Art: Technology Integration Plan

Art Education Matrix

         This lesson plan is inspired by a lesson plan I created based learning on textures and patterns. It is geared for a 6th grade class. It studies how art is found in life and how life can be used as inspiration for art. Students will learn that patterns and textures are found in many parts of everyday life, such as: animal prints, leaves, clothing, biology, flowers, fruits, etc.. It provides a very fundamental lesson on creating texture which will be useful for students in future artistic endeavors. The lesson plan is broken down into three structured parts: researching, creating, and sharing. 
         The first part of my integration plan focuses on researching. The standard that will be relevant here is 1.2.2.D.4 Recognize how art is a part of everyday life. As the teacher I will start with a lecture, introduce the students to the topic of patterns and texture. I will then explain through powerpoint presentation where we see patterns in nature. The students would also view magazines in groups/with partners and discuss as a class where they see patterns in the magazines. For example, a national geographic magazine would show patterns in nature while a fashion magazine would show patterns in clothing and in fashion. I would then show them a youtube video, "How to make 4 patterns", to give them a visual of how they can get started with making their own. I would then demonstrate to the class how to make a pattern by making my own. They would be prompted to research patterns on the computer and print out 3 that inspire them the most. This part of the lesson would show their research and information fluency (ISTE-S). 
        The second part of my integration plan focuses on creating. The class would first spend time brainstorming/sketching multiple ideas and practicing drawing different patterns. In time they will get more comfortable drawing different types of patterns. Once they have created one that they really appreciate they can create a final pattern that will later be scanned and uploaded to the computer. All the student patterns will then be posted on a class Padlet wall for them to present to their classmates. This part of the lesson focuses on the following standards: 1.2.2.D.1 Create works of art using basic elements of color, line, shape, form, texture, and space...1.3.P.D.1 Demonstrate appropriate use of tools/materials....1.3.P.D.5 Demonstrating planning as a part of the creative process.... 1.2.6.D.3 Recognize and use various media and materials to create different works of art. This part of the lesson will work on their creativity and innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making (ISTE-S). This part will mostly be up to them. As the teacher I will assist and give my input on their progress/work. It will be up to the students to brainstorm ideas, work individually, and participate in the task at hand. They will work with multiple art technologies: paper, pens, markers, paint, pencils, stencils. Once finished, they will scan their work into the computer and save the image to the desktop. I will then upload all student work to a Padlet wall for them. Once this is done they will each find their pattern on the wall and caption it. This will later be used to present their work to the class.

The third part of my integration plan focuses on sharing. The standards that come into play here are: 1.2.2.D.3 Present completed works of art in exhibition inside or outside of classroom... 1.1.5.D.2 Compare and Contrast Ideas... 1.1.8.D.1 Art as language... 1.3.6.D.2 Describe a work of art that clearly illustrates a principle of design. Students will be challenged to present their pattern off of the Padlet wall (projected in the front of the room). Before doing this, I will give a mini lecture/refresher on patterns and textures using powerpoint. Students will then present their work one by one, discussing what inspired them as well as their creative process. After each presentation the students will be prompted to ask questions and give a constructive critique on the student's pattern. This part of the lesson will challenge the students ability to communicate and collaborate (ISTE-S). They will present, participate, cooperatively learn, critique, listen, Q&A, and be involved in discussion. The technology being used here will be the computer (Padlet, projector), they must find their pattern on the Padlet wall and present it.

This lesson allows students to explore patterns and textures as well as technology. They will be using multiple art technologies/materials, as well as the computer (Padlet, scanner, projector). They will explore how art is found in everyday and use this knowledge to inspire their own creation. By the end of this lesson they will have practiced researching, creating, as well as presenting. This lesson reaches many of the targets for art education standards.

Padlet Unit Plan

Link: My Padlet

I chose this topic because I felt it related to the lesson I chose for Interactivity 3 (my Coggle). The lesson prompted students to create a square for a quilt based on a famous woman in history. The entire class then put all their squares together to create one quilt. With my Padlet, I created a unit based on patterns and textures which I felt was relative to the lesson. Patterns and textures are what makes quilts attractive.

The unit goals include introducing the students to patterns; showing examples, explaining the process of making a pattern, where we find patterns in everyday life, as well as creating their own pattern. The essential questions for the unit of course were based on how we make patterns: where do we see patterns and where can we find influence and inspiration for creating one? I found sources for reference by browsing different sites that hosted pictures of patterns found in nature and found in everyday life. I want students to see that patterns are everywhere and maybe we don't always notice them.

I chose three technologies to enhance this unit. A site that explains how to make a zentangle (intricate patterns and textures), a site that has an endless amount of pattern examples (for inspiration), and a site (national geographic) that shows many different examples of patterns in nature. I felt these 3 were the perfect combination to explain how to make a pattern as well as providing inspiration.

