Shift to Online Learning: Response of Pakistani Visual Art Teachers During Pandemic and Post-Covid Era

This study aims to investigate the response of Visual art teachers to educational lockdown and shift to online learning at art institutions. The study employed qualitative phenomenological research design to investigate visual artists i.e., painters, sculptors, textile designers, graphic designers, and performing artists who were faculty members in five leading art institutions of Lahore. Data were collected by conducting a total of 15 interviews from each mentioned discipline. These interviews were conducted preferably in their studios, at their homes, or at times online through WhatsApp video calls. The data was analyzed thematically by using NVIVO 12 software. Findings – It was observed that new methodologies were devised by the faculty and art institutions to mitigate the pandemic upshot, however, virtual learning made it hard for the faculty to teach practice-based subjects. As a result, the assessment criteria were also affected. The study findings provide insight for art institutions and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to start preparing their systems to offer effective online teaching as a substitute for regular classes in Visual Arts. The researchers could not find any such study in the local context, and very few globally. Therefore, this study may serve as a baseline for further research

Evolving visual arts’ faculty pedagogical skills through technology integration in higher education

This study is about the current status of technology’s usage by visual arts’ faculty members to enhance their pedagogical skills. It explores the impact of using technology in visual arts and the constraints in its integration. Researchers used qualitative research design to conduct this study. Data was collected, through semi-structured interviews, from faculty working in painting department of four institutions of Lahore, Pakistan. The findings of the study showed that faculty members were using technology for different purposes such as for art making, research and communications. However, at the same time, the use of technology was limited due to various factors, such as, insufficient funding, lack of training, teachers’ un-willing attitude and deficiency in curriculum regarding technology integration