Capturing Architecture Past & Present Grant Narrative

Many school districts throughout the country spend thousands of dollars each year funding technology efforts. Although teachers receive and embrace the new technology, the challenge then becomes how best to integrate the technology into the classroom. Our collaborative project, “Capturing Architecture Past and Present” attempted to infuse our classroom at Holliston High School with the latest digital equipment and technology while also adding the experience of demonstrating to students how that technology is used in the “real” world.

Specifically, we were fortunate to receive funding from the No Child Left Behind, Enhancing Education Through Technology (E2T2)-Title IID Program which enabled Holliston and Framingham High Schools to purchase digital cameras, tripods, color printers, paper as well as hire Framingham based photographer, Lynne Damianos as an Artist-in-Residence. Lynne’s expertise and time proved invaluable as a learning experience for the teacher, and more importantly, for the students as well. Additionally, through Lynne’s connections in the industry, the students attended a lecture by a local architect that provided insight into how to “look” at buildings.

The project we worked on the entire fall term consisted of photographing new and historic architecture in Holliston during a one-day field trip. Back in the classroom, the students edited their photos, then enhanced and manipulated them using the photography and graphic design industry-standard software program, Photoshop. Lynne assisted with critiquing the photos, and providing technical assistance and moral support. The final culmination of the project consists of several handmade books of the photos, an exhibit in the Holliston High School’s Art Gallery, and presentations to educators i.e. the National Art Education Association, the Department of Education and a professional development workshop to be held this summer.

Throughout the term we faced numerous challenges related to logistics, technology and time, but the end result is a beautiful array of student work that demonstrates their appreciation for the town in which they live and/or attend school. Current and future classes will benefit not only from the use of the new technology but also from the knowledge we gained working with an artist-in-residence and having pursued this important project.

Photos