Wiki Review

I found a great wiki called Art4cast http://art4cast.wikispaces.com/ that is written by Rosemary Mitchell from Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Utah.  She is an art specialist and she uses the wiki to communicate with the 30 teachers in her area.

Obviously a lot of the information that is on their wiki is specialized to their region.  However, there are a lot of videos and other information on it that can provide me with great ideas as an art teacher.

 There is a section which provides links to other sites and resources that relate to many different art concepts and subjects. There is a section devoted to art advocacy.  And I really enjoyed the film about their art-based community project "Procession of the Species."

I think it has a great layout and color scheme for an art wiki.  The links are accurate, it is up to date and relevant.  A helpful navigation bar is on the left.  I'm not a fan of the revolving text in one place, I find it distracting, but other than that I think it is a very successful wiki.  I think they must have a great art program from what it shows.

Inquiry Based Activity

I really enjoyed doing the inquiry based activity.  It was a really good way for me to see how I could apply the resources available online in a classroom setting that would be relevant to the information I would like the children to learn.
I really love the films at Tate Kids.  They are hilarious and a great way to learn.
The Moma Site for kids is also a really great way to learn about a few different artists and specific paintings.
The only challenge to using this in an art room would be having the technology available.  We might be able to arrange a visit to the technology room.  Or the students could take turns using the computer in my classroom.  It could be an activity that is available throughout the year when they finish another project early.  If there is no technology available in the art room it may not be something I will be able to use.

using WebQuests in the classroom

A WebQuest is a great tool to use in the art classroom.  I had not heard of one before we learned about them in class.  They are an inquiry-based lesson where all the information is found on the web.  You can learn more about WebQuests at WebQuest.org.  There are four important tasks in looking for a WebQuest.

 First you want to look at its use of technology.  Does it make use of technology that makes it better to use than a book or a worksheet?  Are all the links current?  Are the websites it links to reliable with good information for students?

Then you need to consider group work.  Group work is an important element that is desirable in a WebQuest.  And often each member takes on a role, which is a fun way to learn the information.  It makes each member take on responsibility.  If each member is responsible for an element of the project there is less of a chance of having people check out on the project.

Efficiency is an important element.  Does the WebQuest help you make good use of time?  Is it easier to find the relevant information through this source?  Is the site laid out well and does the navigation system make sense?

And then finally, does the WebQuest make use of higher order thinking?  Does it challenge the students?  Do they begin to draw conclusions and make decisions for themselves?

The Underground Railroad is a good example of a WebQuest that makes use of all four categories.

When I am teaching I can look back at this post and evaluate the WebQuests toward this criteria to find helpful sources for my classroom.

Website Evaluation

I did a website evaluation on Tate Kids.  I think the process of the evaluation is helpful.  Although it does take some time, it give you the confidence as a teacher that anything the students might come across in their searching would be both accurate information that backs up concepts they learn in my classroom but also age appropriate material.

It is also important to know what browser specifics or plug-ins are needed, so that when you go to use the site in class there are not time sucking technical glitches.

It is also a good idea to be familiar with the site if students are using it in class so that you can confidently answer any questions regarding the games or content the students are using.

wikis

Wikis will be something that can be used in art classes for virtual field trips.  Children can do research on the place we wish we could go as a class and post their favorite things about the place together in one spot.

I could use it for an editable list of supply needs for school parents.  This is so much better than sending out a reply all email.  As long as the parents understand how to use a wiki.

It could be used for students to post an art work and others could get on and list what elements and principles of design are used in their artwork.

It could be used for art history classes where students gather information about artists.  Or where I put artist information.

And finally it could be really helpful if I have a network of other art teachers.  We could use this to work on projects together.