Performing Arts are collaborative and interactive by nature but where does technology fit in? In my nearly seventeen years of teaching theatre, I can tell you I squeeze it in everywhere!
Padlet has really weaseled itself into my technology tools. Dr. Stork, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of the M.A. Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Technology in the College of Education at Florida Gulf Coast University, said something very important in our zoom class meeting. Dr. Stork (and I'm paraphrasing) said, "we only want to integrate technology where it works in the lesson. If it won't help, don't use it".
I really appreciated this statement because technology is an aspect of my evaluation as an educator that tends to be ambiguous and no one really openly discusses the topic in terms of the evaluation or shows exemplars we should be striving for. I now believe Padlet should be used as one of those exemplars. It's simple to navigate and the novice teacher who is terrified of technology can easily integrate it on a reoccurring basis.
I've seen Padlet before, but it wasn't introduced as it was by Dr. Stork. From her framework came the suggestions of my classmates and the synergy sparked like wildfire. I came across an article that intentionally integrates technology in a theatre program. As a theatre teacher myself, I am usually low on the preverbal "totem pole" to receive new technology.
After reading this article, I was able to see where I can integrate little pieces of technology into our classroom and stage. After some digging, I came across a great app (Go Button)that connects my phone to my soundboard. This gives me the opportunity to control the sound cues no matter where I am in our auditorium. I can be directing or redoing a choreography piece without having to be in our tech booth.
Finding instructional technology for performing arts educators can be like finding a needle in a haystack. One such needle was developing a training video for my colleagues and contract artists during our District VI Florida Junior Thespian Festival. In this theatrical festival, middle school students competed in a variety of categories; from monologues to large group musicals and costume design to marketing. Over seven hundred local southwest Florida students competed and were adjudicated.
During my ten year tenure as the District Chair of District VI Jr. Thespian Honor Society, I spent time making sure all of our educators were trained on how to work the event registration for their students. Adjudicators were able to utilize the web-based system in order to quickly offer their feedback. In my first video, "Critique and Feedback" I go through the process of explaining to adjudicators the process of what is expected of them as a judge. The students need very specific feedback in order to help them grow. This video showcases each rating level from "Superior" to "Fair" and suggested feedback. When adjudicators know what is expected of them, they are able to properly offer their expertise to enhance that student's theatrical education.
In my second video, "FL Jr. Thespian Monologue Adjudication Sheet", I give insight on the monologue evaluation sheet, the numerical system, and each category within the monologue evaluation sheet. Since this performance assessment sheet is similar to the others, students and teachers can break down every category within the evaluation process. It offers some specific details that help students and teachers grow in their professional development as a theatre professional.
While neither video went "viral", it served as a training tool for our theatrical community and was often referenced at the state level when performing arts educators from all over the state were beginning their journey or needed a refresher on information.
Take a listen to my podcast where I review the "Performing Arts Schools Go High Tech" article.
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