This weeks blog dealings with an amazing assistive technology for art teachers known as virual envirnments. One of the many challenges in education is differenciate instruction to meet all the abilities within ones classroom. One group of students that can sometimes be forgot is those that are considered gifted and talented. Creating virtual envirnments within a classroom can allow for students to differenciate the content for themselves, allowing for learners to take more time in areas of difficulty or others to spend more time in a particular area.
So this got me thinking, how can I use this in my own classroom? Read on to see me walk a future art unit through the process of virtual creation
So here are the steps:
1) Creating a Virtual Thematic Unit
I'd love to create a unit dealing with understand how a kiln works. I teach 4 cermics classes and often have students finishing work at differnet times. While it's not critical that students understand kilns too indepth I believe it's a great thing to understand and want to offer an oppertunity for students to gain more knowledge on this topic if they finish projects early.
2) Create Hyperlinks to Lessons.
This stage encourages you to find links and lessons that deal with your thematic unit. Below are some awesome links about understanding the kiln.
Skutt: Don't Be Afraid of the Kiln
Current Cones
The Basic Stuff
3) Use Assistive Technology.
For this unit I would also find pod casts, you tube movies, and artist interviews to add to the overall lesson. I would also make note of any and all disibilities that I need to make adjustments for.
4) Discover Virtual Museum Tours.
This step allows you to explore alternative ways of visiting or touring museums that relate to your theme. Below are some great Ceramic museum websites.
Ceramic Research Museum
International Ceramics Museum
Public Library
Ashmolean Museum
5) Find Online Learning Games.
While this is an awesome way to engage students, I am causion about choosing games due to the potencial advertizments displayed on the games sites. Here is a pretty cool and ad free link.
American Girl Ceramic Studio
