Friday, December 13, 2013

Technology Integration Plan

     The matrix that I compose that will allow me to construct an effective lesson plan for my students to learn about photography. My core concentration in the art education program photography and I want to be able to share my knowledge with my students. The lesson plan is broken down by six categories which is to identify, understand, analyze, create, communicate, and produce. Each of the categories that I mentioned in the previous statements are attached with a standard. The matrix has a row designated for standards, strategies, and technologies. I will explain how to integrate technologies into my lesson plan for photography.
    In the first row of the matrix, I want my students to be able to identify a photograph. One of the standards state that they will use digital tools in order to enhance creativity as well as to construct the knowledge. One of the strategies that I can use to help my students develop the skill to identify the photograph is to use a video presentation. A video presentation will provide a visual representation for students to see the process of how photographers compose a picture. Looking into the process of photographers will help students develop a sense of style as well as creativity. I want to inspire my students to take pictures of the world. Art is all around us, and a camera will allow us to capture the moment in time. While they are watching the video I will encourage my students to take notes of what they see in the video. It is always good to refer to notes when you want to clarify a new concept. Concept mapping with assist the students create ideas, as well as peer critiquing. The technologies that will accompany the standards are pen, paper, smart board (for visual aid), computers (for research), camera, and internet.  
     The second row is for understanding the aesthetics of photography. The strategies accompanied with the previous statement is to demonstrate, and provide a visual presentation. I will have a camera out to show the students how to hold it. I believe that students should have a knowledge not only of the technical material directly related to their own work of the moment, but they should also have a knowledge of the technical material based on other concerns than their own. The smart board will be used to show the pictures taken on the camera to the class.
    The third row is the meant for students to analyze the qualities of a given photo. Now the major strategy that I will use is to have small groups. I want my students to work together so that they can bounce ideas off each other. They will use a pen, pencil and paper to sketch out ideas. I want my students to record the conversation that they are having together. They must in fact listen to each others opinions to come to a conclusion of what makes a good photograph versus a bad photograph.
    The fourth row students will be able to take photos that convey a message or tell a story. In this lesson, I want my students to compose a storyboard. The students must be creative, so they will have to look into their notes and pull out some ideas. I will give them an assignment that will encourage them to create several images they relate to each other. The purpose of the assignment is to have them create a story using just photographs. They will need a pen, pencil, paper, internet, and computer to complete the task.
    The fifth row students will value photography as an essential part of the newspaper/magazine and develop an understanding of photo journalism. Students will get up in front of class and present their storyboard, which would be an oral presentation. The six row students will be able to take photos that demonstrate their understanding of aesthetics. In other words they will know how to produce original work. The strategies that will assist the students would be discussions, peer critique, and brain storming.
       This project is important because it helps the teacher create a graphic organizer that will help build the bridge between standards and integrating technologies. I love photography and when I started I taught my self the basics before I started to take pictures. Photography is not about just clicking a button, you must compose the shot (image) then capture the moment. I was able to construct my ideas by using this matrix model.  


Sunday, December 1, 2013

Using a Slideshows in the Classroom for Photography


I plan to use a smart board to display a power point from the unit. The unit is will require the students to see the picture. For example if the topic is about Nature and how take Landscape pictures then I will need to show examples. Power points are particularly helpful when used in the classroom as it can attract the learner and make learning interactive. When using power points set to music you can time your slide transitions. Power points also support the use of animations, and you can animate objects in power points or insert movie clips to make your presentations interesting. This can prove to be useful when you are helping the students study. Using power point will allow me to show the difference between a picture using the rule of thirds and a picture that does not. Students should also have a thorough knowledge of the history of photography, for this knowledge provides for a richer experience in the use of materials and in the making of aesthetic judgments. By understanding the past, we can more fully explore in the present. Some high school students may know about some common famous artist; They have certainly heard the names of most of the photographers, but for the most part, lack any in-depth feeling for and real knowledge of their work. With many students it is almost impossible to carry on a conversation about photography in which one refers to examples of past work. The slide show is meant to provide a visual bridge.