In a message with a student last week, it came up that in Digital Imaging students never really have a platform to share or show off their art to one another.
This hit me as one of the major differences between this online context and a face to face classroom: that there was no opportunity for students to see one another’s work, critique or compliment it, or draw inspiration from one another. It got me thinking about the ways that I could bring that into the online classroom.
I created an announcement with two proposed solutions:
1. The Class Gallery
I created a discussion board topic for students to share their work. I wrote instructions for sharing an image in their post, and an attached file outlining the kind of feedback I expected (always supportive) with some examples of how to write a comment in a kind and constructive way.
In one class, I made a post myself with my icon drawing, in the hopes that that would get it rolling—in the other, I left it empty. (For science.)
2. Instagram
The second route I offered was that I would post work on my teacher Instagram (@ms.nalepa) if students were willing. I stressed that their work is their own, and I would only share it with their consent: I included a google form where they could answer Yes, share my art; No; or Maybe (ask about the specific piece.)
Students are divided perfectly 2:1 between yes and maybe. Many students didn’t answer the poll, either because they don’t read my announcements 🙁 or because that was their way of saying no. But I have so far received 36 responses out of ~100 students, ~60 of whom are active in the art-making parts of the course (the rest of whom I’m dragging out of the citation practice and quiz taking murkiness of the beginning.)
I also included a Questions/Comments/Concerns box in the form: this whole project was born in about a day, so I assumed I’d missed something students would be worried about.
One student asked if my account was private. It wasn’t, but I changed it so it was. Another student, in a sort of opposite direction, asked me to tag her personal account in any of her artwork. Some students wanted anonymity and privacy, while others wanted credit for their work.
One student even thanked me for the option, which made me feel pretty good.
The discussion board so far only has 2 posts by students: one in each section. I made an announcement encouraging others to go comment and share their own work, and I’ve begun mentioning that some pieces are great candidates for the board in feedback: on work that demonstrates a big triumph for a particular student, or works that present creative ways of thinking based on the different prompts.
I’m hoping to see more posts and discussion soon!
(PS: Just got my 37th survey response, so at least someone is reading my announcements.)