Social Media & the Art Classroom
Social media has inevitably became a major part of how we communicate. Different technology devices has their individual relationships with us. The flexibility of technology can aid us with our teaching. We as educators need to keep in mind if the online and offline learning is aligned. To play the game we need to know the game. Just like classroom norm, setting clear rules about using technology, manage privacy setting, being responsible for your part…etc., We need to be very selective with the software we use and consider if it is age appropriate. It should be clear and easy to navigate. There are many ways that technology can aid teaching, it can help us to create virtual versions of real life scenario so students will be able to generate problem solving skills based on the challenge. Technology can be very powerful for art classes not only because the visual impact but also of its flexibility.
Online teaching can be really helpful if students need one on one instructions. For example if I had a lesson plan for students to create a piece using photoshop, each students may want to learn different techniques. Traditionally teacher will guide the whole class with step by step instructions, but if the student was not engaged or find it not useful or learn in a different pace, may shut off immediately. This is when I thought technology may come in handy. Students may choose tutorials that they are interested then ask questions when they need assistance. It is also a better use of class time because the students have control over what they want to learn. Or how they would want to learn.
Teachers should be aware of their online identity. It may be the best to create a separate account just for classes to keep you personal and professional lives separate. Stay active by uploading art events and art works, but I would recommend maybe once a month or once every two weeks. It should be concise and it is a portal to show students’ art work.
“Blended learning” is learning that is facilitated by the effective combination of different modes of delivery, models of teaching, styles of learning and applying them in an interactively meaningful learning environment. Under the paradigm of blended learning, we are encouraging students to become a more active learner.
http://www.onlinecollege.org/2009/10/20/100-ways-you-should-be-using-facebook-in-your-classroom/
http://www.slideshare.net/UpsideLearning/blended-learning-3374296