Arts Education

I got to thinking today - as we venture more and more into the "Digital Age" where technology and knowing how to use continues to becomes paramount, how is arts education effected?

Does teaching children how to use educational software's such as Kid Pix or Photoshop at a young age rather than how to use traditional materials such as clay and paint benefit or harm them? Do they get a broader world view by being exposed to virtual museums and exhibits online or are we creating unrealistic expectations as to what art looks like and what mastery really is.

The use of technology as a creative tool is occurring more and more in art classrooms across the country. Lessons in computer graphics, animation and multi-media design are increasingly being taught to younger age students. At a recent conference of Arts Educators of New Jersey a session on computer graphics curriculum for K-8 was one of the best attended.

Organizations such as The Visual Thinking Strategies and Arts Education 2.0 promote a curriculum and teaching method that ask educators to facilitate learner-centered discussions of visual art while using art to develop critical thinking, communication and visual literacy skills.

Needless to say as we are exposing younger and younger kids to art through technology their social dynamic and technological consciousness are changing as are the way they communicate, understand and interact with the world around them.