Peer Review

La vida y la época de Frida Kahlo

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Reviewed:: Oct 15, 2013 by World Languages

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Ratings

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Overview:: Frida Kahlo: This web site is based on the film The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo by Amy Stechler. The module is dedicated to the artistic work of Frida Kahlo. The artist self images are numerous, colorful and clear. Language educators can find many resources with objectives and lesson plans at their disposal. All the information in this web site can be read in English or Spanish. An important aspect of these web pages is that by using the curser and pointing it to the portrait one is able to learn the meaning of the object depicted. These definitions are extremely helpful to most educators as well as students who find Fridas works hard to interpret.
Type of Material:: The modules are designed to help educators and students interpreter Frida Kahlos artistic creations and more; for example the images of Fridas artistic expressions of the world, from 1910 to 1954, reveal womens struggles during the revolution.
Recommended Uses:: The material can be used for interpretation of Fridas works, to learn about womens social conditions in Mexico as well as for discussion on Mexican culture and history during the countys revolution in 1910. The material can be use by Educators, and students in two different languages: Spanish and English.
Technical Requirements:: Basic computer skills, access to high speed internet with access to the World Wide Web.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: To learn how to interpret Frida Kahlos artistic body of works, art appreciation and understanding of Art and History of Mexico.
Target Student Population:: Students from K-16, Women Studies, and courses in Mexican Art, Culture and History.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: If the web site is used for Spanish language classes the students need to be in advanced level due to the complexity of the language. If it is used for English speakers in any other course the educator needs to consult the educational guide for more information.

Content Quality

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Strengths:: The video, "The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo," offers viewers an intimate look at the colorful and complex artist and individual. It also presents valuable insight into Mexico's culture and history; the emergence and impact of art movements and styles (surrealism, abstraction); and the conflicting yet contiguous mix of politics, social unrest, and cross-cultural elements that influenced art and artists' experiences during the time Frida lived and worked.
Concerns:: n/a

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: This site can be used in two languages in cultural classes, as well as history, art, and Womens Studies. Educators can use it at the elementary level with the resources, objective and lesson plans provided in the teachers guide. It can also be used at the college level with advance students of Spanish language and literature. The web site is versatile. Since it is written in two languages it can be adapted to any culture course dealing with Mexican society.
Concerns:: This is a rich site and can overwhelm students at the elementary level; they need the educators guidance to get started.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: The site provides an excellent interface for searching material related to Fridas life and works. Educators and college level students will be able to navigate the site. It is not difficult to understand the instructions to all the resources and one can search the web site using Spanish or English. All visitors must remember to check the language they want to use from the beginning.
Concerns:: The site is difficult for elementary students. Educators can use it to show the paintings but they must make sure students understand how to navigate all the additional resources and the language level.

Other Issues and Comments:: The web site emphasizes the use of the film The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo by Amy Stechler. Educators and students have the option to purchase the DVD from PBS and the information can be found in the same page. However, the web site can be used alone since it contains a large amount of information on Frida.
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