The purpose of this white paper is to discuss the future role of technology in arts education while addressing the impact technology has on teaching and learning in this content area. Beginning with an overview of the goals and national standards for music, theatre, the visual arts and dance, this paper will speak to the essential nature of using technology in arts education and the linkage between learning and technology. Arts education means using the aesthetic symbols of music, theatre, visual arts and dance to give our humanity form and meaning.
Music uses notes, theatre storytelling, the visual arts, images and dance, body movement.
Students are thus able to create, perform and respond to the arts. Technology as a tool in arts education can assist students and teachers as they incorporate overwhelming amounts of information related to these symbol systems. Professional development and support for improving educational outcomes are more that learning the mechanics of the hardware and software. This effort must include the ability to relate the newer technologies to content areas as arts educators develop lesson plans, and deliver instruction and create meaningful assessment. The incorporation of the Internet and distance learning will also change the way students are able to learn.