We're going to get a lot of work done this way."I have learned that despite the dramatic developments in media and technology, schooling has remained very much the same..." - Grace, last question
Undoubtedly, the television has had the greatest impact on art education, but not necessarily in a positive way. Children have a natural creativity and imagination that can be seen at a very young age. However, most times television provides the entertainment that kids would get from art making with little to no effort on their part, therefore hindering the natural creative process. While shows that are meant to be informative and educational, like Sesame Street or Bill Nye the Science Guy, can be good for a child's development, it is only in moderation that this is true. Since the emergence of television, both inside and outside the classrooms, children have been watching more and more television - often the programs that they are watching are less than educational.
Television in classrooms may have its place, but the use of instructional videos in an art classroom are limited. It is difficult enough to get most students to focus on art in general, but it becomes an even greater challenge when they are asked to sit still in the dark and watch a movie or television program that is probably boring. Also, asking students (especially young ones) to focus on a movie and an art project simultaneously may cause a lot of issues, as well as take away from time you could be using to complete said project.
However, it is not to say that educational television does not have its place in the classroom. Especially with art history, videos are valuable. Allowing an expert to step in and instruct the class on a particular period of art history with which you may not be familiar can provide both you and the students with valuable information. Television in the classroom started with pure intentions on both the part of the teachers and the providers, but gradually fell into a way to get free equipment and money. It can be an appropriate tool for instructors, but it needs to be used for the right reasons and in the right way.
I agree with so much! Since my subject area is art as well, I also chose television as the most influential technology for art in a negative way. I agree that it is hard enough to get students focused in an art class and introducing television would most likely distract them further. I also like that you discussed how television can be helpful for art history classes. This is definitely true. You can watch videos about an artist and actually learn a great deal because you are seeing things through a new perspective. Also since art history can get dull at times it is nice to incorporate a movie or something along those lines to break up the class.
ReplyDeleteJackie, you bring up a very good point. I think television has certainly had an impact on art education and agree that this impact is not necessarily a positive one. A movie or television program should not be a substitute for a real lesson plan. This type of technology should be used to *enhance* what is being taught, rather than act as a crutch. Short biographical films about different artists you want to introduce to your class are appropriate and provide a vivid illustration of that person's life. However, it is important to remember that active learning is what leads to success, not passively sitting in front of a television.
ReplyDeleteI always remember the films from art class to stand out in my memory, because they were so bad, not because they were useful. I think that many times art teachers choose a film to show based on the topic of the lesson, but do not take in consideration the quality of the movie. I think it is important as preservice teachers to remember, as Caitlin said, to use the movies to enhance what is being taught. The films should be entertaining, good quality, current, and engage the students.
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