One teacher's anecdote about how she integrated the arts and technology into her classroom
Interview with Erika Hupperts, 4th-Grade Teacher for Riverview Elementary in Durango, Colo.

Q:  You did usability testing for GeeGuides for their geeART16 online, art curriculum with your 4th-grade students over the summer, how did that go?

A: Usability testing was exciting and interesting for the students who participated.  Kids volunteered their free time to complete usability testing.  They were actively engaged in using geeART16 for as much as two hours at a time.  The kids’ grade levels ranged from beginning 2nd grade through beginning 6th grade, while 4th and 5th graders were most widely represented. 

Comments from the students regarding the lessons were enthusiastic.  As the teacher assisting them with the usability testing I was particularly impressed when the students’ comments included new vocabulary that was included in the lesson.  For example, students started talking about how to use lines to show movement in their pictures.  They added comments regarding color “value” instead of just saying “color.”  Of course the children were quite impressed with the characters that were teaching them.  I found it interesting that they identified with them so quickly—almost like they were new friends. The kids were also charmed by the fact that a penguin is a good friend to a polar bear.

Q:  So, based on the results from the usability testing, did you decide to implement the curriculum in your classroom?

A: Yes, we implemented the program in two grade levels this last fall.  The first level is my 4th grade class, and the second level is an after-school program that we conduct onsite.  Clearly one reason I’m implementing this program is to help my students build a deeper understanding of art and design.  I’m interested in providing them with the opportunity to grow creatively, and to develop their ability to express themselves visually. 

As a teacher I’m also always looking for ways to help my students communicate—to use their skills in writing.  I see this program as a vehicle for further language-based skill development because of the interest it will generate, and therefore the conversations it will spawn.  I see this curriculum as a piece of a puzzle toward a fully integrated educational experience.  I’m also implementing this curriculum to assist them in furthering their skills in the area of technology.

Q:  How do you see this curriculum furthering their skills in technology?

A: The use of geeART16 allows me to integrate technology with learning and exploration.  This isn’t necessarily an entirely novel experience for our students, but using a complete curriculum that is accessed through the internet is.  Not only are they building their visual art skills through a scope and sequence approach to learning, but they are also building their technology skills and comfort levels.  The program presents very basic computer and navigation skills in the beginning, such as point and click, and continues to grow those skills and introduce additional technology concepts, including click and drag as well as uploading and saving documents in their online portfolios.

Q:  Is this curriculum different from anything else you are currently using in your school, and if so, how?

A: An important aspect of this program is that it is entirely designed for student success.  Students move at a pace that is student prescribed.  Kids can go back and forth within a lesson to enhance their understanding of the concept(s) taught as many times as they need to. 

I like the scope and sequence of the program.  I like the fact that as the teacher, I can guide students through the lessons, provide additional practice for them, and develop visual and written assignments as well.  It’s entirely cohesive while remaining autonomous in terms of teacher discretion and guidance.  This feature is unique and necessary for student success—which is our constant goal.

And, although I currently teach 4th grade, I have taught children with special needs for many years as well.  The nature of this curriculum easily lends itself to meeting the myriad of special learning needs that children can present.  As was stated, its success oriented as well as self-paced; therefore, it is easily modified to wrap around the needs that kids who are in special programs may have.  It’s also highly visually and auditorally motivating so it can reach a lot of kids on different learning modality levels.

Q:  How effective is the curriculum at teaching art skills, technology skills and beyond?

A: I am still learning about the curriculum as a whole, but the types of lessons it includes impress me.  I’m pleased that children will be learning and using so many aspects of art and design.  Truthfully, I’m hoping to learn with them side by side.  As a classroom teacher my knowledge of Art is somewhat basic. 

Additionally, I’m thrilled to be able to help my students, who live in a small mountain town, see pictures of artwork from around the world.  Because we live so far away from any metropolitan area, the students have very little access to art museums or even traveling shows. 

Through the use of this curriculum the students not only have the opportunity to view masterful pieces, they are using them as the basis for their learning. It’s quite extraordinary, and I look forward to the joy it will bring them.