The Affordances and Challenges of Virtual Art Learning Environments With Young Learners

• In Event: Advances in Arts Education Research

Abstract

Given pervasive challenges with school travel funding, the virtual museum and other web-based visual art sites are an important outlet of cultural exposure for students. This paper presents findings from a multiple methods investigation that explored the content of museum and center-based virtual art programming as well as the experiences of elementary art teachers using virtual art programming in their classrooms. The first phase of the project included a qualitative investigation of elementary arts educators’ experiences with the inclusion of classroom-based, virtual art programming and the second phase included a content-analysis exploring the virtual programming of the 938 US AAM accredited arts visual centers and museums. Findings reveal important criteria guiding the use of virtual viewing in elementary arts experiences.

Author

• Angela L. Eckhoff, Old Dominion University