The effects of technology on early art development

For some time I have nurtured a curiosity regarding the effects of technology on early art development. As my opportunities increased for observing and then influencing the learning process, I found myself addicted to the excitement of technology, specifically in the area of art education. I can now draw on information gathered from three professional experiences: elementary school teacher (K-8), project director of an Equity Project entitled “Encouraging Female Students in Math and Science through Art and Technology” and Artist in Residence with the San Bernardino Arts Foundation.

As in any project, the real measure of success is the accomplishment of the students. Students' growth in the areas of art curriculum, use of related art vocabulary, choice of methods selected for completing a task, utilization of thinking skills, application of art principles, and the increased productivity of personal expression, is evidenced in their impressive collection of art files: printed, on disk, and on video. It is my intent to share these files, along with related anecdotal records, and to detail some of the instructional processes that accompany the use of technology in the classroom.