UON team’s book explains digital teaching of art

A University team whose work pioneering online technology in teaching and learning have published a book about their approach to the teaching of art in primary schools.

The Tech4ADL@UON team is a group of four Senior Lecturers in education who have collaborated for ten years about technology-enhanced learning and Active Distance Learning (ADL).

The ADL approach complements the model of teaching and learning used at University of Northampton (UON) since 2014 called Active Blended Learning (ABL).

This puts the student at the centre of their learning, in smaller and interactive class-based sessions with greater access to their tutor.

Using this approach, the team have developed student-centred, social and collaborative approaches to the use of digital technologies, which have been outlined in their new book around the teaching of art.

Art in the Primary School: Creating Art in the Real and Digital World is co-authored by UON’s Dr Helen Caldwell, Jean Edwards (both pictured) and former UON lecturer Dr Rebecca Heaton.

In the book the team explore the teaching and learning of art, including how and why digital tools and technologies can be integrated for children in primary schools. It covers:

• What art is like, why it should be taught and what is included in the curriculum.
• How learning is planned, assessed, taught and supported in the classroom.
• Learning about and from artists and how digital technology can be part of the art curriculum.
• Key processes such as drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and textiles, working in three dimensions and making digital art.

Dr Caldwell, Associate Professor at UON, said: “Seeing the team’s expertise across many creative areas reflected in the book is a fabulous reward for their commitment and hard work. Each one makes a unique contribution and adds to the strength of our work.

“From digital art and design to physical education in outdoor learning, the book covers everything those working in primary schools can use to get the most out of digital learning of art for their students.”