Tablets and other electronic devices are used in classrooms
today to enhance learning. We are going into "a future-driven education [that] must promote strong links between technology and the ability to create" (ipadartroom). It is important for us to "take advantage of what these powerful digital tools can offer" and it is "not about getting rid of the hands-on techniques" of traditional art (ipadartroom). Both teachers and students use tablets in the
classroom in various ways to benefit teaching and learning. As a future teacher myself, I think this is an important topic to look into. In this paper I will talk about how tablets
can support teaching in an art classroom. I will also discuss what the
advantages and disadvantages are, and suggest what applications are useful in an art
classroom.
What do tablets in an
art classroom mean for teachers and what impacts does it have?
In a teacher’s perspective, tablets in an art classroom
could be something completely new and very different compared to traditional art classes. Back in the day, art was all about making them with our hands
with paint, clay, sand, etc. Today, we can make art on a screen simply. Instead
of having many different tools and materials like in traditional art classes, we can have
everything on just one tablet. This makes it more convenient for teachers as there is less to prepare physically. I think it is very important for education to
advance with society. Today, most people use electronic devices like
mobile phones and tablets because they are so convenient. Using tablets in an art classroom makes it convenient for both teachers and students as it makes communication and interactions easily accessible.
What do tablets in an
art classroom mean for students and what impacts does it have?
In a student’s perspective, tablets in an art classroom
could be comforting, as many students today are very used to being surrounded
by technology and devices. Using tablets in an art classroom enables students to be creative with what they have that is part of their everyday lives. Using tablets in education encourages students to make use of what they are offered. Since tablets make communication and interactions convenient, students are able to share with others even outside of class. Students who are shy in class are offered the opportunity to express themselves behind a screen, which could be more comforting to them.
What are the
advantages of using tablets in an art classroom?
Tablets in an art classroom can bring many advantages to
learning. Tablets contain unlimited applications that cannot all be offered in a traditional
art classroom. While students could still have the opportunity to learn art in
the traditional way without tablets, they will also have the opportunity to
learn this subject in a new method with the tablets. Even with what is usually
done in a traditional art class like painting and drawing, very often students have to go
online and search for images for ideas and samples. Having tablets in an art classroom makes it easy to search for sources needed. Students and teachers
could also easily communicate through tablets and share their artwork with
each other or even on social media. There are numerous advantages to using tablets in an art classroom, even Ontario Ministry of Education agrees with that. The Ontario Ministry of Education states that using digital
learning tools allows students to “access high-quality course materials, class
calendars, and assignments during and outside school hours” (Ontario Ministry
of Education). As many educators and educational institutions incorporate digital devices into education, it must be benefitting teaching and learning.
What are the
disadvantages of using tablets in an art classroom?
While there are many advantages of using tablets in an art
classroom, there are also disadvantages. This could include the cost of tablets
and applications. While having tablets may be very convenient, it is very
costly for the school to provide students with tablets. Some people may think
that electronic devices like tablets could be a distraction to students in the
classroom. Students already spend many hours of the day on digital devices like
tablets, using tablets in the classroom will be increasing the number of hours
spend on digital devices, which could affect their health. One health issue could
be childhood obesity. It is proven “that there [is] a significant …
relationship between time spent with media and childhood obesity” (Jordan and
Romer 45), possibly due to inactivity. I would say the two major disadvantages of using tablets in an art classroom would be the cost and students' health.
How do tablets help
students’ learning in an art classroom?
Since technology and digital devices are part of our lives today, tablets in an art classroom could create a new type of artist. There are many stereotypes with digital artists.
Some people may think that digital artists are not real artists because they are not using the traditional art method. What they
create may not be considered 'real' art to some people. If we think about it, animation movies,
comic books, logos, etc. that we see today are made by digital artists. Encouraging students to use tablets in an art classroom could create a future digital artist. This could potentially lead to a professional career.
(By Hannah Spangler)
Overall, as a student and a future teacher, I strongly encourage tablets and other digital devices in the classroom for teaching and learning because I think it benefits both parties.
Applications for art classes:
No comments:
Post a Comment