As digital tools transform the way artists find and rework images, the concept of what is fair use—legally as well as artistically—is becoming more complicated 

In the March issue of ARTnews magazine, there was a great article entitled “Copy Right” (read online here). In it they talk about the art of creative re-use. I’ve always wanted to do a remix type of art unit, but have never really had the time to implement it, or had the chance to squeeze it into a year group. That time has come, but in a technology class.

Recently, my co-workers Kim Cofino, Damien Pitter and I had a full day planning session developing new technology units as our “technology as a subject” class moves up from grade 6 & 7 all the way to grade 10. A remix unit was agreed upon, and I immediately remembered the above mentioned article. You see, I’ll be teaching tech again next year to grades 7 & 8, and though this unit would be for grade 10, I’m still thinking how to make it a transdisciplinary unit with my grade 10 art class.

We’re still in the planning phase but we decided to lift the above quote as the unit concept (Digital tools transform the way people find and rework media into original creations). Of course, something like this is also in the works; “Intellectual property rights must be respected through the creation of remixed media.” Our unit question might go along something like this: “How can existing works be used as building blocks to something creative and original?”

Now, the unit may take more of a video/audio mashup approach, but anything is possible. Which brings me back to the visual arts. As an art teacher, how can I connect and scaffold with this unit? That will be my next post. Stay tuned, and of course, if you have some ideas, drop them in the comments section!

(image credit 1, 2)

If you’re like me, you need to sometimes get away from a screen. This cute book by Lane Smith sums it up nicely. I’ve included the trailer below.

It may also be a good way to introduce technology/social studies to younger kids or even be a good conversation starter for others. Someone has posted scans of the entire book on YouTube here, but that’s not a book.

It seems like every other blogger beat me to this post. Should not have let it sit in my drafts folder over the weekend. Regardless, it is interesting. (Approx. 14minutes)

Web 3.0 from Kate Ray on Vimeo.

(…or go here)

I often feel disappointed when I hear teachers discuss how they can’t find web resources for a topic. At times, teachers expect an ICT Facilitator to find these for them. Finding free resources sure is a lot easier now, but I am referring to going beyond Google. Do you have time to go beyond page 1 of 1.5 million sites (but that’s another blog entry)? What are some other alternatives?

Of course, video helps a lot now with YouTube, TeacherTube, SchoolTube and Vimeo readily available. I don’t know why I feel sad when teachers don’t use or search these options. Your internet connection isn’t so good for viewing? You don’t like the ads/comments that appear? You don’t like the related videos that appear? These are all valid points but then why not use Tooble or KeepVid to download the video onto your computer or embed it onto your own site (great reason to start a blog or wiki)?

Better yet, if teachers are struggling to find resources, why not get your class to create their own resources and then upload them to these sites, or to Slideshare, or to Issuu, or to a wiki, or to Voicethread? To me, they would be perfect opportunities for class projects as well as for assessments. Fair enough, it may take some time to get it set-up but in the long run, wouldn’t time be saved?

Students could have a sense of ownership and leave a legacy of knowledge and learning behind once the unit is finished and then students in the following years could use it or expand on it. Viewers may then rate it, comment on it, embed it or reuse it themselves. The author then slowly builds a network if they comment back and learning continues outside of the classroom. Teachers could then share it with their followers on Twitter or on a Ning they belong to. You see, not only does this benefit the student, but also the teacher. Teachers could use these sites as a source of inspiration to generate ideas or to find examples of and create a digital portfolio or an online presence.

(Hey wait a minute, this kind of sounds like authentic learning.)

If teachers are going to simply create text projects, why not upload them to Issuu or file2ws or to a class wiki or blog at least? That could involve peer editing wouldn’t it? We hear know and see that media collage is dominant, but at times teachers are the last ones to adapt. Why is that? Simple answer: Fear. A lot of teachers don’t wish to put their stuff out there (though we’re one of the first to snatch them up). They feel exposed. Naked. We are the knowledge kings and do not wish to be discovered as false prophets. Sorry, I sound negative and this wasn’t meant to be a rant. Give it some thought. Start small.

(photo credit)

I blogged about my school’s BTG Conference this weekend here where Chris Toy and Kim Cofino are also presenting (I’ll hopefully be able to post on that if I can make it to their session). I myself presented on Essential 2.0 Tools for Teachers and Students. It was kind of tough to narrow the list down as everyone is coming from a different place and are at different IT stages. Most of the tools I suggest are not new and if you are a regular reader of this blog, you have probably encountered them already. I presented using this wiki which I encourage you to look at if interested. Embedded below is the document version provided as a faster reference (also included in the wiki). In my opinion, most of these tools should be standard in classrooms now.