I would most definitely use Padlet in my teaching. It is a fun interactive way to show information, easy to link in photos/videos/websites, very customizable, and extremely user friendly. I really enjoyed using it.

Share Ideas & Opinions: Artists Inspire Artists

Link: Artists Inspire Artists

My Rating: 5/5

     This website is full of inspiration and artistic sharing for every art genre. It is a place where artists can upload their work and be featured as inspiration to other artists or just browse the work of other artists. Sometimes artists hit a roadblock and can't seem to find the inspiration they need for their next project. This website offers so much inspiration for artists. It is a host to photographing, paintings, drawings, digital illustration, film, music, sculpture, dance... everything artistic. 

    To browse is totally free. It is also free to email and request to submit your work. (This site is not like a portfolio site where anyone can submit, the work must fit the criteria of the site in order to be posted.)

This is an example of the category "cool drawings".

This shows some of the different links available and also
some examples of inspirational work being featured. 

Sharing Ideas & Opinions

       This website is a fantastic example of sharing ideas and opinions. It is a higher scale inspiration site, where only skilled artists can be featured, however that's what makes this site so reliable and highly prized for finding inspiration. As a teacher I could use this site to have students find a certain amount of images that inspire them before starting a new project. This site would give students some direction and inspiration as well as new ideas. It would show them the possibilities of art and what different mediums can do. 

        The limitations that this site creates is that it requires a certain quality for submissions. But aside from being able to submit, it is still a great source of inspiration. It offers so many different ideas on many different artistic subjects. 

Share Ideas & Opinions: Tracing Paper

Link: Tracing Paper App

My Rating: 4/5

      This app is unique, it allows people to trace over photographs in order to learn the details of certain objects and potentially learn how to draw them. You can sketch over the photo, as well as shade, use color and different mediums. After drawing something once, the memory of that drawing stays in your mind and hopefully becomes a reference for how to draw it in the future. This app helps increase the amount of things we can learn to draw and have in our minds as references. If you want to draw a self portrait you simply need to take a picture of yourself and then trace over it. This allows you to learn the curves of your face and the shapes of your features. When your drawing is done, you can subtract the original photograph and you are left with your finished drawing.

   This app is one payment of $3.99.

Here is an example of a person taking a picture and tracing over it.

Here is an example of a drawing that
someone traced over an existing picture.

Share Ideas & Opinions

      This app is great for sharing ideas and opinions. On the popular app Instagram we can share pictures all day long. Now, with this app, artists can share their artwork inspired by pictures. There are no limits to what you can trace, if you can take a picture of it, you can learn to draw it. Instead of watching a teacher draw something step by step, you are able to learn from a picture and see the shapes, lines, textures, and curves of what it is you want to draw right before your eyes. This app also allows you to share and download your work when it is completed. As a teacher I could use this app for assignments, maybe have the students draw something new every night. 

      The limitations that this app might create is a dependency on having a photograph to reference and trace. A skill of being able to draw is being able to look at something and understand it's shape just by looking at it, not by tracing it underneath your pencil. Yes this is a great way to learn the elements of objects but I give it 4 out of 5 stars because artists must also be able to draw just by looking at something, or possibly even from memory and visualizing something in your mind. 

Supporting Instruction with Technology

Link: MY COGGLE
Women's History Quilt.

       I chose this particular lesson plan because it incorporates both art and technology. This lesson plan covers many of the bases for teaching art and reaching curriculum goals. I like that it ties history into the lesson. The students get to learn about an influential woman in history as well as illustrate a square for a quilt. 

     This lesson supports many of the standards for visual arts. It promotes creating (organizing ideas, developing work), presenting (conveying meaning through presentation/artistic work),  responding (interpret meaning in work, evaluate work), and connecting (historical context to deepen understanding). It allows for collaboration with peers, as well as individual expression. I feel like this lesson holds the curriculum goals, teaching strategies, and technologies in alignment. 

     This assignment allows the students to research, connect ideas, work together, comprehend ideas, learn through the work of their peers, and share ideas and opinions. The teacher also gets to benefit from learning through the work of the students. The computer allows the students to deepen their knowledge as well as illustrate their quilt square. I would use Coggle in my classroom to map out activities that we will do, making it easier for the students to understand the process we will be going through; what step comes next. 

Monitor Progress: How to Draw Full Version

Link: How to Draw Full Version

My Rating: 5/5

       This is a great app for learning artists. It teaches kids to draw specific things, step by step. Verbal instructions guide young artists through the process along with visual cues. The end result is a sketch done completely by the learner, with a lot of help from the app. In the end you walk away with the memory of how to draw certain objects and cute finished sketches that you can save and print. 

