History of Technology in Art Education

I chose the computer as my influential form of technology. Computers have greatly benefited the art classroom. Domain stated in Rethinking Technology in Schools that "Computers enable learning to be playful, user-centered, and self-paced." In the art classroom computers are used to find inspiration, information on artists, artworks, art movements, as well as create art using applications, websites, and more. I believe that computers have expanded the minds and skills of visual art students in and out of the classroom.

Here is the link to my presentation: http://youtu.be/YbE6if090ik

Pew Survey Results: Teachers' Technology Use

Technology plays a huge role in students’ education nowadays. The Internet, mobile phones, social media, e-books, and more are included in classroom curriculums. I have a sister in high school, and I know that most of her classes require her to use the Internet, use e-books instead of textbooks, and she’s required to post work on a classroom blog. I am not surprised that younger teachers feel more confident in their abilities to use the Internet and digital tools in their classroom curriculum. I feel confident in my abilities to use the Internet and digital technology, and am usually asked by an older teacher to help figure out how to use different technologies. I agree with the teachers saying that the Internet has had a major impact on our ability to access content, resources, and teaching materials as well as a great way to share ideas with other teachers; their responses were mostly accurate. I know of a few websites that teachers share lesson plans and classroom activities to use in classrooms. Teachers also have blogs where they share their thoughts and ideas and experiences with other teachers and parents. “75% of teachers said that the Internet has set a higher demand for teachers to be more knowledgeable in their content area.” I feel that whether or not the Internet is used in or out of the classroom, teachers should be as knowledgeable and constantly learn as much as possible about content and skills in their content area. The Internet should make it easier for teachers to learn new information to better educate their students.

Reflection on Influential Technologies

The top three most influential technologies, for me, are my laptop, my iPod touch, and my cell phone. Each has helped me some way or another in the classroom or outside the classroom. Technology has been with me throughout my entire life. I learned how to use a computer before I learned how to read a book. I remember playing CD-ROM games like Putt-Putt Saves the Zoo and Math Blasters. I remember using floppy discs to save documents on. It amazes me how fast technology changes everyday. Most children today wouldn't have a clue as to what a floppy disc did, and even now CDs aren't used very much. It's all about USB sticks. The smaller the item the more storage it has, which a few years ago was not the case: with computers, phones, saving devices, cameras, televisions, etc. I ranked my laptop as number one because it's the center of my universe. I do everything on my laptop. I can learn anything on it by using the tools it provides me with specifically, the Internet. I can learn how to do pretty much anything on YouTube from how to do my makeup and hair to save someone's life. There are many other sites where I can learn about people and events that happened like watching Documentaries on Netflix or Hulu, and there are endless websites for me to see what is going on in the world. I love to read books, but even now I can find websites that have free books and textbooks for me to read online. "Writing and reading have been taken over by technology" (:19). Everything is just a click away and I can learn anything from the comfort of my bed. I use my laptop for writing essays and lesson plans and resumes. I use my laptop to send emails to my teachers and hand in assignments. I use my laptop in class to take notes, and to create presentations. "I make anything that would have ordinary extraordinary with my MacBook" (1:01).

I ranked my iPod touch second. I tend to use my iPod touch more than my cell phone. If I do not have my laptop with me, I will have my iPod touch. This device does everything except call someone. I can FaceTime my family and friends, I can email, text message, and use any website by just using their applications I've downloaded: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, etc. Most of my apps on my iPod touch are social media sites that keep me updated with my friends and family and their daily lives. I can do everything I can do on my laptop on my iPod touch. It's much easier to travel with and I can take better pictures with it. It also holds all my songs that I love to listen to. I bring it with me everywhere. Apps in general are technology, like other technological devices apps are about trial and error (2:48).

Lastly ranked is my cell phone. Unlike some of the students in the video, I'd rate myself a 6 out of 10 texter (1:21). I don't use it as much as other people my age or even people older than me. I also hate the lingo used by textures to shorten the length of a message. Like, it only takes a second to type out the full word, "I'm a person not a computer" (1:37). My cell phone is only ever used to call or text family and friends, work, and future employers. My cell phone is a Tracfone, not an iPhone. I tend to use my iPod touch to keep in contact with my family. I use my cell phone for group projects to keep in contact with my group members. Calling and texting from a cell phone is much easier than having to send a letter or find a landline. It's an instant use for communication.