International Trends and Techniques Used to Teach Studio Art Courses Through Distance Education

Abstract

This research collected data about international trends and techniques used to teach studio art courses through distance learning. The study presents information about methods of curriculum and instruction, background information about teaching face-to-face art courses and transitioning to online instruction, the amount of time dedicated to online studio art courses by students and instructors, and details about educational resources and projects. The information provides ideas and methods to solve problems in art education through distance learning and speculates about the pedagogical effects of international classes. This self-report survey was sent to online studio art instructors at postsecondary institutions in the international arena. The instructors responded to a series of statements and questions regarding trends and techniques used to teach studio art courses through distance learning. This resulted in standardized, quantifiable information from members of the focused population. Data collection method was e-mail. Of the professors surveyed, the most successful part of teaching studio art online was listed as the ability to reach a broader population. The most frustrating part was listed as skepticism on the success of studio art taught online and students' lack of experience with technology. The majority of professors considered an international population of students to be a multicultural learning opportunity despite language barriers. Eighty-eight percent of the instructors surveyed felt that online art instruction held the potential to become more prevalent in the future because of accessibility, cost effectiveness, and technological advancements. Recommendations about techniques and trends of online studio art courses have been provided based on the research data.