Technology: lewiston

My courses’ subject matter is drawing and painting. Technologically speaking, this medium became archaic the instant the camera was invented. The way I have tried to incorporate modern technology includes internet research (makes finding examples of artwork and artists as well as reference pictures very quick and easy to locate), documenting student works with digital camera and editing with Photoshop and burning portfolios of student work to CD (this is far more convenient than shooting slides, sending them off to be finished, and cost efficient as well). The Art Dept. has been working on a website for the promotion of student work and communication to the greater Lewiston community. www.lewistonhighschoolart.com I also use email to post new images of student work for the school community, faculty, school committee and administration to see. I try to do this regularly and have heard a tremendous amount of positive feedback from various sources. I have created a blog to use to expand access to artists and the art world in general- (www.lewistonhighschoolart.blogspot.com). This has proven to be a successful vehicle to create online conversation with students and the community that the regular schedule does not allow. The depth of the conversations has been positive. I’ve also found it to be a more engaging alternative to assigning handed out readings for homework. I have not been able to get 100% participation as some students do not have access to a computer at home. I believe we are sadly mistaken if we assume that all or most of our students have the means to have developed computer literacy, or regular access to machines . I do recommend that students seek out available computers in the school and local libraries. I have very recently been provided with a digital projector. I use it often to show student examples of other students’ work, as well as historical masterworks It has become a very useful tool in my teaching.

I use PowerSchool and PowerGrade regularly for my attendance and for student assessment and grading. I utilize the internet regularly to conduct professional research as well as in creating visual aides and showing examples and exemplars. I use Photoshop often in creating handouts, designing posters/flyers for exhibits, etc. and in the creation of Art Dept, newsletters and color correcting student art portfolios. I use computer technology in locating, accessing and applying to juried art competitions with students as well as for my own artwork. I am pleased that CDs of digital images seems to have become the industry standard, replacing slides. Having the needed tools and computer literacy makes participation in various exhibits and competitions more convenient.