Initial Teacher Training - Trainers Pack and Programme

Primary

New Media

Digital Media

Introduction

Digital media is important within the art, craft and design curriculum because it uses the tools and methods 'of the age'. It can be a very effective tool in promoting engagement. In addition, it offers enrichment of the learning and teaching process in our subject. With careful thought and preparation, it has the advantage of being efficient an efficient means of managing the classroom. For a statement advocating the use of ICT in Art and Design you might like to consider the following link. http://www.nsead.org/ict/about/about11.aspx

Digital media might be used to promote:

• Personal expression, expression of personal ideas and opinions;
• Confident, responsible and articulate individuals;
• Team working and design skills.
• Willingness to discuss, review and improve, not only their own work, but that of their peers;
• Self-esteem and presentation skills (to peers and adults).

1   Hardware

It is helpful to be aware of the range of hardware available and to note that it is changing and being updated regularly. Events, such as the annual BETT Show held in January each year at Olympia, London; provide a one stop opportunity to update your knowledge of the hardware available. Trainees are also a source of information and will have used a range of hardware prior to embarking on the course. Hardware that might be useful in s upporting art and design education might include:

Whiteboards (+ tablet)
Scanners
Photocopiers
Digital cameras
Mobile phones
Digital video cameras
Audio Equipment
Mp3 Players
Storage capabilities
Memory sticks
PDAs / Blackberrys
DVDs
Graphic Pads
Digital Pens
Printers

1.1   Software

Trainers should be aware of the range of software available for primary art and design. Events such as the annual BETT Show held in January each year at Olympia, London, are very helpful as the full range of primary software will be on show. In considering the most appropriate software for any situation in a school or other teaching environment, it is helpful to consider whether the software:

• will allow pupils to meet the learning objectives set
• will enhance and extend existing image-making opportunities
• is easy to use and appropriate for the age group
• allows for differentiation
• has clear on-screen information with an understandable menu
• allows for a broad range of creative activities

Examples of software for use in primary schools might be:

Adobe Photoshop Elements
Animate
Final Cut Pro (Elements)
Adobe Flash

There are many others that should be considered.

2   Teaching – shared spaces VLEs

The advent of social networking through the Internet is beginning to have significant implications for subjects including art and design. There are many opportunities for trainees to contribute to and share their views with like-minded people through messaging, podcasting and blogging. Sites to consider visiting include:

TES Staffroom www.tes.co.uk/section/staffroom/
MySpace www.myspace.com/

Other sites offer resources for primary teachers:

Adobe Teachers' resource pages www.nortellearnit.org/resources/?gclid=CIXe0qaNkY8CFRX8gAodbjThQQ
Galleries and Museums – especially their education sections (see Sources of Support section.)
NSEAD web site www.nsead.org
Teachers TV www.teachers.tv/video/browser/812

When using resources of this kind trainers should be aware that there are issues around copyright and permissions. Trainers should refer to the guidelines published by their own institution and link to the generic advice under Health and Safety regulations.

Lastly trainers should be aware that there is a large number of web sites where artwork can be uploaded to the Internet. These include:

www.Flickr
www.Panaramio
www.2simple software (photo uploads etc)
www.findsounds.com
www.freeplaymusic.com
www.a1freesoundeffects.com

3   Case Studies

Trainers should be aware that examples of primary school projects that focus on using digital media can be found at www.nsead.org/ict/studies/studies21.aspx.

It is not suggested that this section is comprehensive. Many trainers may wish to set an independent study task for trainees based on the case studies indicated below

Hardware/Software	Websites	Learning Creativity
Digital projectors	www.embc.org.uk/learning/casestudies.asp links to QCA schemes – examples from Primary Strategy on using ICT to enhance teaching and learning.	START issue 11 2005 Digital Dabbling and Live Art
i.genie	www.scran.ac.uk Need to subscribe Access to digital images from UK museums and galleries	START issue 12 2005 What's in a building Art and ICT Case Study
2simple software – 2animate	www.artisancamnorth.org.uk	START issue 22 2007 Doing Digital – a Creative Partnership developing the SEAL programme with digital artist Susan Diab
Digital Blue – cameras, microscopes and good supportive software.	www.Show.me.uk (produced by AccessArt) online workshop	START issue 7 2004 Hands on in the Classroom Lichenstein
	www.mediaed.org.uk	START issue 17 2006 Model Behaviour – using ICT and textiles to create fashion items for a catwalk show.
	www.hitchams.suffolk.sch.uk/ict_art	Primary Focus on Art and Design Technology – Spring 2006 Naace – Advancing education through ICT www.naace.org see notes
Interactive whiteboards and digital cameras	www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/subjects/art	Painting using an Interactive Whiteboard and a Digital camera Children take photos of each other using a digital camera image which is then put onto the board. Children use their fingers to apply paint to modify their image. Easy but very effective!
Resources and lesson plans	www.supporting-ict.co.uk/weblinks/art.htm
	www.nsead.org/ict/studies/studies24.aspx
	www.teachers.tv/video/3280 ICT resources for teaching Primary Creative Arts
	www.sandaigprimary.co.uk/pivot/sandaig_tv.php
Becta site for resources related to using ICT across the curriculum. Resources for teachers can be downloaded from site.	Register at www.ictadvice.org.uk/subscribe
	www.northerngrid.org/ngflwebsite/sculpture/Index.htm Exploring public art through ICT. An interactive map of public sculptures around the North East.
	www.animateclay.com
	www.sanford-artedventures.com demonstrating artistic methods and techniques on the IWB
Primary Focus on Art and Design Technology – Spring 2006 Naace – advancing education through ICT www.naace.org	Sections include: Using ICT in Art and Design and Design and Technology to develop Pupils creativity and imagination. Stimulation through simulation ICT and Art – QCA – People in action – Year 6 plus plenty of links.
Primary Focus: Teaching through Topics – Spring 2007 www.naace.org	Seaside Topic – Holiday Snaps – using digital cameras. Art aspect of this topic could be further developed.
Primary Focus on Creativity and Challenge – Summer 2005 www.naace.org	Sections include Using Macromedia Flash Gifted and Talented - Photoshop www.adobe.com Anim8or www.anim8or.com Don’t forget the angry eyes – using model animation Making Movies
Primary Focus on Interactive Teaching Technologies www.naace.org	Sections include Use of PC tablets Interactive Technologies in the classroom – Blogs, Wikis and more.

 

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