I recently collaborated with my mentor teacher created a differentiated lesson plan and unit for my 4th grade students. Recently, we sat down again and discussed how I could integrate technology into my art lesson to encourage global awareness and cultural diversity. The art lesson that students are doing is a cave drawing project where students have been learning about the prehistoric cave art discovered in Lascaux cave in France. I like doing this assignment with students because it allows them to go back in time and learn about a different time period as well as a different culture from a different time period. I recently researched some different technology resources I could try to implement into my lesson to engage my students learning. In my classroom, I have a projector and a Smartboard which I use for my everyday lessons rather I’m projecting a video or doing something more interactive with my students. This technology has allowed for me to create a more immersive experience for my students and take them to new places even if we are only going there in our minds (Harmon, 2019). Technology is constantly changing and evolving and I do feel it’s important for teachers to stay equipped and up to date and the newest technology that can be used in the classroom.
I know I recently found an idea that I want to
adapt to this current lesson with 4th grade and it’s something I may
try with other grades and lessons as well.
I recently read on the idea of using social media in the classroom, which
at first I wasn’t sure if I could see how it could work in a classroom setting
and be appropriate for students. The
idea is to create an Instagram account for classes and to have an “Instagrammer
of the Day” which will be a different student each class who will be charge of
documenting their peers working on their project showing their progress and
hard work (Branstetter, 2021). This
could also be used to engage with other art students globally using a social
media platform and showing students how to make connections and promote culture
diversity.
Another way
to use technology as well as promote global awareness, is by reaching out to an
expert/scientist/historian who is knowledgeable on cave art that specifically of
Lascaux cave. I would love to set up an
interview where my students could speak with someone who possesses vast
knowledge on cave drawings (McVeagh, 2015).
We could connect via Google meet or Skype and students could talk to them
in real time. I would also like to
implement SeeSaw as a helpful resource for students to use towards the conclusion
of the project. SeeSaw is a great
resource where students can upload pictures or videos of their artwork and
create a digital portfolio to share with their classmates and peers (Branstetter,
2021). With this resource, students can
also share it with others globally and find other cave art created by students
their age in a different part of the world.
References:
Branstetter, D. (2021, March 12). Technology tools that support arts integration and steam: Education closet. Retrieved October 06, 2021, from https://artsintegration.com/2016/07/19/5-tech-tools-support-arts-integration-steam/
Harmon, W. (2019, February 25). 10 ways technology can enhance the Art Room. Retrieved October 06, 2021, from https://theartofeducation.edu/2019/03/08/10-ways-technology-can-enhance-the-art-room/
McVeagh, R. (2015, November 20). 3 creative ways to teach global awareness. Retrieved October 03, 2021, from https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/3-creative-ways-to-teach-global-awareness