      The app is one payment of $1.99. 

This is an example of one of the drawings you can create, a dog.
On the left is the dog that they will teach you to draw,
and on the right is an example of a child's finished product.

Here are 3 more options of objects you can learn to draw,
a princess, a tank, and a space shuttle.

Monitor Progress

        This app is great for monitoring student work. The feature of being able to save, share and print your work would allow me to view their progress and make sure they are practicing sketching. It is a great app for young artists, and a great start to learning how to draw different objects. Once you practice drawing something a few times with help from this app, you will eventually be able to do it from memory. 

        

        The limitations that this app might create is a dependency on step by step intense direction when it comes to drawing new things. I would not want students to rely on a lot of direction when they want to draw. They should also be learning to draw objects by looking at them in real life.

Monitor Progress: CargoCollective.com

Link: cargocollective.com

My Rating 4/5

        This is a portfolio website great for gathering your work in an organized way. It is fantastic for artists seeking a professional looking website without the trouble of creating a site from scratch. It allows artists to share their work and network with other artists. 

        It is totally free. 

This is a screenshot of a portion of my portfolio on cargocollective.com.
I was able to categorize the different series I have done as well as customize
much of the style and appearance of my page.

This is a screenshot of cargocollective's featured artists page. It gives you
a chance to look at other work and a chance to get featured yourself.

Monitor Progress

        This website is great because it is free and professional. This site could be used to have students photograph, upload, and organize their work. It would be great practice for creating an online appearance especially if students hoped to become artists themselves. As a teacher I could help them create their portfolios as well as monitor their work. This would teach them to preserve and photograph their art. 

        The only downside to this website is there is nowhere to leave comments on the work of other artists, only the ability to contact them. 

Compare and Contrast Ideas: DeviantArt

Link: DeviantArt Site

My Rating: 5/5

      This is an extremely well known website for artists. It is one of the most widely used places to share your work. It is a great community for finding similar art, for getting feedback, for finding inspiration, or perhaps even for being discovered and launching a career in art. 

     The standard DeviantArt community is free to join, share, and browse. 

Here is an example of a grouping of art from different artists, all inspired by the show Parks and Rec.
The site sorts similar work into categories.

This shows how many categories there are for finding and sorting the art.

Compare and Contrast Ideas + Sharing Ideas & Opinions 

       This website is great for the instructional strategy of sharing ideas and opinions because it is a place where people can do just that. It is also great for comparing and constrasting ideas with other artists. As a teacher I could use this app for assignments. I could tell my students to find 5 images that have commonality and for them to create a piece that fits into the same category. I could also use it as a place to have them share their work with each other or create portfolios. 

        The limitations that this website might create is a lack of passion/motivation. When the students get a look at all of the talented people using DeviantArt they may get discouraged when they compare their work to others. However, I firmly believe that we should not compare our work to others in such a way that it ruins our confidence because we all truly have something unique to bring to the table. I would hope that DeviantArt would be inspiring for students if I was to use this site in my curriculum. 

Share Ideas & Opinions: Drawing Pad

 Link: Drawing Pad App

My Rating: 5/5

       This iPad app is great for artists. It is a digital canvas where they can experiment with different mediums and practice drawing, painting, sketching on a digital platform. It allows them to have all their tools with them wherever they go, totally eliminating the need to carry around paint, brushes, pencils, markers, paper, water, paper towels, ect. This makes if fun! Artists have a studio at their fingertips. When inspiration strikes, they can simply turn on their iPad and start creating.

        

       This app is only one payment of $1.99! 

This provides an example of what you can create with the
app and how cool and realistic the tool drawer is!

This shows how much detail you can actually create with this app
and that it is not just an app for kids but also for skilled artists. 

Share Ideas & Opinions

      This app is perfect for the instructional strategy: sharing ideas and opinions. It allows people to create and share their work. It provides a drawer of supplies that realistically mimic the feel of the tool/ the resulting mark of the medium. As a teacher I could use this app to do demo's and have my students try to mimic me, perhaps when trying to educate about a certain technique. For students, it allows them to learn about different artistic tools as well as create and share their work. This app provides a way to share work through social media as well as downloading it to your computer. 

      

     The limitations that this app might create is that students might become more comfortable using the tablet (since they are most likely already spending a lot of time on tablets outside of class) and they might overlook the art of actually getting your hands dirty and making messy 3D art. As an fine artist, I value getting my hands dirty. This would be unfortunate to see in my classroom if my students ended up enjoying the app more than the actual art class. And another obvious limitation is that it requires an iPad.

History of Technology in Art Education

For my subject field of art, I have chosen the pencil as the most influential technology. The pencil has allowed for never-ending inspiration and documentation of life in and outside of the classroom.