I have added a few videos under my ICT Theories and Info tab above recently that you may find interesting. One has taken inspiration from the CommonCraft team and created a video on Digital Storytelling in Plain English. Another is from Alan November (Myths and Opportunities: Technology in the Classroom) and finally, the lengthy Teaching Search in the Classroom from Google.

Other interesting reads from the web:

Michelle Obama tells International audience why the Arts Matter (from Los Angeles Times)

Schools Adopt Art as Building Block of Education (from The New York Times)

From Text on Paper to Media Collage – Art becomes the next R (from Jason Ohler via The Committed Sardine)

What’s new? 21st Century Skills (by Jamie McKenzie)

Media literacy skills have been important for decades as the news media transitioned into entertainment and a few international corporations consolidated control over information. While media literacy was important in the 1960s, it was sorely neglected. It may be even more crucial today but remains unattended by many school programs.

Digital Images for Education is “an unrivalled online image library, comprising over 500 hours of film and 56,000 photos, will be available free of charge for at least 25 years to UK higher and further education institutions from Summer 2010.”

Edutopia released the pictured PDF, which is available for download here. (However, you will need to enter your details to access it.)

What’s Inside the PDF:
1. Break the Digital Ice
2. Find Your Classroom Experts
3. Get Off to a Good Start
4. Think Globally
5. Find What You Need
6. Make Meaning from Word Clouds
7. Work Better, Together
8. Open a Back Channel
9. Make It Visual
10. Use the Buddy System

(thanks once again to Shane M. for the tip)

Our new school year began this week. As in any international school setting, teacher/student turnover occurs every year. Sometimes it may be as high as thirty percent. To get everyone on the same page, why not consider experimenting with some new tools for your class/grade level projects? (Remember though, pedagogy first, tools second.)

I have posted many of these before and most essentials are filed under the “Cool Web Tools” tab above here on this blog. I have also made some further additions to my Creativity 2.0 wiki (pictured below). If you are busy, skim through and look for the RECOMMENDED! sites as pictured right.

I have done my best to make the navigation on the wiki simple. I would advise starting with the Presentation section. You may also find something useful under the “Other Good Stuff” area too. Click on the picture below to take you to the wiki. If you have any further recommendations, I’d love to hear from you! Lastly, consider looking at Alan Levine’s  50+ Web 2.0 Ways To Tell a Story. (Remember, most 2.0 tools require sign up.)

My job position has changed this year. I am teaching grades 6-9 Art as well as grades 1-3 Drama. My involvement in IT at my school may be minimal. However, it should not affect the posts on this blog. Let’s face it, all teachers are in IT now.

It’s a New School Year!

For the best professional development this year, start twittering and get a strangle hold of your RSS feed/Reader. I find Google Reader the easiest. If you already have a gmail account, you are pretty much set.

(video link here)

Everyone asks me for good blogs to follow in order to get information, tools and ideas etc. Some of my choices are:

Art Education Blogs:

• The Art Teacher’s Guide to the Internet
• The Carrot Revolution
• The Teaching Palette
• Modern Art for Kids

Art/Design/Culture Related Blogs:

• Art Threat: a web magazine about politics and the arts. They write about political art of all genres, discuss policy as it pertains to culture, and showcase artists whose work inspires social change.
• Better Posters: a resource for improving poster presentations.
• Drawn!: an illustration and cartoon blog.
• Hongkiat: tips for tech users, designers and bloggers.
• IllustrationClass.com: provides info on the illustrative design process.
• Jilian Tamaki Sketchbook: An online collection of doodles, sketchbook work, and occasional process sketches.
• Just Creative Design: offers tips on graphic, web and logo design.
• Presentation Zen: Garr Reynolds giving tips on design for better presentations.
• Slide:ology: Design blog
• Smashing Magazine: Offers advice, tutorials and inspiration on design and technology.
• Toxel: Offers great thematic pictures on culture, graphic design, art and lifestyle.
• WebUrbanist: Offers pics on urban design, culture, travel, architecture and alternative art.

IT/Educational Blogs:

• 2 Cents Worth: David Warlick
• Always Learning: Kim Cofino’s blog
• CogDogBlog: Alan Levine’s blog

• Digital Ethnography: a Kansas State University working group led by Dr. Michael Wesch dedicated to exploring and extending the possibilities of digital ethnography.

• eLeaning Infusion: some good information here especially if your considering using digital portfolios.
• Free Technology for Teachers: (the title should say it all)
• Moving at the Speed of Creativity: Wes Fryer’s blog

• Remote Access: Clarence Fisher’s blog

• The Thinking Stick: Jeff Utecht’s blog

Other Great Websites/Blogs/Nings I follow/belong to: Tuts, Art21, Flowing Data, Art Education 2.0, Daniel H. Pink,

I hope this helps and you find what you are looking for. I’d love to hear any other recommendations you might have as well.