Challenges of Technology in the Classroom: Cyberbullying

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Most of what I have posted so far has been a snapshot of some of the more positive uses of technology for teachers and students.  However, it should be no surprise to us that for as many positives, their are negatives, and one of those negatives happens to be cyber bullying.

We want to encourage students to engage with others, but we hope that their engagement leads to good things.  But for some students, when they use a technology device, their experience is marred by the ugly truth that they are the mercy of online bullies.

Cyberbullying is using any form of technology to bully, harass, humiliate, and harm another individual. Cyber bullying can take place through email, text-messaging, social media, web-chatting and any other electronic, communication platform.  The number of victims of cyber-bullying is growing. According bullyingstatistics.org, nearly half of all teens and young adults have experienced cyber bullying.  Also, almost as many teens and young adults admit to participating in cyber bullying at one time or another. As a result of cyber bullying, many victims are at a greater risk for depression and suicide.

One of the more memorable stories that chronicles the dangerous path that cyber bullying can take is the story of Amanda Todd, a Canadian teen that took her life after a relentless battle with an online stalker.  What makes her case stand out is the insidious nature of the cyber bullying.  Her story started with a common mistake that many young girls make, and ended with sextortion. Amanda Todd's community and family learned all too late the lasting effects that cyber bullying can have on an individual's life.

As teachers, we can work hard to put a stop to the cycle of bullying.  One of the ways we can do this is by teaching our students how to be safe online and how to stand-up to those that would try to perpetuate rumors and mean messages. I have shared a few resources that can be used in the classroom to educate and inform students.

Taylor Schilling Anti Bullying Video | STOMP Out Bullying™ 2015  This is just one of several videos on the Stomp Out Bullying website that feature celebrities who share the real-life stories of young adults and encourage other young adults and teens to join the effort to Stomp Out Bullying by wearing a blue shirt on the first Monday of every October.  The organization is committed to empowering teens to be the change.

Rethink before you type/ Trisha Prabhu/ TEDxTeen This wise beyond her years 14 year old presenter talks about the effects of cyber bullying and shares her research findings which proved that a simple alert before an individual posted an offensive message, could curb cyber bullying.

stopbullying.gov This website might feel like a "no-brainer" as far as resources go, but this website is truly rife with information for teachers, parents and students on a number of bullying topics, including cyber bullying.  The "Respond to Bullying" section is a particularlt important resource to look at.

 

Just set-up a feedly account today.  I am lovin'  it.  Check it out; it keeps track of all of the most recent posts from the blogs that I follow.  Now, I can stay up to date with all those amazing education blogs all in one place If you haven't signed up for an account, you should do it today!

Using ArtPrize to Integrate Technology into the Art Classroom

Grand Rapids, Michigan hosts thousands of artists from all over the country and some from very far parts of the world every Fall.  This annual event has revitalized the city and in many ways has shaped its National Identity. Grand Rapidians love visiting the more than 1000 venues featuring artist's work and voting on their favorite pieces.  Entries are judged by the public and winners are awarded cash prizes. While I have been reluctant to attend ArtPrize the past few years, as a future educator, I cannot ignore the obviously rich resource that it is for students.  Their are just too many opportunities for creating relevant and authentic discussions around art that should not be taken for granted.  And then, just to make things even sweeter for educators, ArtPrize opens up a number of avenues for technology integration.  I will discuss some of the potential avenues that I see as a future art educator, but really, just because it's "Art"Prize doesn't mean there isn't the potential for bringing other subject areas outside the classroom.  For example, imagine a unit on maps in geography being put into practice during ArtPrize as students were tasked with creating a functional map of only their favorite ArtPrize venues.  Without further ado, here are my ideas for future ArtPrize/technology lessons!

1. Very simply, in a classroom where field trips to the event aren't feasible, I can take my students to ArtPrize using the tools on the official website, or, use one of the cool edu-tech apps to make a presentation about specific venues using images I snapped during ArtPrize and voice recording commentary over top of the images. There are several to choose from, but because I'm not an Apple user (yes, shocking, I know!), I would probably use Screencast-O-Matic, or Screenr.

2. Practically any individual is able to participate in ArtPrize simply by signing up for a Venue through the organization's website. Why not have students collaborate in putting together their own exhibit for ArtPrize? Students could incorporate technology by inviting viewers to their exhibit through the use of blogs, videos, etc.  They could collaborate to manage a blog specifically designed to update parents, teachers, friends, community members about their progress and experience curating a show.


