Teaching Art at a Distance

By Michael Stewart, Director, Studio Art School

Teaching practical art courses by distance learning has always been a challenge for both teacher and student. Text-based subject disciplines present fewer problems than art courses in the online realm because art courses require that students create and submit visual materials for appraisal and comment.

At the Studio Art School in the UK, we provide nationally accredited art and design courses for those who choose to learn online. Our Web-based delivery system enables students to receive teaching materials and upload images of their work at each stage of development without the delays, transport costs, and security problems associated with traditional distance-learning courses. We use new technology to facilitate the acquisition of traditional skills.

Access for Everyone
When my colleagues and I first suggested delivering practical art and design courses online, we did not anticipate the tidal wave of criticism and howling gasps of incredulity that would greet our proposal. We became acutely aware that when one sticks one’s head above the safety of the parapet of traditional art education, it’s like asking to be shot full in the face.

The salvos came from two distinct fronts: the «technically, it can’t be done» crowd, and the «aesthetically, it shouldn’t be done» crowd. Each side seemed determined to believe I was claiming e-learning to be superior to classroom learning; I never have and never will. Not across the board. But I can give you examples of circumstances where e-learning is more effective than classroom-based teaching—for example, when classroom-based learning is not available to a particular student. (leer más…)

Fuente: [elearn magazine]

tags: e-learning, aprendizaje, web2.0, blog, web 2.0