ART enhanced with Technology

“Can I do the drawing tablet?” asked my 6 year old son for the sixth time today. 

As technology continues to grow and increase, we are seeing technology branch into all areas of learning. 

Some people have been discouraged and or concerned about the new effects technology will have in other subjects, but Generation Alpha has jumped in with excitement.

As Generation Alpha continues to move through our school systems, we should meet them where they are with their excitement and gusto for using new tools to enhance all areas of learning. 

I’ll admit that I used to get tired of my son’s daily petitions to get out the art tablet, but as he continues to grow in his love for art just by the simple addition of technology, it has been a real learning experience for me. 

Like art, my son’s interest in spelling and reading increased dramatically when he realized he could search for items he was looking for by typing. Instead of spelling the words for him, we sound out the words together as he types. “Mom, how do I find the bone?” We then work together to sound it out. 

This process has been our number one tool for practicing spelling on his own initiative, and I have seen the real results. Last week he was so excited to share that he had won a spelling competition against his Kindergarten peers. 

These technology driven moments don’t replace our nightly book readings or traditional art and crayon coloring sessions but there is a dramatic difference. My son is the one who is asking for and initiating the technology drive experiences. They engage him at a different level and peak his interest so much more. 

How else can we better engage our learners, than bringing in the tools they already find interest in?