Integrating technology in art education in Nigerian education system: The need for an effective pedagogical approach

Abstract

Fine Art has suffered tremendous neglect in schools within and outside Nigeria due to misconstruing of the benefits of the subject by policy makers and even parents who dissuade their wards from spending time in artistic creations. Despite the lofty position which the national policy on education gave to it in the policy of Nigerian education, Fine Art is not always found in the time table of most schools. Pedagogical approaches often used by teachers have often proved inadequate leading to poor performance of students in public examinations. This paper is an exploratory conceptual study (document-based qualitative study approach). Literature is explored to determine objectives of art teaching in schools; role of art teaching in general education; need for effective art teaching model. It proposes an ICT Integrated Studio Teaching Model (IISTM) as a paradigm shift from the teacher centred approach to learner centred approach which allows learning through exposure to authentic learning experiences. The effective use of ICT in teaching as well as teacher modelling practical examples of how to solve design problems in the subject is recommended to motivate students in the studio environment.