Virtual reality (VR) is no longer a surprisingly novel technology. Most art educators have heard about VR, although they may not have a detailed knowledge of or experience with it. However, as VR has become commercialized, education researchers have also looked at using VR for teaching, and they have discussed its effects on students' learning.…

This article reports on an exploratory study that addressed the low confidence levels of 80 generalist primary student teachers enrolled in a mandatory visual arts course. Previous studies in this area have found that a cycle of neglect exists in Australia, as a result of educators' lack of confidence in their ability to teach visual arts. This is…

Media arts develop students? digital literacies so they can critically engage in the media-rich Australian lifeworld. However, pre-service teacher education courses often marginalise The Arts subjects, including media arts. In 2014, a pilot study was undertaken to determine first-year Bachelor of Education (Primary) pre-service teachers'…

Presents a collection of letters, poems, and artwork by children in response to the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Tells how students throughout the United States picked up their pens, pencils, crayons, markers, and paintbrushes, and attempted to make sense of this most incomprehensible act. (SG)

Considers the role of visual literacy in the reading experience. Discusses an assumption among readers, publishers, and many educators that the visual elements in a text may be safely ignored, marginalized, or simply edited out. Argues for the important role of visual arts in literature. (SC)

Musicians and visual artists are appointed to work as specialist teachers in Cypriot primary schools because of their artistic expertise. However, little information is available concerning these artists and their work in schools, including the perceptions of the pupils. This paper reports on an investigation into the nature of the pupils'…

Describes one summer offering of the Palo Alto schools which correlates productive activities with appreciation for art. (Author/RK)

Analyzes the case narratives of preservice teachers about linking the visual arts with literacy education. States that 11 themes were uncovered by examining the case narratives. Presents excerpts from four narratives and addresses the implications for both teacher education and the elementary school curriculum. (CMK)

The focus on academic performance testing in elementary schools has caused a decrease in student experience in the arts. Visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage) have been minimized in elementary schools. Without exposure to the special avenues of cognitive development and personal expression nurtured by visual arts, students are…

Argues that curriculum reform efforts related to the America 2000 program have ignored art education, particularly in the elementary schools. Describes the CREATES program, a field-based instructional project with visual arts, teaching/learning experiences for preservice teachers, inservice teachers, and elementary students. (CFR)

The Program Development for Artistically Talented Project (ATP) in the Dade County Schools, Florida, funded by the Education Consolidation Improvement Act, Chapter 2, was designed to provide technical support to the locally funded program for artistically talented elementary students through: (1) the development of a curriculum/program guide; and…

Asserts that teaching social studies in the primary grades can be an exhilarating experience for teachers and encourages long-term interest in investigating the world among students. Maintains that cooperative learning, student research activities, integration of children's literature, writing and the arts, and the use of educational technology…