Link:  History of Technology in Art Education

Pew Survey Results: Teachers' Technology Use

     After reading the Pew Survey Results I have a lot more insight into today's middle and high schools. Having spent no time recently in middle or high schools (because my decision to become a teacher was a recent one) I am surprised to learn how much technology is entwined into education below college level.  I remember the boxy television on the rolling cart and a computer lab full of big, bulky computers. I was surprised that students now access (79%) as well as submit (76%) their assignments online (whereas I feel like a lot of my work was done on paper). I was not surprised to learn that wealthier school districts have better access to technology and more education on how to use it properly. I can understand why some of these teachers would feel that this is leading to disparities between schools and students, and also to a widening of the educational gap (56%).

      In comparison to the respondents in this survey I would  'rate' myself as being tech-savy. However, I would also say I can side with the teachers who are less willing to learn/conform to new technologies. The artist in me prefers everything to be on paper and hands on. As much as I know technology is incredible, I also have a strong attachment to old traditions. This is my weakness but I am actively trying to keep up with technology. Having gone to school for Graphic Design I used technology constantly. This was a contributing factor to why I would consider myself tech-savy.

      In my experience I have noticed myself being more tech-savy than some teachers who are significantly older than me, especially in some of my design classes. I have also seen my peers struggle with getting work done because they didn't have the proper technology at home. The information and statistics in this survey seem very reasonable judging by what I see in my educational experience.

Reflection on Influential Technologies.

         As technology advances we broaden our horizons. Technology makes tasks simpler and puts communication and learning right at our fingertips. The three technologies that have impacted me the most are my laptop, my smartphone, and my digital camera. My laptop allows me to design, communicate, research, explore, and share my passions. My smartphone allows me to quickly research, communicate, and photograph when I am away from home. My digital camera allows me to take high quality photos for classes and portfolios. It also helps me tell stories through images and capture memories. In the YouTube video, 'Learning to Change, Changing to Learn: Student Voices' (4:23) from the Consortium for School Networking, students share their experiences with technology and how it has been a learning tool for them. As a student I see both similarities and differences between myself and these students. Technology has been a very positive influence in my life as well as theirs.

        I first got my laptop in 2009 for my first semester of college as a Graphic Design major. I began exploring its endless possibilities. I had the ability to communicate by email, instant message and video chat. I was able to research and gather information all in one place. It allowed me to make connections in the art world but most importantly my Mac allowed me to create my graphic designs. In the YouTube video previously mentioned, six of the students talk specifically about their experiences with computers. They use their computers to produce music, explore their hobbies, learn languages, and to create and explore. One student mentioned using her computer to learn japanese (1:45). I often use my computer to translate words from one language to the next. In addition, before submitting essays I have my computer read my essay to me as a final step. How incredible is that?

         I bought my first smartphone three years ago. I've been through a few smartphones since then and I now have a Samsung Note with an attached stylus pen. Having this smartphone allows me to communicate with people wherever I am. It also allows me to take pictures, write notes, research, and surf the internet when I am away from home. If I am ever questioning something, it is as easy as saying, "OK Google, why is the sky blue?" and my phone will have an answer for me. If I need to send a last minute email, I can do so within seconds. In one of my classes, I needed to create a notebook full of examples of typography. My phone was incredibly useful for this. I  could simply snap a picture of type (wherever I was) to later be used as an example for my notebook. In the YouTube video, three students mentioned how their phones have been a beneficial form of technology in their lives. One of the female students also uses her cellphone for photography (3:11). 

      My digital camera is my third ranked most influential technology in my life. It has been very useful in my graphic design and artistic life. For design work, students must use high quality original photography. My camera allowed me to take pictures for my designs. For one of my photography classes I needed to tell the story of who I am through a series of self portraits. My camera and a tripod allowed me to do this. The process taught me a lot about what makes me me. In addition, I often use my camera to photograph my painting portfolio which gets uploaded to my painting website. Similarly, one of the students in the YouTube video felt that his video camera was beneficial to him when doing music, video and sound production (0:12). 

        Technology allows people to expand their knowledge and indulge in their passions. For myself, my laptop, smart phone and digital camera have been the most influential technologies in my life thus far. They have allowed me to learn in many ways as well as dive deep into my passion for the arts. A male student in the Youtube video states that technology is "...paving the way for us to move forward as a species and a civilization" (2:45). Technology allows us to keep moving forward. I find many similarities between myself and the students depicted in the YouTube video, we all seem to agree that technology allows us to expand our knowledge and explore our interests. It makes me wonder if my top three technologies will be the same three in ten years when technology advances at such a fast rate.

                                   

References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAkWtSxKYaI