Turning Wheels in Week 2

The information presented in week 2 really stirred an excitement of notes and notions to use technology in my classroom. The ability to collaborate through Google Docs hadn't really sunk in until the discussion that took place last Monday night. I do very little writing in my studio art classes, however I always require students to reflect on a finished work of art. This is where they look to see how they have improved, what difficulties they ran into and why, what they would do differently if they had to start over, etc. The doors of communication swing wide open through this. I learn so much from my students about their feelings on the artwork and in return, I provide valuable feedback to flourish creativity and skills. Since students are writing the reflection anyhow, why not do it on Google Docs where we can work together on the reflection process? (Not to mention the fact that I would no longer hear the excuse 'My printer ran out of ink last night so I can't hand my paper in' anymore!) But even better is the fact that students could collaborate on classmates' work also. At the higher level of art studios, I begin to teach students the correct way to critique the artwork of their own and others. I hold the ablity to communicate with peers very highly. Today I believe too often students lack the skills to physically communicate face to face with not only superiors, but peers in general effectively. We have enabled students to hide behind the walls of technology to communicate and lost the benefit of face to face interaction. Words can become more harsh and thoughts more bold when you do not have to face the victim you are attacking. Wow, I do not hate technology, although it may seem like it at this point. There are so many benefits that I am truly excited to experiment with. What I am trying to say is that I find even in my own past, I have been more bold in my word choice when I know the reader cannot see me or ever know me. Which is not an entirely negative thing. My plan for use of Google Docs is as a way of allowing students to begin the peer critiquing process because it promotes the collaboration I want plus encourages honesty. I think if they can write suggestions and constructive criticism anonymously, the critique is more beneficial. I often remind all my students that constructive criticism may be hard to accept at times, but it can make you stronger. And I do love technology! As the wheels keeps on turning, I will look at ways to incorporate web cams into the mix. I love the ability to interact with others hundreds to thousands of miles away, in learners of all cultures.