January 2008 — 21st-Century Classroom
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They Get the Picture
The program gives students a creative outlet and pride in their skills, Mozes explains. "Using Photoshop, students can take a photo that starts out not very interesting and make it into something interesting," she says. "It's quite impressive to see how creative they can be, and it's a confidence builder because people see the different effects in the photos and say, ‘How did you do that?'"
The school's principal, Susan Grierson, agrees. "For any kid, it's an exciting and a wonderful medium," she says, "and for this age group in particular it transcends social relationships and gives them a lot of confidence. It's a private, safe medium for them, and it is lovely to see their personalities emerge through their work."
The digital photography class is part of Wingspan Arts' Arts Electives Program. Each student in the class is given a digital camera and a laptop to use during the session.
"It's nice to be able to combine 21st-century technology with a traditional skill such as photography," Grierson says. "Using a digital camera, the immediacy of the whole thing is such a thrill for them."
Charlene O'Hanlon is a freelance writer based in New York.
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