Double Journal Entry #5: Art Becomes the Next R

Quote: "Beyond a literacy that facilitates learning and communication across a wide spectrum of activities, art skills also translate into real-world jobs. Each of the thousands of channels of video, the thousands of CDs and DVDs, the millions of incipient Web sites-and the other new media not yet on imagination's horizon-will require musicians, choreographers, videographers, graphic designers, creative consultants, and many other "artistic" professionals. Artists are finally having their day (Ohler)."

Reaction: We cannot dismiss that today's students have been raised in a totally digital era. As educators we have a responsibility to teach students to receive and communicate in a digital rich medium. Use of pictures and graphics are powerful, and must be used as skillfully  as an actor using facial expressions in place of words, or a cartoonist drawing charactures to dipict people. Art in general is beneficial to keeping students engaged, and allowing students to express their personal interests, explore history and other cultures, and serve as an outlet for self-expression. Art promotes individualism which also encourages an entrepreneurial spirit. Entrepreneurism is about finding creative solutions, being different and taking risks. Educators need to find a way to mesh art with the other disciplines so that we are engaging 21st Century learners.

Ohler, Jason. "Art Becomes the Next R." Educational Leadership Magazine 58.2 Oct. (2000): 16-19. Web. 23 Sept. 2011.

Here is an outline for planning art lessons. (There is a correlation between traditional art and an approach to instructional technology):  Planning Art Lessons & Units.

Bartel, Marvin. "Planning Art Lessons & Units." Goshen College. 2010. Web. 25 Sept. 2011.