3. Should I be lucky enough to be able to plan a field trip to ArtPrize in the future, it would be great to incorporate a technology scavenger hunt to help students find their way among the many exhibits. This would be a great way to zero in on artwork that has relevance to content that we are covering in class.The scavenger hunt could be accomplished using QR tags and QR scanner apps which are available for android and iPhone devices. Grouping students together would ensure that no one is left out because of lack of access to smart devices.  

So these are just some of the ideas that came to mind as I was contemplating a new year of ArtPrize excitement.  I know that this is just the tip of a large iceberg, and so if you think of other technology applications that would apply to ArtPrize (or even just to the art classroom!) leave me a comment below.  Until next time, wishing you happy fall days full of art adventures.

 I'm off to ArtPrize!

Access in the Classroom

We have been discussing access to technology in the classroom setting in my Educational Technology course.  One of the things that strikes me as odd as I have been observing my classroom environments as a Teacher Assistant, is that having a computer in the classroom, does not necessarily mean one has access to it.  My classrooms (I am a TA at two different schools) each have one computer workstation with a document camera set-up that is designated for instructional purposes.  At one school, a computer lab is located just down the hall.  I am a TA for art, and the ability to present visual information effectively can be easily accomplished by using tools like the document camera or PowerPoint and other presentation apps.  However, my Coordinating teacher only utilizes the document camera, so access to the web is inhibited by her lack of knowledge for navigating the computer settings.  These schools do not participate in one to one programs and do not use iPad carts like so many other schools have begun to do. Some students have access to smartphones, but cellphone use in any context is prohibited for students.  What frustrates me is not the lack of technology at these schools, but the limited way in which what they do have is being used, especially in the art room.  Technology has the potential to engage students in ways that traditional presentations of information do not.  I would love to have students actually participate in their own learning even in the simplest of ways by presenting visual, audio, or video clips that spark questions, curiosity, and longing for more information.  Currently, this is not happening.  I will be dong some investigating to find out where students have the opportunity to engage with technology at both schools.  

Blogs as a Tool in the Classroom

I think that it is important in this day and age for art educators to remain as relevant as possible.  One of the ways that we can do this, is by advocating for our program as much as possible.  Several art teachers are catching on, and they know that the best tool for advocating is the blog.  Oh yes, the blog is a fabulous way to showcase for your parents, teachers, and other administrators all the wonderfully relevant learning going on in your classroom.  But, did you know that a blog can be so much more?  Blogs are not just tools for educators; they can function as tools for students as well. One of my favorite ways that blogs can achieve great effectiveness as a supplement to what you already do in the art room, is by providing a space for students (and parents, and teacher, and administrators, oh my!) to access resources related to what you are teaching in the classroom.  Some bloggers post instructional videos that show them demo-ing a project.  For students who miss a class or need to see the demo again, the video ensures that they receive the same instruction  and saves you the hassle of having to repeat yourself over and over again.  Blogging about what your art class is working on is also a great way to promote a positive classroom culture and to also build confidence and pride in student work.  And for older students, working with them to create their own blogs builds literacy skills, technology skills, portfolio skills and many other skills.  The payoff is rewarding for students as they gain confidence in their abilities by engaging in self-directed projects. Finally, the most transformative aspect of blogging about your art program is the opportunity to share your student's work with a world audience. If you haven't considered blogging about your art classroom, art ed philosophy, program, etc. in the future, take a moment to imagine the ways a blog could enrich your students experience with art. It might be worth it!    

Top Ten Blogs for Educators

Today, I want to share with you my top ten blogs for Art Educators. Some of these blogs are directly related to art teachers because they are authored by art teachers.  Some of these blogs are just a great resource for any teacher.

1. cassiestephens.blogspot.com  Cassie Stephens is an art teacher that teaches in Tennessee. Some of the best features of her blog include her "What the Art Teacher Wore" pages, in which she chronicles her daily, artsy, warddrobe, and her "In the Art Room" page that features several pictures of of her students beautiful work.
2. artofed.com  This is my favorite blog for art educators, hands down! This blog is all about practical and relevant professional development. They recently created a live podcast that can be accessed from a number of devices and features talented guest art teachers.
3. smartclassroommanagement.com  Have you ever wondered what you were doing wrong as far as your classroom management is concerned? Well now you can find out, and learn the best classroom management strategies for every classroom.
4. janinecambell.weebly.com/blog  This art teacher from Michigan has a wealth of knowledge to share about how to manage a middle level art classroom.  She also has some great resources to share about how to go about assessment in the art room.
5. athglitter.com This is a place for art educators to commiserate about all that the profession seems to throw at us.  Primarily humor-based, poignant and funny posts from one anonymous educator.
6. thomaselementaryart.blogspot.com/  Zach Stoller is the creative art teacher behind this blog.  He posts wonderful examples of his art room happenings and full lesson plans for teachers to use in their own classrooms.
7. paintedpaperintheartroom.blogspot.com This blog features some of the most creative lessons for elementary art classes.  This art teacher from Ohio also posts some seriously beautiful pictures of her organized art room. Their are a ton of great ideas!
8. arteascuola.com  This blog is authored by Miriam Paternoster,an Italian middle school art teacher.  The unique approach to art education is comes through in the beauitful work of her students. 
9. artfulartsyamy.com  What I love about this blog by Amy, an art teacher in California, is the fact that she posts her lesson plans step-by-step with high-quality images.  She effectively integrates all those things we're told to integrate as art teachers, literacy skills, multiculturalism, etc. in our lessons. 
10.tinkerlab.com This blog marries a lot of good ideas for lower elementary learners. The blog frequently includes tutorials and how-tos on a mumber of art and science activities.  

