Technology Integration
Why Integrate Technology into the Art Classroom.
Technology integration is something very new to arts education, but nonetheless important. In the rapidly changing art world of today, students must be equipped with knowledge of technology and how to effectively put it into use. Technology integration goes beyond digital imaging softwares. It really encompasses new ways to communicate and to convey information. The students of today are digital natives and they must be met at their level. This can be accomplished in a multitude of ways and teachers have a lot of flexibility and choice in how they want to incorporate technology into their curriculum. However, this means that teachers must be educated and up-to-date on relevant and emerging technologies. Technology is really a language and teachers must be able to speak fluently. I believe that technology does not need to be intimidating for teachers. It can be fun if it is approached with an experimental growth mindset. There are an overwhelming amount of ways that technology can be integrated into the classroom from blended classrooms, game based learning, interactive whiteboards, and web based and technology based projects, just to name a few. The most important element in integrating technology is that the teacher creates authentic environment where the integration is seamless. Edutopia.org defines seamless integration as, "students employ technology daily in the classroom using a variety of tools to complete assignments and create projects that show a deep understanding of content." As long as the technology has a valid reason for being integrated into a lesson and adds to the learning of the students, then it is valuable and worth taking the time to do. My goal is to have seamless integration of technologies that I find valuable and worthwhile in my curriculum, classroom, and student-teacher-parent communications.
Examples of Technology Integration:
Animations:
Wikis:
http://thefeldmanmodel.wikispaces.com/TheFeldmanModel
Podcasts:
https://soundcloud.com/sierra-mathews-763690772/about-me