Art+Part+2


 * Part II: **
 * //By Stacey Holmes //**
 * Strategy One: Providing Feedback **

 In the photography lesson, students will be providing feedback to each other on their “ancient” photographs. Students can use the feedback that is given to reflect on their art and make changes/edits before they submit their projects for a grade. A technology that can go along with providing feedback with be the use of the online course management system, called Moodle ( [] ). Students will be given accounts in Moodle and will be able to post their photographs that they stored on the district shared drive. Once their photographs are posted they are able to comment and provide immediate feedback to one another. They would also be able to view what other classmates have to say about others’ photos. Moodle is a free technology that once installed on a server would be a great virtual classroom. Students would need to have computers available to them (which they are already using to edit their photographs) and the knowledge to upload photographs and use Moodle. Using Moodle would also eliminate the expense of having to print rough drafts of photographs for viewing and students would only need to print their final copies. I think that s tudents would be excited to share their photographs and be able to view others. This technology is a wonderful technology to use to provide feedback to students and would also save the school money in having to print extra photographs. Resources: · Access to a computer lab with Internet access ·  Moodle software ( [] ) downloaded on the computers (Free!)

In the photogra phy lesson, students will be using digital cameras to take pictures of “ancient” Greeks, working in Adobe Photoshop to edit their photos, and using Moodle to share and provide feedback to their classmates. Prior to taking their photographs, students will have learned some basic photography techniques. As part of a class discussion, the teacher will use a computer, projector, and Smartboard to display and compare several different photographs. Students will discuss similarities and differences between the photographs and what they like and don’t like. Using the markers on the Smartboard, students can draw in thirds onto the photographs to see if photographs are using the “Rule of Thirds.” Students can discuss how photographs that use the “Rule of Thirds” compare to those that they like and dislike. In addition, the teacher can use the Venn Diagram feature on the Smartboard to compare similarities and differences between textures, light, contrasts, framing, ecetera, in the photographs. Using the Smartboard technology not only allows the students to compare and contrast photographs and their photographic features, but also allows the students to learn through nonlinguistic representation through the use of visual imagery. After completing this activity, students will have a much deeper understanding of photography skills that they can then apply when they are taking and editing their photographs because of the connections that were made.
 * Strategy Two: Similarities and Differences **

Resources: · SmartBoard (approximately $1,000-$3,000) · LCD Projector (approximately $350 and up) · Computer/Netbook (approximately $300 and up) · Projector Light Bulb (approximately $50-$200)


 * Overcoming Educational Challenge: Motivation **

 With the use of technologies in the art lesson, I feel as though teachers will overcome the educational challenge of motivation. In the “Providing Feedback” Strategy, I chose to have the students use [|Moodle] for uploading their photographs and providing feedback to one another. Students are constantly communicating with one another through the use of technologies, such as blogs, instant messaging, social website (like [|Facebook] ), and text messages. Moodle provides students with another way to communicate with their classmates through the use of technology. This is a motivational tool because the activity helps students relate to what they are already doing in the real-world. In addition, students will be collaborating with one another to offer suggestions for improvement rather than trying to compete with one another. Being able to give prompt feedback and positive praise to one another on their photos with the use of Moodle increases student self-confidence and helps them strive to do better. In middle school students are directly influenced by their peers. Allowing students to provide positive feedback to each other using this technology will help them feel better about themselves and intrinsically motivate them to achieve success.

Focus on Effectiveness: Integrating Technology into Research-Based Strategies (2005). Retrieved on June 1, 2010 from, [].

Images From: []

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