In many past critiques, websites have been dumped on for having too much information or a rolling page where information or pictures can lost. However, this time is different. All the exciting material on this website reminds me of holding a newspaper in front of my face, yet without the annoying task of positioning it just right so the top doesn't fall backwards and disrupt an interesting read. As my eyes feast upon the homepage, articles about everything or anything current about art education and links to places as specific as populations or blogs is right at my fingertips. The design of this website is perfect, as mentioned earlier (newspaper style), and allows a familiar form to encourage easy navigation. Even though this site takes some time to explore and read, who wouldn't want to spend a Sunday morning with hot coffee reading the community arts network. A++
Just like my new love above, ArtsEdge is another website that I have been dreaming of. Even though its design and aesthetic is not as exciting for me as the Community Arts Network, its simplistic nature guarantees any viewer to never get lost or short circuit from to much information. The site's color choices appeal to a wide audience and the features on the homepage are clear and direct. I especially appreciate the focus of a featured topic section on their homepage, hence the Celebration of Jazz. As for the content, I was amazed by the fact that there are just lists of curriculum for anyone to use at their own will. This is eye candy for any teaching artist. You can see what other people are doing and try it out in your own classrooms. The only suggestion I have is moving the "home" link to a more obvious location, such as the top. We all want coming home to be an easy endeavor. Overall, I give this website an A.
What can I say, this must be a good day, another online newspaper from the future. This website has a lot of features, such as the picture slideshow, chat room, and teacher polls, yet due to the design of the site these features do not overwhelm the homepage. This site is not lacking in content because anything you want to know about art education and technology is there, and if you have any problems, you can just forum about it, or chat. I think I will become a member. The only thing left to add to this site is a daily art education horoscope. Love it. A++
sounds like jackpot for art education thesis students! :)
ReplyDeleteglad that these resources have been so helpful for you and paid off. that's one of the primary goals of these web critiques, beyond looking critically at websites and their content, for the class to discover resources available throughout the city. i hope you spend many more mornings browsing CAN over a cup of coffee. :)