Art is an amazing creative outlet. I have the privilege of teaching long-term in Art right now. My 5th graders are creating examples of inspired authentic African masks (my choice of projects - I wonder why). They enjoyed learning about the spiritual cultural significance of the masks, but it wasn't until our last session when their engagement elevated to new heights.
WildEarth.TV started following me on twitter last week, so I thought it would be fun to run the live feed from their South African preserve while the students were working on their masks. The results of that decisin was far more than I anticipated.
Safari Anyone?
They were in the middle of a safari while the students were working. We were able to see many amazing animals, plus the commentator educated us as to the environmental aspects of what we were viewing along the way.
The students could not believe that over 450 other individuals from around the world were also "going" on the safari with us.
We live on a flat planet where anything can be viewed in real time anywhere around the world. As an educator, that is a thrilling concept. Technology can be used to enhance any educational setting. Who knows, maybe that feed sparked an interest in one of my students that had not been reached yet. All from a few animal walking around in Africa. Got any unique ways you incorporate technology in the classroom? I would love to hear it!
photo from flickr by shutterproof
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