Share Paper: Online Communities, Critiques and Second Life Teaching in the Visual Arts

  1. Susan Miiller, State University of New York at New Paltz, United States
  2. Annette Cohen, Great Bay Community College, United States
  3. Linda Smith, State University of New York at New Paltz, United States
Tuesday, March 6 1:30 PM-2:00 PM Capitol H

Abstract: This paper demonstrates successful online studio courses where digital photographs of actual student drawings replaced seated critiques. Online studio courses excelled in discussion board “critiques”, where students experienced freedom from face-to-face stress. The Wimba classroom in Blackboard was used for online office hours, and synchronous small group critiques. This video enabled tool facilitates live drawing demonstrations and audio communication, conveying a synergy between students and instructors that contributes to motivation and collaboration.