Digital Diagrams

I have not used digital diagrams in my art lesson plans in the past, nor have I been taught by using digital diagrams in the art classroom.  The only example I can think of would be the color wheel in art.  It's a type of diagram, but it's laid out a bit differently than the typical diagram.  Although, I have had experience with diagrams in the science, and even the history classroom. Even then I do not think they were digital, just drawn diagrams or from a classroom textbook.  Below is an example of a digital diagram. 

I have learned through TPTE 486 that applying digital diagrams to lesson plans is a very helpful tool.  You can use digital diagrams for subjects that require a lot of information.  This way the information will be easily written out in a visual organizer for students to better understand.  I learned it's also better to incorporate digital diagrams into high school lesson plans, which require more information than elementary grades. 

For my future art classroom, I would use digital diagrams in high school art history lessons.  In art, the only affective way to use digital diagrams would be in art history.  Art history is a loaded subject area, this way you can easily organize each art movement into an easy to read visual diagram. 

Interactive Whiteboards

Like I had mentioned in my last post, Interactive White Boards (IWB) were not available for use when I was in the public school system.  Along with never being taught using IWB's, I have never taught a lesson in class using an IWB.  I have learned a great deal about IWB's, and wish I would have been able to learn from such a successful tool in the classroom.

During the IWB lesson plan project for TPTE 486, I have learned how beneficial the IWB can be for the art classroom.  Some of my favorite tools that the IWB offers are the containers, and the erase to reveal tool.  The tools on the IWB allows students to interact along with the lesson to become fully engaged.  Learning to use visuals, promoting student participation, and actively using technology makes the classroom a successful environment.

I hope to be able to use an IWB in my future art classroom.  I am aware that not all schools have the funds to provide each teacher with an IWB, and that I will need to be prepared not to rely on an IWB in that situation.  If I am lucky enough to have an IWB in my classroom, it would be an essential tool for my art curriculum.  The use of visual imagery, drawing tools, and clear, large projected visuals are necessary for the art class.