'How Technology is Moving Arts Education Beyond the Classroom'

'How Technology is Moving Arts Beyond the Classroom'

I chose the article, “How Technology is Moving Arts Education Beyond the Classroom”, which overviews multiple programs being implemented across the country which aim to engage students in a more participatory art classroom using technology and various other sciences. Art has a reputation for being interdisciplinary and bonds quite well with technology which is what we are seeing happen inside and outside the classroom. Students today are born in to a time in which technology engulfs their everyday lives and schools are finding various ways in which to integrate it into daily curriculum.

The first program in which author Barbara Ray examines is based in Pittsburgh where students are engaging in the process of developing and shooting their own movies with the use of Super 8 film. Program mentor Maria Mashyna says “Learning about film helps them understand the current digital world more.” These class offer a number of ways in which to engage students in the use of digital tools, which is what these programs aim for.

Further reports mentioned in the article take a look at cloud based social learning networks such as ‘Remix Learning’ and ‘Digital Youth Network’ are allowing for students to connect, share, and give feedback to their peers through their art making. These programs allow for students to post what they are making or doing to a network of their peers and receive real time feedback, in which mentors are able to monitor and model what it looks like to give constructive and positive criticism.

Another way in which art and technology is being utilized in the classrooms is through the STEAM program, where science, technology, engineering, art, and math being joined together to encourage students to control and take charge of their own learning. It’s exciting to read and find more ways in which art is being embraced and not cast aside due to it being seen as expendable to many districts. I see these programs as a chance to really showcase what art can do for student’s learning and how it will greatly impact our future.