How Computer Technology Influences Art and Design Programs

This one-year qualitative research project explored howcomputer technology influences art and design programs in highereducation. It involved 37 educators from 9 universities andcolleges located in California, USA. It is discovered that with theubiquitous application of computer technology, the current realityhas become one that is multicultural and pluralistic, dissolvingthe timeline of history and boundaries of art forms. Moreover,computer technology has opened up new career opportunities andaccelerated work processes. It has also induced new ways ofcreating art and provided novel channels to distribute artworks.Today, interactivity and networking is facile with or withoutphysical presence.Educators involved in this research revealedthat curricula adjustments and trends have included emphasizingbasic computer competency and traditional skills simultaneously,encouraging experimentation and interactivity through new tools,fostering interdisciplinary education, engaging students in thedevelopment of new technology, underscoring humanitarian issues,developing art and design leadership and a sense of accountability,and building a complete cyber campus.