Arts and Tech Blog

Web page authoring is an aspect of technology and the Internet that I have wanted to learn for a long time.  Although we may only be scratching the surface of dream-weaver, and not learning any html coding, it excites me to finally have some instruction in the basics of the program.  The idea of having my own web page, be it for personal or classroom use is really exciting.  On the page I could display my student’s or my own art work, and maybe even sell some.  Web Page authoring is something I may even have to take an entire class on once I have finished my masters for certification. 

As we begin the non linear powerpoint assignment I am also excited.  Not only do I get to work within my content area, but I get to produce a presentation that I will be able to use when teaching.  We have decided to focus our presentation on Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, and I was amazed at the number of images he created that I had never seen before.  This assignment seems like it may be one of the more fun projects to complete, and a welcome change after writing a paper.

VOTE – 11/4/08 – Make your voice heard – VOTE

As dull as a PowerPoint presentation can sometimes be, it is refreshing to learn how to create presentations that do not rely on the premade designs, transitions, sound effects, or that have to follow a preset order.  Although I already knew how to create my own slide background, it was great to learn how to find and embed sounds, images, and even videos.  But, what was really interesting was the PowerPoint presentations using action buttons so you are able to switch from slide to slide without going in the traditional order.  I immediately thought of numerous lessons that I could teach in my art classroom using this type of PowerPoint presentation.  Everything from art trivia games to presentations about an artist using famous paintings with action buttons hidden in different areas of the painting.  This would make the art history lessons, and terminology reviews more fun and interactive for students.  It amazed me how much I did not know about what I thought of as merely a slide show making presentation tool.  The ideas learned are things I would love to implement in my classroom, if I could only get a digital projector to use.  Unfortunately, in my school these projectors are allocated to the traditional academic subjects first, and because of this I rarely have the luxury of being able to use one.  I guess I always have the option of dropping the cash out of pocket to have the use of a projector all of the time, but they are expensive. 

AT&T text to speach was another great resource introduced by Dr. Ransom.  What a great program to be able to type out something, and have it converted to an MP3 or WAV file.  You can even choose which voice will be speaking for you.  Another great example of how the resources page on our course website is full of amazing links and programs. 

On a side note, as the cold weather takes its frosty grip on the Western NY area, lets keep in mind those that are less fortunate than ourselves.  Donate any gently used coats, gloves or hats that you no longer use to those that need them. 

Delicious.com is probably one of the greatest web services that I had never heard of.  This social bookmarking tool not only allows me to access my frequently used websites from any Internet capable computer, but collaborate with other users with common interests.  In the brief amount of time I have had to spend playing on delicious I have found everything from art history resources and online design magazines, to free add ons for Adobe Photoshop.  The bookmark search engine makes it easy to access the information you need without having to depend on flash drives or remembering the URL of the site you need. 

It seems as though I touch on social networking websites in every blog post I make, and this post will be no different.  Webkinz, which seems to be something like a Facebook or Myspace for children seemed like a strange idea to me.  Maybe its the skeptic in me, or maybe I have watched too many episodes of Law & Order SVU, but I worry about a social networking site aimed specifically at children drawing people that will eventually show up on Dateline – To Catch a Predator.  Its not that I think children should be denied social networking opportunities, but as I have said before and will say again, this networking needs to be supervised by parents to ensure responsible use. 

Lastly the YouTube video containing the chicken PowerPoint was not only comedic, but illustrated one of the dark sides of technological presentation tools.  Too often presenters depend on the slides and limited information in their PowerPoint slide show instead of mastering the information being presented.  Presentation tools such as PowerPoint offer so many options to speakers, however presenters sometimes spend more time creating flashy slide shows instead of mastering their material. 

A special thank you to the Buffalo Sabres for their strong play early in the season, lets hope that this level of play can be sustained for the long 82 game season.