Wow! Welcome Folks!

Today columnist Aviva Mountainspring interviews world renowned trapeze artist Jackie Carpenter. Jackie is embarking on her most daring adventure to date: Art, Society and New Media: Technologies for Art Educators. Let's catch up with these two as they have a little chat.

AM: How was the process of creating the GMail account and setting up the Blog?

JC: Well, Aviva, it was not my first time using the Google product Blogger and I'm glad for it because that alleviated most of the apprehension I felt at the prospect of stepping out into the unknown. I have to be honest and tell you that putting words to paper (or the screen in this case) always gives me pause. I'm notorious for taking 45 minutes just to compose an email to one of my children's teachers! There's this sense of permanence in sending my thoughts out into the world in such a concrete way that makes me feel exposed and vulnerable.
 

AM: What do you expect to learn in this course?

JC: I Expect to learn how to become a better art educator and to be able to use a broad range of computer applications and media literacies in the classroom. I also expect to learn that I am capable. I am capable of problem solving and listening and completing tasks as well as managing my time and doing my best. It can be easy to believe the lie that I am only just the sum of those things that I've already done but I know I'm so much more than that! Also maybe I expect to learn some new techniques in Adobe.

 

AM: How do you feel about taking a hybrid course using Blackboard?

JC: Upon reflection the feelings I can identify are a little perplexed but also sort of excited. I really do love learning new things! Tackling something head on with honesty and bravery is a noble venture. I'm sort of worried that I might miss something that is hidden somewhere in a drop down menu or on a calendar so I'll have to learn to keep my head up and pay attention as well as know when to ask questions and not be afraid to seek help.