Posted by Dan Leete on Jun 20, 2017; 7:29pm
URL: https://nabble.aealearningonline.org/Topic-4-Narrative-Voice-tp3794p8329.html

What Students Ought to Learn

In terms of technology, the question of "what students ought to learn" is constantly evolving.  Technology is ever changing as is the world our students live in.  Educational technology has changed greatly since I started teaching 17 years ago and even more from when I was a K-12 student.  I believe what a student "ought to learn" is how to choose and use technology safely and effectively.  Teachers need to be able to differentiate between numerous technological initiatives and applications.  They need to choose what works best for their subject matter, their unit or lesson and their students.  An educator must then be able to teach their students the best platform for sharing and conveying their learnings.
More is not better in most cases in education.  The old saying of "an inch deep and a mile wide" in terms of educational practices seems to be very true with most educational initiatives.  I believe that the human element of an educator is important in selecting technology that enhances our classrooms and subject area.  It should fit the subject, the lesson and the students.  When it comes down to those three elements who know more then the teacher?  In my area technology a total online class is probably very unrealistic.  Many of my classes are very hands on and what I would call studio oriented.  That does not mean that there can not be a very effective use of the blended classroom to enhance student success outside of the art class room.  It is my responsibility to search and implement effective as well as efficient technology to enhance studio art.  
I don't believe that technology can replace the hands on creative process that art classes offer our students.  Just as visiting Freedom Rock can not be replaced with playing Oregon Trail on an old Apple to learn about the westward movement.  However, technology can greatly enhance the design process in terms of sharing ideas with others when they spring up in our imaginations.  Many times I have had an "a-ha" moment of inspiration for a project outside the school day.  I find it unrealistic that I hold my students accountable to come up with their best inspirations for their projects in the hour class time we have together.  Technology allows my students to log on, share and communicate their ideas outside the class hour or school day.  Sharing and asking advise should be open 24 hours a day in terms of student project development.  The ability to work on project outside the school day should also be promoted.  If a student enjoys working on their project and shows a passion for art, I should foster that interest by giving every possible material, supply or platform to share the students success I have access to.  Art supplies are always allowed to be checked out.  Now I see the importance of giving the student an opportunity to communicate ideas and document the design process electronically.  
I believe that the students know more about today's technology and how to use it.  In many cases they teach me how to use the newest technological advancements.  The thing I need to teach them is how to use technology safely and the importance of knowing the importance of the digital footprint they leave behind.  My previous AEAPD Online classes I have completed on Digital Citizenship helped me gain a greater understanding of how to communicate the importance of digital citizenship and online safety that my students might not truly understand.