This video highlights the new approach to teaching I've adopted since integrating technology into the courses I teach. Art has moved from studio to mac lab and back to studio with organic use of both traditional and 21st century tools to make art. Students have learned valuable job skills and developed connections to many people beyond the school building. Being a connected educator means that my students are connected too. Whether it is an online contest for their art, a collaboration with a public artist or online museums my students benefit from my being a connected educator. The many opportunities that I can provide and that other artists and educators post online create an endless array of possibilities at our fingertips. My students have connected to schools and students in Shanghai China, California and more. They've visited virtual tours of the Sistine Chapel and they've talked to artists and composers to ask them about their work. Being connected allows for this and more.
As an art educator I am sometimes a bit isolated. There is only one other teacher in my school who teaches art. But because I'm connected I simply post a question on Facebook or Twitter and I instantly have answers, opinions and ideas from a host of educators from around the world. Many of these contacts are profoundly generous with their time and ideas. My practice as an artist educator has grown because of the highly developed PLN I've assembled. The best part of the PLN is meeting these wonderful people in person at the National Art Education Convention each year. My PLN ROCKS!!! and this video celebrates the reasons why they are so fabulous. ENJOY!
Thanks to so many in my PLN, but especially Matt Cauthron, Ian Sands, Theresa McGee, Craig Roland, David Gran, Tricia Fugelstad to name a few. They have all inspired me to go beyond the 4 walls and create a truly connected classroom. Thanks!
Connected Teaching: Developing Your PLN from Jeanne Bjork on Vimeo. You can also view this video on my YouTube Channel. I created this video as a part of a grad class on developing your personal learning network. All of the artwork in the video belongs to the students I teach at Pewaukee High School.