This blog is about a rather interesting article called Art Teaching for a New Age by Sean T.
Buffington. Sean is president of the University of the Arts. He talks about how
technology is affecting the arts, particularly the programs and software that
make creative artworks. With all of the affordable programs out there, anyone
can buy or download them. So really, anyone can be an artist. In my personal
pedagogy, I believe that there is some truth to that. (The great Pablo Picasso even
said, “every child is an artist.”) However, Sean brings up an interesting point
that makes me a little nervous for art educators today.
If people can just go and buy art making programs like
Photoshop, or even cheaper programs, they can teach themselves how to make art.
Even in school, kids are using programs on their devices to make art. If people
of all ages can teach themselves art, then what good are art teachers? Is what
these people make really art? If so, what is their value? Sean questions if it is the art educator’s job to “sort
out the truly artistic from the great mass of creative chatterers.” The
question what is art has always been
open ended, and probably always will be.
It is a scary thought; the harsh view is that art educators
are being replaced by self-taught software and apps. It is important that we
incorporate technology into our curriculum, but how far do we go? Is it
possible to have too much technology in your classroom? These are questions to
really ponder. I think it depends on the students you are working with. It is
important to see what the students know, as well as their interests. Some want
to be fashion majors, graphic design, painters, etc. Work with them; help
students learn what they need to know for their future plans. It is almost like
we are transitioning from teachers to mentors, or guides for them.
Here is the link for the article:
http://chronicle.com/article/Art-Teaching-for-a-New-Age/140117/
This is a very interesting post and brings up a good discussion. I am a music teacher and I can relate to how technology is really changing the world of education and music with computer programs, software, and apps. I think there is great potential for students to continue the learning process with help of technology and hopefully make it more interesting and accessible. And I agree with your last statement a lot. I feel more like a life coach than a teacher sometimes. What students don't get at home when they teach themselves is an environment of peers. In school they get feedback from the teacher and their classmates on the spot and I think that is a valuable resource of the school environment.
ReplyDeleteTechnology does add another media to art making, but I believe there will always be a desire for as well as artists that want to create paintings, sculpture and ceramics, to name a few. I don't think these programs will take over our profession, but just give students another tool to create art.
ReplyDeleteIs it really that bad to have students teach themselves though? I think you bring up valid points, but remember, as much as students might learn, they will still need a guide to help push them in the right direction. Just think of it this way, not ever student that teaches themselves something will be come an expert in it, which is where you and I as educators come in. We will be there to take those who need the extra help to higher levels.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your thoughts on this issue. I think the question you might want to ask yourself is what exactly is your purpose. Why is it that you might view popularity in your area of expertise as a bad thing? In music, we hold the same issue that instruments are getting more affordable and recording devices are extremely cheap now. So, is it my job to distinguish between the better musicians or to help anyone.
ReplyDeleteThe last point you made I think is poignant - are we transitioning from teachers to mentors/guides. Well, what is the difference between the teacher and a guide? It is a philosophical question. Which do you think is more beneficial to the student? The teacher who has the knowledge and gives it graciously to the students. Or the mentor/guide who allows the student to create their own knowledge. I tend to lean towards the second option. I think the "teacher" mind-set can be troubling because it places a certain power on the teacher as if they are the most important ones in the classroom. Which, is an opinion that people hold...I just don't agree with it :)