EDIM 514 - Introduction

Hello my name is Chris Carr and I teach students about the history, appreciation and the emotional and social benefits of creating ART. It is a fact that there is over 7000 years of art history to explore. My students and I are always looking for interesting facts and lessons from art history and exciting and diverse contemporary artists. Most recently, "ART" has come to mean so much more with the advent of digital technology. NOW creative opportunities abound for all levels and all talents from photography to simple and advanced film making. It is my continuing mission to help students navigate the world of visual imagery. I am looking to help them to make sense of what they see and teach them how to understand and talk about ALL forms of media in a productive way. You would be suprised at how astute Kindergarteners can be when viewing new images.

I am currently in my 17th year at the Wilson School District in West Lawn, PA. I teach in two very different buildings and see approx. 550 students in a 6 day cycle. I am also the department chair for the 15th year. To make a long story short, I LOVE my job.

I have come to Wilkes seeking my second Masters degree. I am a technology user and love learning new ways of engaging students in my subject area and learning in general. I have taken: Digital Storytelling, Web 2.0 Tools, and Digital Media in the Classroom. I am currently taking PBL as well as this course. (A sabbatical in my District is 18 credits). I have enjoyed the classes and learned TONS of new and USEFUL information. I am signed up for over 40 new sites! It is RIGOROUS to say the least...good thing the Eagles were awful this year.

I have a dual role in education. I have the responsibility to my students to be the best Art teacher possible. I need to stay current with technology, educational theory and practice so as to provide them with an experience that meets THEIR learning needs and styles. On the flip-side I have a responsibility to my department to be a strong representative and advocate for Art education. At the same time I need to make sure that I provide the necessary inservice to keep them moving forward professionally and artistically. All this for a huge salary and of course Summers and weekends OFF!!! (LOL)