Direct or directed: orchestrating a more harmonious approach to teaching technology within an art & design higher education curriculum with special reference to visual communications courses

Abstract

In this scoping study we have investigated the integration of subject-specific software into the structure of visual communications courses. There is a view that the response within visual communications courses to the rapid developments in technology has been linked to necessity rather than by design. Through perceptions of staff with day-to-day experience of the issues arising from the incorporation of such technology, we were able to construct an account of potential directions. There is a necessity for continual review of course content to ensure that training in software is embedded in the creative aspects of the curriculum in order to maximise the potential of new technology, maintain currency and future-proof the curriculum. We argue that curriculum developers in visual communications need to incorporate appropriate hardware and software within the studio environment.