What role does technology play in art education?

What is technology? Britannica defines technology as "the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment." When we think of technology you may think of your phone, a mechanical pencil, or even medicine. I see technology as anything, invented or repurposed by mankind to be used to streamline processes, open doors, or make our lives easier. However, in the context of the art classroom, I'd like to focus on computer technology.

Art is already a huge area of the subject without bringing the realm of the digital into the equation. The digital world can be a dismal place, full of confusion and darkness but it can also be a great resource and very helpful when used correctly. As art educators we should not fear technology, we should embrace it whether we are teaching traditional, digital, or any other form of art. The role of technology in the classroom is a huge one, it is an important tool for all artists and students.

Technology can be used to foster creativity through tools like Pinterest and Google, it can be used in the creation of art in fields such as graphic design and digital art. Connecting students to other artists they can share their work with or find the work of others. I believe technology should be embraced in every art classroom and students should be taught about the endless possibilities computer technology can provide.