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

Authors

Tauseef Hussain Mr, College of Art and Design, University of the Punjab, LahoreFollow
Nimra Akram Miss, Punjab Institute of Fashion DesignFollow
Rabiya Asim Ms, National College of Arts, LahoreFollow
Amina Sarfraz Cheema Ms, College of Art & Design, University of the Punjab, LahoreFollow
Kiran Zohra Ms, APS (GIRLS) Sarfaraz Rafiqui Road, LahoreFollow

Date of this Version

Spring 3-13-2023

Document Type

Article

Abstract

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.