Students have been gradually introduced to using more technology for their art projects. The newfound independence and freedom of choice in art class has been a hit with the students.
Students at Creighton Elementary were introduced to the use of technology in the art room. For the first time, younger students in kindergarten and first grade were able to explore different art apps on iPads, opening up new artistic possibilities for them to discover at home. As for older students in second, third, and fourth grade, they were given more creative freedom and independence in the classroom. To help them along, I utilized a variety of iPad apps to send them different art projects, complete with pictures, drawing guides, and voiceovers. For students who wanted to delve even deeper into art, I established an after school art club at Creighton Elementary. The club members were taught how to use the iPad as a resource, including how to search for references while drawing and how to create an entire drawing project using their chosen theme. They also learned how to use the app Artsonia, which is an amazing tool for students and a great representation of our art program at Creighton Elementary. With Artsonia, the club students were able to take professional pictures of their artwork using the iPads camera, which they uploaded to their Artsonia accounts. They even wrote artist statements to accompany their art. Parents can log in and view their child's art, as well as purchase merchandise featuring their art. A percentage of these proceeds goes to our art program at Creighton. This integration of technology and art has been a positive experience for both students and teachers. The use of iPads has allowed for greater creativity and flexibility in the classroom. Students are able to work at their own pace and explore different mediums with the use of various apps. Additionally, the ability to share and showcase their artwork on platforms like Artsonia has given students a sense of pride and achievement. It is exciting to see how technology can enhance traditional forms of learning, and it will be interesting to see how this integration continues to evolve in the future. It is not uncommon for educators to incorporate technology into their classrooms to enhance the learning experience for students. However, when it comes to the art room, many may think that technology is not necessary. But as we can see from the experience at Creighton Elementary, the integration of technology and art can be a game-changer. Not only does it allow for greater creativity and flexibility, but it also opens up opportunities for students to explore art beyond the classroom. With the use of iPads and various apps, students are able to work at their own pace and develop their skills in a way that suits their individual learning styles. Furthermore, the ability to share and showcase their artwork on platforms like Artsonia not only boosts their confidence but also helps to promote the school's art program. It's clear that technology has a valuable role to play in the art room, and we can expect to see more innovative ways of incorporating it in the future.