When we first set out to create the AEContent network and the summer (2003) Renewal, Growth and Support institutes, the team of Massart staff, professors and New Media students working on the intital prototype and launch created a survey that was mailed out to about 100 BPS art teachers. We got about 30 responses.
One of the questions we asked was:
What specific content or feature would you like to see included in this Network?
Here are some responses, augmented with thoughts on how AEC might satisfy some of these needs.
Project exchange -- supply exchange There is a section in the Web Links database for links to art materials and exchanges. There is also a section in the Forums where AEC members can trade supplies and sources for inexpensive and free stuff.
Where is the money coming from to do this? Many schools are eliminating their arts programs This is a good question. The initial money for the development of AEC and the Renewal and Growth Institutes came from a Massachusetts Board of Higher Ed "Improving Teacher Quality" grant. Additional support for expansion in 2004 is provided by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Realizing that money is tight, we concentrated on developing a scalable community site running on a content management system to encourage the growth of a self-sufficient community. Rather than spend the money on expensive proprietary software solutions, we used open-source scripts for the site engine that can be modified and added to as needed.
Comprehensive lessons with resource list around specific themes
A shared lesson plan and idea center would be great
Cross curriculum studies and activities. Art history Simple lessons based on academic subject While we expect to begin integrating AEC into Art Ed courses at MassArt, we do not currently have a large collection of Lesson Plans available yet. However, this is where you, the AEC members, can help. Everyone has an original lesson he or she uses that really works in the classroom. If each member contributed one lesson, we'd soon have a collection. Because AEC also includes a ranking and commenting system, we can also discuss how the lessons are being used, what works, what doesn't, and how the lessons are (or might be) adapted for different age groups or strands.
Currently, the Web Links database contains many evaluated links to great lessons and content resources. Please visit some of those sites and recommend lessons you find. There are a lot of resources already there, to augment classes and anyone can contribute links they feel are useful. mmembers can rate their favorite sites too, and help create a "best of" subset.
Projects with samples, weak and strong ones, to get an idea of how they turn out This is a great idea that could easily be integrated here at AEC. Sometimes, its not enough to have access to lesson plans, we need to know how they work in the classroom. Is a given lesson age appropriate? Can it be done in the allotted time? Does it grab the interest of your students? We could have a conversation about this at the Forums. This could also be a good use for the Journals.
Visuals of student work.
Art projects, opportunities to display student work. Resources and classes for students outside art class. The AEContent Network has a Gallery feature where members can post their art or the art of their students. Contact the
if you would like a Gallery set up.
Creating and integrating student made art with the computer -- specifically Adobe Premier 6.0 Technology We will be hosting workshops that include open studio time to discuss technology needs and software, as well as getting the most out of AEC. This summer, we continue the Support, Renewal and Growth institutes with a one week course; Using Technology as a Creative Medium. Details will be announced at AEC.
There are many great technology links in the web links database, there is also a Forum dedicated to using new media in the arts classroom and a topic category on Art and Technology. Ask questions and we will answer.
Opportunities to actually meet with other involved art teachers.
Opportunities to evaluate and observe each other It is hoped that AEC can become a virtual drop-in center where art teachers can share ideas, chat and get to know each other. As the community evolves, a sense of commaraderie may develop between members. Combating the isolation that many art educators feel was a primary motivation for establishing AEContent. Additionally, workshops held at Massart give AEC users a chance to meet each other and learn new things.
Motivations and themes with Davis resources used to get HS students focused on visualization The Davis Publications can provide good resources and content, but how do we use them creatively? How do teachers go beyond delivering rote lessons and bring real creative thinking into their classroom? This community can share tips and ideas in the Forums, at their Journals or through thoughtful Lesson and Story submissions.
Print making techniques.
Using found materials to address current events. We have a forum dedicated to Art Media. This is a great place to share technique. There is also a section in the Web Links for sites dedicated to different art media. If you have a link, or access to good media techniques, consider sharing them with the community.
Index of activities and or resources matching city-wide standards. Rubrics. Specific ties to Standards. These are good suggestions. As the site develops, we will create indexes that help match content to standards and make it easy to find resources.
You can help us make AEC a great resource. Please use the commenting feature on this page to add your own thoughts or reply to some of the issues brought up by these responses.
The entire survey can be read at the Massart Art and Tech Wiki (a wiki is an open-source shared web authoring environment. We initially posted the info there because it was a quick way to get it online for comment by the group).
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Art + Technology