The theories and practice of media art revolve around the use of technology to observe and comment on our society in an artistic manner. Firmly based on the notion that the artist’s creative idea is just as important as the art object itself, the teachings of media art must find common ground between critical thinking and technical knowledge. It is through this balance of formulating my own opinions about media art and utilizing technology as a form of expression that I find opportunities to challenge students into producing work that mirrors their own interests and experience.

As an educator, I feel it’s my responsibility to guide the student into recognizing their strengths and weaknesses and embracing both as a method of reflection and growth. My goal is to motivate students into challenging themselves, questioning everything and being confident in their abilities, no matter what they are. I always make it a point to communicate my current research, professional experience and overall passion for art media in order to inspire and engage students. I also think the sharing of both my successes and failures helps the student realize that learning is a life-long endeavor, that we will never have all the answers and not everything we try will be successful the first time. The overall message in all the classes I teach is that true creativity is, and always has been, within; the greatest challenge facing the artist is doubting oneself.

Learning should never be a passive activity disregarding the exchange of thoughts and opinions as both the student and teacher benefit from a dynamic learning environment. I encourage the exchange of ideas through numerous classroom activities such as collaborative projects, reading discussions and peer-to-peer feedback. The artistic critique is another vital aspect of any art class. Emphasis on the formal presentation and analysis of a student’s work in relation to social and historical contexts is based on a constructive process. During this procedure, the student and the class mutually benefit from the active exploration and commentary of the artist’s influence on society and society’s influence on the artist. Although my main objective is to motivate students to be passionate about art, these methods of interactive learning will benefit the student’s life and career no matter what discipline they choose.

Through my continued development as a professor I’m honored to have the opportunity to guide and learn from my students while leading by example. By offering course materials and contact information on a class web site, I find students value my organizational skills and benefit knowing a clear channel of communication is in place from day one. As a result of consciously recognizing the diversity of the classroom, a stimulating atmosphere of mutual respect and active participation occurs. Finally, the reassurance that all of us have unique skills contributing to the enlightenment of others fosters determination to always strive toward excellence. My vision as an educator is to encourage each student to develop a unique perspective about society and creatively express ideas that provide information while offering multiple points of discussion.