I agree with her. The link that I found to be interesting was the Art Gallery site. What a great way to have students share their work with a real and wider audience. It amazed me how many pieces of art were already there.
Cindy mentioned a concern that Arts are often one of the first areas to get cut in tough budget times. I hope that it does not come to that in my school system. The students create some outstanding pieces to display. The Old Sturbridge Village site and Virtual Museum Tours site will be useful to my integrated unit. I bet there are lots of images that would give students a great first-hand experience.
Keith - If you liked the Sturbridge Village site you might also like is: Memorial Hall Museum http://memorialhall.mass.edu/home.html This is a site from Mass. on colonial life in New England. I liked it because it had lessons but also images broken down by different aspects of colonial life.You might also try: Discovery, Exploration, Colonies and Revolution http://www.teacheroz.com/colonies.htm Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteKeith, you are exactly right there are so many resources for art. As a elementary teacher you know that art is a natural fit for integration. I do think it is important to have a balance with the tools and technology and I am working on that everyday. There is also a "kidproj" site where you can publish art as well, I like this because other family members, who are not close in proximity can share and see their work. I am looking forward to see your artwork posted for all to see. Have fun and get messy!
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