Black, Andrea

Visual Arts in a Virtual Age:
Investigating the Effective Use of New Media in the Intermediate Art Classroom

Keywords: Digital Art, Cyber Arts, Art Education
 
Abstract

In recent years digital imaging software and hardware have greatly affected the production of visual art and related industries. Intermediate visual art teacher pioneers who have had experiences specifically using new media in a visual art context were asked to share their stories as to what technology related curriculum expectations look like in practice. This research documents the results of an inductive-qualitative analysis exploring how teachers have embraced this new era of visual arts technology. The varied experiences of the participants expose new ways to expand the study of visual arts in ways that keep pace with rapid global and technological changes. Preliminary analysis provides insights into the challenges and triumphs of merging new and old mediums.
 
Acknowledgements

This research would not have been possible without the generosity of the participants who shared their time and experiences, providing rich insights into new media in the visual arts classroom. Thank you to Dr. Kim MacKinnon for her ongoing wisdom and feedback throughout the research process. Finally, I have the deepest appreciation for my colleagues in the Master of Teaching program, friends, and family whose encouragement and understanding have inspired and shaped my scholarship.