Artsonia: FAQs

Post date: Oct 29, 2016

Here are some FAQs about the Artsonia program:

1) What is Artsonia?

Artsonia is an online art gallery for students. The service is free, and safe for students to post their work for friends and family to see. We use Artsonia as part of our standard's based curriculum. Students are expected to understand what a portfolio of work is, and keep record of their artistic growth and understanding. Instead of doing this in a tradition paper form, we use Artsonia to create digital portfolios. Students in grades 3-5 will learn how to upload their artwork directly to their Artsonia profile, and will be able to complete assessments and artists statements directly on the iPad app. Students in K-2 will have their artwork uploaded to the school's gallery by either the teacher or a classroom volunteer.

In addition to having your student's artwork online and accessible to family and friends, you can also purchase your student's work on various keepsakes. If you choose to do this, 20% of the proceeds will come back to Claypit Hill to support the art program and the after school 4th and 5th grade art club. Thanks to Artsonia, art club is free for students to participate in!

2) Will my student have an Artsonia account?

Yes! Every student at Claypit Hill School has an Artsonia account. Student accounts are typically available after they have created their first artwork at Claypit Hill. Thank you for your patience as we upload our artwork to the gallery.

If you have not received an email to sign your student up for Artsonia, or need an access code, please email me: brittany_martinez@wayland.k12.ma.us

3) What is classroom mode on Artsonia?

Students in 3rd through 5th grade use classroom mode frequently in art class to learn how to create a digital portfolio, and assess and reflect upon our art making experiences. Due to new technology policies, students who are under the age of 13 are now required to have parent permission to use certain applications in school. When you create your Artsonia account and sign the paper permission slip for Artsonia which is sent home at the beginning of the school year, you will also be giving your student permission to use the classroom mode feature of the Artsonia app.

Note: Students who do not have permission to use classroom mode will be asked to complete Artsonia tasks with a different district approved method. Typically this means students will complete assignments in a sketchbook instead of on the app.

4) Can I turn off email notifications for Artsonia?

If you need to change the settings for the emails that Artsonia may be sending you please review the following steps:

1. On your Parent Home Page (when you first log in) in the top right hand corner look for a section titled "Additional Options."
2. Click on the blue link that says "edit my profile."
3. Once you are on the new page, scroll down a bit to find a section titled "Email Notification Opt-Ins."
4. You should see three blue checked off boxes with email categories. If you do not want to receive emails for a specific category click on the box to uncheck it.
5. Scroll back to the top of your page and hit the green update button.

5) Do I need to purchase items on Artsonia in order to keep my student's artwork?

No! Purchasing your student's artwork on a keepsake is just another perk Artsonia offers to families. If you do not want to purchase anything, your student's artwork will still be returned home to you by the end of the school year.

6) Can my student add art to their account at home?

Yes! Parents and guardians can help students to upload any artwork they create at home using the Artsonia App. To learn more click here.

I hope that this information helps your family enjoy Artsonia's services even more!