Make It Accessible.

Our school district recently took on the task of implementing technology into the artroom. How could we successfully integrate multimedia, with limited district funding, over a dozen elementary buildings, and art teachers with various levels of computing knowledge? To provide evidence needed to apply for a state grant, we surveyed students and art staff to determine their knowledge and skill level in technology.

As with many grant applications, measurable goals, evidence of need, planned procedure, dissemination, and a detailed budget were required. The following is a brief summary of our success and may serve as a model.

Description of Activities

Limited funding did not allow the grant to meet the diverse equipment needs of each elementary building the first year. Therefore, it was agreed by all staff members to establish a central training site. The artroom at that particular site would be well equipped with a Power Macintosh Computer, CD-ROM, color printer, scanner, video Laser Disc player, and a library of art-related software and Laser Discs for teacher preview and checkout. This site was also augmented with a trained art teacher that could assist art staff before and after school.

Staff Development Training

Training sessions by technical personnel were scheduled after school hours, so that staff could be paid grant-funded salary for their participation. The training sessions were conducted over a nine month period in a computer lab setting.

The art teachers learned how to use drawing and painting software, video Laser Discs, access web sites, evaluate software, and collaborate on how best to implement this knowledge into curriculum revision (aligned with the new state fine arts standards) as well as the classroom setting.

The more advanced staff members provided assistance to those needing help, therefore creating a cooperative environment conducive to learning for all. Completion of the training sessions resulted in an increase in staff comfort level when using technology in their classrooms. In addition, the original training site and library of CD-ROMs and Laser Discs was used extensively as teachers received individual assistance, practice, and feedback, and checked out software to preview and use with their students.

Outcomes

Providing staff development in the knowledge and use of multimedia resulted in a revised district Visual Arts Curriculum Guide implementing multimedia use into the elementary artroom.

The commitment and cooperative spirit of the staff throughout the training created a learning environment that "sparked" renewed enthusiasm in the field of art instruction. Instead of approaching art instruction through production-based activities, the staff now looked at their role as one of facilitators communicating vast amounts of knowledge and information to students about the world of art.

Plans for the expansion of this grant are currently submitted. Our thanks to the Missouri Department of Education for allowing us the "seeds for growth" to be able to make a difference for our staff and students.

Liesa Schroeder is an art teacher at Santa Fe Trail Elementary, Independence Public School District, Independence, Missouri. Photography by Tony LaTona.

To obtain written copies of the grant titled "Integrating Multimedia into Elementary Art" by Liesa Schroeder contact the Independence School District, Independence, Missouri. To request grant funded project summaries for the State of Missouri contact the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jefferson City, Missouri.