ICT Training for Teachers|
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ICT in Secondary Art - ICT Resources and Art
| Module 2 | Contents |
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Hardware - choosing the right system
Art software is memory intensive (it takes up a lot of the computer's electronic storage space), so a fast powerful computer is essential in order to run the range of applications that an art department requires.
It is far better to have in the department one multimedia computer and a colour printer that is used regularly for different purposes than several older computers that do not have the processing power necessary for the successful running of most new art and design software. Art and Design tasks are very demanding of the technology, and it is important for Art and Design, more than any other subject, to have computer systems that are, as far as possible, state of the art.
The Art Room Computer (generic description)
- 17 inch monitor
- fast processor
- large hard disc
- CD-ROM Drive
- 128 megabytes of RAM (minimum)
- colour printer
- external speakers
In addition the following items are essential components:
- scanner
- digital camera
- graphics tablet
- external storage media device such as a 'Zip' drive or CD -writer.
Further information on managing ICT can be found on the art pages of the Virtual Teachers Centre.
The range of software titles available is extensive. However, most software producers have trial versions so that you can assess its suitability before purchasing the full product. Trial versions often come free as cover discs of magazines or can be downloaded from the Internet.
Software for Art falls into two categories bitmap, and vector.
Images created with bitmap software are made up of pixels, and when a bitmap image is enlarged the image starts to fragment. Vector images on the other hand are stored as numerical data and can be increased or decreased in size on the screen indefinitely without loss of quality.
There is a wide range of software available for art. Click here for links to a range of software and software suppliers currently being used in primary and secondary schools.
Choosing and Using CD-ROMs for Art and Design
CD-ROM resources are increasingly being used in schools to support pupils' research in a wide range of subjects. This booklet is designed to help art departments in choosing and using CD-ROMs so they can gain the full potential from this form of technology.
Download a PDF version of this booklet (Choosing and Using CD-ROMs for Art and Design) from the Virtual Teachers Centre. (PDF files require a program called Adobe Acrobat Reader which your school almost certainly has already. See your IT Co-ordinator if in doubt.)
Further guidance on how to evaluate ICT resources is given in Core Module 3, where you will find examples of evaluations, and links to other sites where ICT resources are evaluated. In addition, TEEM (Teachers Evaluating Educational Multimedia) gives good insights into how to evaluate multimedia resources, and might have an evaluation of a resource that you are interested in.
Task 2
- Compare and contrast two different pieces of art software. Save your report electronically.
- decide on your criteria
- rate each piece of software under each criterion
- Compare and contrast two art CD-ROMS. Save your report electronically.
- Decide on your criteria
- rate each piece of software under each criterion
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