HELP! I'm currently working on my thesis- Integrating Technology into the
Elementary Art Classroom. I would GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY FEEDBACK on your
experiences and thoughts of using computers in the art classroom. Your
experience does not have to be on the elementary level(can be K-12). Thank
you very much.
1) a) How long have you been teaching art? _____________6years______________
b) How long have you been teaching computer art? _______________during student teaching and 2other years____
2) a) What kind of background do you have in this area?
I took computer graphics classes in collage and self taught for other areas.
b) What kind of computer classes do you teach? (Discuss programs
used.) What was your first response to teaching these classes?
We use Mac 5400/5600. I pushed to have this classes. I got it implemented for two years and then was told no more due to it not having a board approved curriculum. So when we rewrote the curriculum I added it. No it is approved, but can't offer it because the computer lab would be tied up for one hour all year long not giving other classes that hour to have access. Fighting to make this work for 2002\3 school year.
3) a) What kind of technologies do you use with the computer? (for
example- computer, digital camera, CD-ROMS)
Scanner, digital camera, Painter 5.5, ClarisWorks.
b) How do you make sense of technologies in the art classroom?
Not sure what you mean?
4) Did the technology inspire the art curriculum or does the art
curriculum inspire the technology?
the art curr. inspired tech. The computer is just like a paint brush and paint or a potters wheel...a tool to do art.
5) What are some problems you faced while teaching a computer art
lesson?
It is important to have specifics directions and examples for the students and a few projects ready to go at one time. In a class like this students work at their own pace so you never want them to wait for other ti finish... kids get into trouble that way. I have what is called a Clipboard Assignment sheet- a list of quick extra assignments
6) What are some wonderful surprises that developed while doing a
computer art lesson?
Students discover that the computer can do great things besides play games and surf the web.
7) Please give an example of a lesson that you felt was successful using
computer art. Did you incorporate any artists into your lessons?
Mondrian. Students saw examples of his work, learned a little history and them developed their own version. Then they practiced using the the painting tools in Clarisworks Paint. Finally, they printed a color copy and completed a self-evaluation and turned it.
Nora Bellon
ngbellon@att.net
Polk Street Elementary School
Franklin Square, NY