So that's my list ( so far!), but there are so many more blogs out there with great ideas waiting to be mined.  If you have any great blogs to add this list, leave me a comment.  

Social Media "Gems"

This is a quick annotated list of some educators and other individuals that can be found on social media platforms and that are a great resource for art educators.

TheCareerZoo.com - YouTube Channel
This series of videos explores a number of different careers and offers an introduction to many art related fields such as video game designer, urban park planner, and toy sculptor.

@TeachKidsArt Cheryl Trowbridge
This twitter account offers inspirational messages, advice, and encouragement for art educators.

Cassie Stephens- YouTube Channel
This is one of my favorite art teacher bloggers ever! She posts really great videos of her classroom routines and helpful tips for other teachers to try.

@SirKenRobinson 
He is an educational reformist that is passionate about arts education for all students and frequently speaks at TedTalks on the subject of creativity in the classroom.

@JohnMaeda
He tweets about creative leadership in the design and technological fields.  Simplicity and integrity of design are frequent subjects that he speaks on.

@ChipKidd
Chip Kidd is a graphic designer known in the art and design field for the numerous book cover designs he created.  He is also widely sought out to speak about design broadly for a number of different audiences. Don't miss his novel, Cheese Monkeys; it paints a poignant portrait of what it is like to be an art student in college.

@HuffPostEdu
This is the Huffington Post's twitter page for all education related news. The tweets are great because they often link to full articles on educational topics.

Dawn Torries - Pinterest
This Pinner has a huge collection of pins related to art lesson plans, including some relevant YouTube videos about art.

OK Go - YouTube Channel
OK Go is an alternative band whose music video incorporate art education topics such as primary vs. secondary colors.  Also, their video titled "This Too Shall Pass" features an intense Rube Goldberg Machine that can be a great conversation starter for students.

Living Simply For God "Homeschool-Art" - Pinterest
Highly creative art projects for multiple ages and development ablilities

Jessica Gray "Art Related Videos"- Pinterest
This page is full of great resources for art teachers to draw upon including a fair amount of art history videos.

@OpenEd
This organization provides a multitude of free formative assessments to match every common core standard.

@DemetriMartin 
For anyone who has not seen his stand up comedy routines before, do so... immediately. For art educators, the way he playful integrates art into his comedy routines could be a jumping off point for a unit on interactive art.

Education Closet - Pinterest
This Board on Pinterest is full of other boards related to STEAM education (very big right now) and Arts Integration (also very big right now).  The resources pinned include videos, professional development and lesson plans.

Donna Staten "Art-Ed Assessment" - Pinterest
This board pulls from great resources to find the most authentic assessments for use in the art room.

TED - YouTube Channel
TEDTalks are great, informative, and provocative. They can be used as a resource for teachers, students and administrators.

TED-Ed - Youtube Channel
Again, this YouTube channel is informative, provocative, and great for students.

The Art of Education - YouTube Channel
This is one of my favorite resources for art teachers. The wealth of everyday tips and and information is tailored to our field. The AOE Live Podcasts can also be watched on YouTube, and they frequently invite guests and speakers to talk about what they are passionate about, and what they are doing in the field.

The Art of Education "Class Resources" - Pinterest 
This page is a great resource for all kinds of relevant classroom worksheets, rubrics, and documents.

Smarthistory. art, history, conversation. - YouTube Channel
This channel features several well-crafted videos about pieces of art from around the world.  The subjects are well-researched.



