Graduate Work
Future Goals
"Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination".
Daniel Bell
Learning and Leading
My Future Goals
As I think about my future as an elementary visual arts educator, there are two goals that I want to accomplish to better integrate technology into my program. My current district uses Google Suites and has iPads. I have a set of 16 iPads in my classroom for student use in art and have access to more if needed. In addition, all of our students have Google accounts to use the Google Suites Apps. Therefore, my first goal is to become a Google Certified Educator and my second goal is to become an Apple Teacher. In addition to these goals, I would like to share my knowledge of elementary art and technology integration with other elementary teachers, by building my social media presence. I feel these three goals will not only help me better integrate technology into the elementary art studio, but also, allow me to become a better leader in the elementary art world with technology integration.
Goal 1: Become a Google Certified Educator
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As all of our students have Google Suite accounts (G Suite), as well as, the staff my first goal is to become a Google Certified Educator. Becoming a Google Certified Educator means that I will be able to better use the G Suite Apps, as well as, implement ways that my students can use Google in the art studio, beyond creating slide show presentations. To reach this goal, I will need to go through the Google Certified Educator Level 1 training certification course. Once I have passed this course, there is training for advanced educators.
Goal 2: Become an Apple Teacher
My next goal is tied into the first, as all our students have access to use iPads. iPads can be very powerful tools within the art studio and to unleash
Fourth grade students using Google Slides to create a collaborative presentation on an artist.
this power, I would like to become an Apple Teacher, focusing on the iPads. While I personally own Apple products and use them daily, I feel like there are things that I still need to learn from an educator stand point. To complete this goal, Apple offers a free program similar to the Google Certified Educator program. Through the Apple Teacher program, I can go through 8 training courses, earn badges and become an Apple Teacher with a focus on the iPad. Once I have completed and earned the Apple Teacher certificate, I will unlock additional resources and training courses.
Goal 3: Build my social media presences as an elementary art technology leader
In an effort to share my knowledge of integrating technology into the elementary art studio and be an advocate of technology integration, my last goal is to build my social media presence. Through social media, I can share my passion for elementary art education and technology with other teachers around the world. I would like to achieve this goal in a few ways. First, I would like to build my YouTube channel, through the YouTube Creator Academy. On my YouTube channel, I would like to share some of what I will be learning through the Google and Apple teacher programs, in addition, to other ways that I use technology in the art studio. I also just read about hosting webinars through YouTube, which I think would be a great way to connect with other art teachers. In addition to my YouTube channel, I would like to maintain my newly created Instagram account, where I can photo document my students not only creating traditional art work but also using technology. Lastly, keeping my blog up to date with writings about what I am currently learning about or doing with my students.
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As I reflect on these goals for my future, I am excited to continue learning and sharing my knowledge and passion with my students and colleagues. I feel that it is important to be able to use the tools that are available to me and my students to the best of our abilities, whether or not that is technology or traditional art tools. In my opinion, technology will one day also be considered a traditional art medium, to create digital art. I know that completing the Google Certified Educator and Apple Teacher programs, will allow me to complete that goal. In addition, I will be able to share out the innovative ways to integrate technology into the elementary art curriculum through my social media presence, advocating for the use of technology in the elementary art studio.