Arts, Education and Technology
Dr. David Perkins of the Harvard Graduate School of Education reminds us that, “technology in itself is neither good or bad, it is benign. How we use it is what matters.”
This field of work concerns the use and employment of aesthetic uses of technology in the arts. It is about leveraging new and emergent technology and multimedia in performance, teaching, assessment and research. Collaboration and creativity and innovation are key components in the interdisciplinary study of music, dance theater, visual art, film and video.
The arts may be scarce in many public schools, especially in disadvantaged communities. But, a strategic use of digital technologies and media are offering young people new ways to engage in the arts – according to their interests. There are several new reports that describe these new technologies, young people’s media use and a framework for thinking about “interest-driven” arts learning.
There is a great opportunity encourage broad cultural participation and understanding through media and digital arts by developing comprehensive programs that incorporate contemporary and relevant societal issues with new technologies and advances in art education. It is not enough to recognize the vital links between the arts, humanities, social &natural sciences and mathematics. We must amplify and exploit the opportunity for holistic learning. Ideally, educators should have access and be invested in appropriate technology based trainings on arts integration and implementation in order to provide a more equitable environment in a contemporary setting.
Mr. Mc Neal is passionate about the arts, and deeply invested in exploring its meaningful application in creating greater access and equity in education.
Producer, Researcher, Writer & Project Lead
Designed for children ages 6–10 and their families, this richly illustrated storybook app features interactive animations and fun facts, photos, and videos about dance, music and San Francisco Ballet’s production of the holiday classic.
Mr. Mc Neal served as the visionary, primary creative force and project lead behind this most unique endeavor – the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker App. Mr. Mc Neal guided the various partners and components to envision a new way of sharing this legendary story in a most innovative way.