  

Getting of the Island: Remaining Connected to other Educators Through Organizations

Art Educators are a tight-knit group, but what I love about the community of artist-teachers is that we can feel so “close” and be spread so wide.  The reason we remain close is because of our collective participation in professional state and national organizations.  In this post, I will be highlighting two organizations that are a great source of professional support for art teachers.  Participating in organizations like these is often critical for the success of new teachers that enter the field because art educators often face feelings of isolation and exclusion simply because we are often the only art teachers in the building. We will need to "get off the island," every now and then to stay sane and more importantly, to stay relevant. Staying connected to other art teachers who understand the specific challenges of running an art program can ease these feelings and offer you the support you will need as a first-year art teacher.  The first organization I will highlight is a national organization, and the second one is a state-level organization (Michigan, because that’s where I call home).  However, stay tuned for future posts that will list other great resources for art educators 

that are not necessarily “state-specific.”

National Art Educator's Association (NAEA)

www.arteducators.org

This is a fabulous organization for art teachers because memberships are reasonably priced around $90 to join, and students receive a discounted rate at around $45.  The rates do vary by state, but membership to the national organization often includes membership to the your state's organization. When you become a member of the NAEA, you are eligible to receive a subscription to one of their professional journals called Art Education.  The journal is a great resource for teachers who want to stay up-to-date about research-based practices for the art classroom.  Also, joining gives you access to a variety of online resources through their webpage.  The most recent offerings include webinars, virtual conferences and professional development online courses. The culmination of all these good things occurs during the Annual Convention. Researchers, artists, educators and teachers are invited to present, speak and share at these conventions.  This year's convention will be held right in my neighborhood, in Chicago on March 17-19, 2016.   The Cost to attend is $105-$125 for students and $165-$195 for active members.  This is really a "must-attend" event for any art educator, especially those of us who are just starting out in the field. The resources that are available through the NAEA are incredible! 

Michigan Art Educator's Association (MAEA)

www.miarted.org

So, this is kind of a cheat, because this organization is tied to the NAEA, and membership to the former grants you membership to this organization, but I think that because this organization is close to home, it deserves a spot in the limelight too. Additionally, the reason I want to highlight my state's organization is because their fall conference is fast approaching and it represents similar fall conferences that are taking place in other states like Arkansas, Iowa, Pennsylvania and many many more.  Here in Michigan, the annual conference falls on October 15-18th. The conference will be held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (beauuuuutiful!) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It happens to coincide with Michigan's Comic-Con Convention, so MAEA conference goers receive a discounted rate for the comic convention. This event could be a great source of inspiration for provocative and engaging lessons that incorporate what students already love, graphic novels!  Aside from the amazing conference offerings, the MAEA also offers professional development courses, opportunities to apply for special grants, and events where art teachers can exhibit their art.

This is just a starting off point for connecting to outstanding resources that are within your reach as an art educator.  Like I said before, stay tuned for future posts that will outline more ways to stay connected with the latest trends, practices, and resources in the fields of art, education, and art education!  

50 Words or Less

I am an art educator passionate about designing arts integration curriculum, teaching art history in an engaging way, and connecting with students about the interests and skills that they possess. I also enjoy spending time with my family over loud family dinners and competitive board game nights. 

About Me

Hello, and welcome! My name is Christina Stephenson.  I am pleased to say that I'm getting ever closer to finishing my teaching degree, and I am really pumped about teaching art this semester as a Teacher Assistant. This semester I will be assisting at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy as well as Dickinson Academy, both of which are located on the SE side of Grand Rapids, MI. While at these two campuses, I know that I will learn a lot, and I hope that I will be able to bring relevant technology resources and tools into my lesson plans.  My experience with using technology in the classroom is very limited, but I am familiar with apps like Plickers that allow teachers to deliver quick and fun formative assessments to students.  I still have A LOT to learn about technology for the 21st Century classroom.

So I just want to mention a few fun facts about myself, many of them relating to hobbies and interests that I hold: 

• I LOVE to sew on my new Brother sewing machine. I might be brave enough to sport one of my latest projects in public some day. 
• I completed a BFA in Illustration at Grand Valley State University.  Still dreaming about publishing a children's book someday *sigh*...
• My family is multi-racial and I have a twin sister, a brother, and 4 adopted siblings. All together, we're loud, we're proud, and we bring the "crowd" wherever we go! 
• I am a married to my wonderfully supportive husband, Duane, who happens to be a Driver's Education Instructor (I know! Scary, right?)
• I am a big fan of Aussie television.  What can I say, I love the Aussie accent.
• I enjoy traveling to little known towns across America.  If you like gem mining, Franklin, North Carolina cannot be missed; it was named the "Ruby City" for its rich gem mines.  
• I still love to draw, paint, and create in my free time. 

This is an image of some of my personal artwork that represents the type of style and medium I prefer to use when illustrating.  

So, I can't wait to update you on the latest technologies and resources that can be used in the art classroom as well as any classroom to engage and create authentic learning opportunities for our students! Stay tuned...