Even if you aren't interested in absolutely terrific, well-done, world-class animated art instruction for elementary and lower middle school kids delivered online, you owe it to yourself to take a look at what the folks at GeeGuides have put together in geeArt16. Why? There are so many reasons, but let's start with three. First, the geeArt16 online art lessons are some of the best integration of technology and curriculum I have seen in a long time. The art education content offered here- art history, art appreciation, and doing digital art - doesn't get lost in the animation presentation. Instead, content and delivery go hand-in-hand. The folks at GeeGuides understand how technology can introduce art content and concepts, capture interest, promote creativity and just plain enhance instruction.
Second, the geeArt16 lessons don't talk down to their young audience. They let them explore, discover and create. They slyly divulge those irresistible interesting tidbits (that kids remember forever) about the subject at hand- like paint being made out of bones or squid ink - but keep the message on track. The geeArt16 lessons are as close to being hands-on art instruction as anything digitally delivered can be at this point in technology history.
Third, geeArt16 lessons are inculcated with an undercurrent of that Sesame Street brand of humor. Narrated by appealing characters, chief among them a polar bear named Furnace and penguins named Tickles and Ruby, well delivered lines, pointed facial expressions, and universally understood sight gags speak volumes to the target young audience as well to anyone of any age who might have the pleasure of looking over their shoulders.
Ok - so quick before you click off to look at the sample art lesson available on the GeeGuide's site - let me give you the basics:
- GeeGuides has produced an art education curriculum series with cross-curricular connections called geeArt16 that is compromised of 16 lesson modules and is available ( for a VERY reasonable fee) to students anywhere there is an Internet connection.
- The geeART16 curriculum provides students with the tools they need to understand, interpret and create meaningful art that meets national and state curriculum.
- Each lesson module integrates the concepts of sayARTTM, seeARTTM and doARTTM, through animated lessons and tutorials.
- Beyond the student component, geeArt16 includes lessons plans, a teacher's guide, and a reporting feature that tracks student achievement
- In addition there are online art portfolios, online challenges and self-assessment tools for students as well as built-in incentives and rewards in the form of printable art cards and other "take-aways."
- Because the program is delivered online, there is no installation, no maintenance and the program is updated online automatically.
- Purchase of the program also includes a free download of Corel Painter Essentials Paint Software
Once you've taken a look at geeArt16 you'll understand immediately how it can fit into a classroom, a tutorial center, an after school art program, a parent, volunteer-run art program or any variation on how art may be taught at your school. With art instruction being squeezed out of the school day because of concerns about standards and the time it takes to get ready for standards testing, geeArt16 could lead the way back to fitting art back into the school day. This kind of art instruction is truly anytime, anywhere learning - compelling art instruction without the mess (or at least until you get into some of the great activities suggested for offline)!
By the way, once you've explored the GeeGuides site and fallen in love with the affable characters that shepherd you through, be sure to check out the freebies at geeKids tab to watch movies, make geeCards, mix colors on a color wheel and find a screen saver.
I read recently that since No Child Left Behind legislation has come into force, states have had to cut music and art instruction down to the bare bone so that hundreds of thousands of students are being underserved. GeeGuides may just be the low cost alternative that can help keep art alive in the schools and in homes. You have to see this site! Already a fan? I understand new units of art are rumored to be on the way.
Product Information
GeeGuides
http://www.geeguides.com
For cost information call 888-375-0560
A one-year subscription to geeArt 16 is $69.95 (on sale currently for $59.95).
Individual subscriptions are available as well as school licenses.
Works online so there are no platforms to worry about although an Internet connection is required.
