"Among a number of reasons that can explain this absence of interest is the lack of new technologies in the arts education curriculum."
Response:
For the past several years, the focus on reading and math has placed the burden on school systems to eliminate fine art courses in schools and also cut budgets for these programs. Therefore, it's obvious that technologies are not prevalent in the art curriculum. Reading various research articles has formulated my beliefs that the arts expand students depth of knowledge about the world in a global-community sense and provides the opportunity for self-motivation and teamwork. I'm not sure why some believe that creativity doesn't play a role in academic success or being prepared for the real-world? However, it's heartening to know at a recent conference the WV Superintendent of Schools was promoting Arts in the curriculum!
Quote:
"As the title of our paper suggests, we are focusing on three aspects that we feel are particularly important to
media arts practices: computation, collaboration, and creativity."
Response:
The case study used in this article was an excellent example of computation, collaboration and creativity. As educators, I"m sure that most of us can relate to similar situations in our classrooms. Here is an example of a student with a poor disposition in core subjects, but an acceptable disposition in technology class. "Does not complete assignments in RLA, Math, Science and Social Studies, not prepared with materials, often disruptive" During technology class: "focused on topic, often asks teacher for assistance, a desire to share completed projects with peers, and completes all assignments" I'm sure that we all know the "doomed" outcome for this student. As teachers we are expected to "personalize learning", but when all stakeholders are not committed to personalized learning, it's frustrating for the student.
Quote:
"Most importantly we feel that youth were able to creatively insert themselves and their interests into their media artwork."
Response:
This is an excellent example of using prior knowledge and experiences to complete a project. When we allow students to have a "menu" of choices to complete an assignment with an intended outcome, then creativity and personal interests become evident and provides the student with a sense of security or confidence. Also, when students are able to complete projects with the same outcome in different ways, the students become adept at explaining the process to others.
Reference:
Peppler, K. A., & Kafai, Y. B. (2007). Collaboration, Computation and Creativity: Media Arts Practices in Urban Youth Culture. Retrieved March 1, 2012
Additional Resource:
"Edutopia paints a bright picture of how schools are forging innovative community partnerships to bring rich, academically integrated arts curriculum to their students"
Why Arts Education Must be Saved
Edutopia Staff. (2009, January 28). Why Arts Education Must Be Saved. In Edutopia. Retrieved March 1, 2012
Creativity, collaboration, and computation are very important characteristics of the learning processes. Incorporating technology and media arts into the curriculum is a great way to expand learning and development. As you mentioned, there is a great emphasis on personalizing learning, using media to so this would be wonderful; technology is so versatile in regards to learning.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the arts expand students depth and knowledge about the world. Creativity not only leads to success, but also inspires students to become involved in the learning processes.