Art classes

[comedymikey]

When I was supply teaching I covered art often - Most of the schools I went in classes consisted of a splattered butler sink in the corner with powder paints and then pencils and paper for drawing maybe some charcoal but not much else. The classes often were poorly attended with half the kids not bothering and the ones that did often not really doing anything chatting staring out the window.I only ever visited two schools where they had Macs and Photoshop.

[synaesthesia]

Photoshop is very common, macs not so much (because they're just not fit for purpose nor can the "industry standard" rubbish be thrown around any more). Plus there's a lot of other capable image editing apps in use in edu including some online ones.

[Rob_D]

Lots of schools might not want to put computers into the practical art rooms where paint, clay, etc. is thrown around. From our point of view, if art wants to use Photoshop we have bookable ICT suites/computer rooms.

[Julian]

Photoshop CC is a large program, that takes time to load, then requires a sign into Adobe. Also while powerful it is complex, and needs time to how to use it.

Paint.net (windows), is free, and much smaller, and simpler. Students can be using it before Photoshop has finished loading, It does not require an Adobe CC login, and the simplicity means that basic tasks, can quickly be taught.

We have both Photoshop CC, and Paint.net, but for years 7, 8, & 9 art classes, they use the simpler application.

[JRA]

Art classes here (primary) really are superb. The MoS involved definitely has a dedication to the subject. The quality of work is honestly surprising. Ipads are the go-to technical resource (should they ever require) and what they have works well. The department though has a fair amount of resources (definitely not just a sink and a paint pot) but is a great example of getting out of a subject what's put into it - in terms of capable department lead and budget.

 

In a previous life though I have moved a school away from Photoshop. It's just an unnecessary behemoth of a thing. Definitely overkill for primary I'd say.

Edited March 11, 2024 by JRA

[Slarty66]

We have a classroom with PC's and Photoshop used for photography. The other Art rooms are the usual art room setups.

There was a brand new suite of iMac's installed in the room with PC's several years ago before I started here, they only lasted a week as the classroom was broken into and all of them were stolen!

They never recovered them.

We now have metal security grilles on all IT suite windows to stop computers walking away!

[comedymikey]

I only worked in industry for 25 years so what would I know about industry standard other than as a freelancer only one place ever used creative suite on PC ((not for me)

[synaesthesia]

I only worked in industry for 25 years so what would I know about industry standard other than as a freelancer only one place ever used creative suite on PC ((not for me)

 

I think at this point we can spot the troll.

[Rob_D]

I only worked in industry for 25 years so what would I know about industry standard other than as a freelancer only one place ever used creative suite on PC ((not for me)

Even so, there's an argument that, especially at primary/secondary level, teaching should be as platform agnostic as possible, rather than trying to teach to current industry standards might that have changed by the time the kids get into work. Teaching them the principles and basic techniques of creating digital art rather than training them to use photoshop.

The specific training comes later when they're closer to starting work and you can be more sure you're teaching them the right product for the industry they're planning to go into.

[synaesthesia]

And 20 years ago, Macs were relevant in said industry. As soon as they went Intel, any benefit was lost, then when they went to M1/M2 silicone, the benefit isn't worth £2k per machine at least in education. I don't think this particular user is here to do anything than to stir up and sincerely hope hasn't been given a job in schools IT.

[Evittly87]

We have a classroom with PC's and Photoshop used for photography. The other Art rooms are the usual art room setups.

There was a brand new suite of iMac's installed in the room with PC's several years ago before I started here, they only lasted a week as the classroom was broken into and all of them were stolen!

They never recovered them.

We now have metal security grilles on all IT suite windows to stop computers walking away!

 

It's a shame that theft can disrupt learning. I remember a similar situation at my last school. We had laptops for students to use, but they kept disappearing. Eventually, we had to implement strict rules for taking them out. It’s frustrating when valuable resources are at risk.

With that in mind, I think schools need to find better ways to engage students in all subjects.

 

I’ve seen students really struggle with math, especially when they’re not getting the help they need. That’s where online resources can be a lifesaver. For instance, https://edubirdie.com/do-my-math-homework offers a great platform for math homework support. It helps students tackle tough problems when they’re stuck and can boost their confidence in class.

Wow, that’s such a shame about the iMacs being stolen. It's crazy how quickly things can go wrong like that. I can see why you’d need those security grilles now! At least the metal grilles give some peace of mind. Hopefully, the setup has been more stable since then.

Edited October 30, 2024 by Evittly87