11 Things We Learned about Virtual Learning, Digital Literacy, and Technology Integration in Arts Learning

By André Solomon, Camea Davis, and Jeff M. Poulin

From May - August 2023, the State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education (SEADAE) and Creative Generation collaborated to conduct an organizational reflection process to document and aggregate the strong practices in virtual arts learning uncovered throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this project, the two organizations produced a reflection to: aggregate learnings from members of SEADAE; synthesize ideas to guide members and respective stakeholders when designing virtual arts learning opportunities, considering technology and virtual integration in the standards review process, and developing standards-based assessments; and identify future inquiries.

The Research Inquiry

Through multiple research inputs—including a systematic review of documented knowledge, a survey to SEADAE members, and in-depth interviews with selected members—this inquiry sought to:

  • understand how virtual learning and other technology and digital resources have integrated into arts learning; 

  • how technology and virtual learning in the arts existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, changed as a matter of necessity through the pandemic, and what stayed in place; and 

  • which practices might and/or should continue to develop and be implemented beyond the pandemic.

This inquiry provided valuable insights into the experiences of arts educators and students. It highlighted the resilience and creativity displayed by arts educators as they adapted to virtual learning environments, embracing technology to nurture students' artistic abilities and expression. 

Read the reflection, Responsive Review of Practice: Nationwide Perspectives on Virtual Learning, Digital, and Technology Integration in Arts Learning here!

What We Learned

The findings were simple: To foster a bright future for virtual arts education, various stakeholders must collaborate and take decisive action to adapt to the new futures arts educators, young creatives, and those who enable their work through education and cultural systems seek.

As survey participants noticed a “revert to normal” as instruction pivoted back to in-person, it reinforced that educators must continue embracing digital tools and technologies, focusing on professional development, and integrating virtual learning experiences into their curricula as the physical and digital worlds continue to overlap. 

Additionally, policymakers and administrators must prioritize funding and support for arts education, ensuring equitable access to resources across all schools and districts, addressing the digital divide and investing in cutting-edge technology that will enable students from various backgrounds to benefit from virtual arts learning opportunities and will ensure educators have the necessary skills to utilize technology effectively.

The research team at Creative Generation curated the following Calls-to-Action. By incorporating these recommendations, we believe, that arts education leaders—those who work in the systems which enable artistic, cultural, and creative learning—can most effectively support arts educators and young creatives in navigating the digital landscape, ensuring a more inclusive and technologically-enriched arts education environment for students: 

  1. Emphasize the Importance of Student Voice: It's essential to prioritize student voice and involve young people in shaping their own educational experiences. Encouraging educators and arts leaders to consider students' journeys and perspectives during this challenging time can lead to more meaningful evaluation, enhanced belonging, improved wellness and mental health support, and foster leadership opportunities for students in curriculum and content decisions.

  2. Offer Professional Development and Networking Opportunities: Arts education leaders can play a significant role in providing arts educators and leaders with relevant professional development and networking opportunities. This support can enhance educators' understanding of technological tools and encourage effective integration into arts education. Furthermore, arts education leaders can facilitate peer-to-peer learning and resource sharing, which can be valuable for educators seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.

  3. Address Fear and Ignorance Around Technology: Providing factual information about technological tools and AI can help mitigate fear and reluctance among arts educators and leaders. Arts education leaders can act as a reliable source of information, empowering educators to embrace technology confidently and explore its potential as a valuable counterpart in arts education.

  4. Advocate for Technology Accessibility in Arts Learning: Arts education leaders can advocate for technology accessibility as an integral part of arts education through policy efforts, funding initiatives, and updates to arts standards. By promoting accessibility, arts education leaders can ensure that all students and educators have equal opportunities to benefit from digital resources and virtual learning experiences.

  5. Embrace Issues of Diversity and Equity: Arts education leaders should take a strong stance on promoting inclusivity and representation in the arts education community. This involves encouraging educators to engage in discussions, initiatives, and policy-making that address systemic inequalities and barriers faced by marginalized communities. By providing training and resources on culturally responsive teaching practices, arts education leaders can support educators in integrating diverse perspectives and voices into curricula and learning materials. Creating a welcoming and inclusive space for students from all backgrounds will foster a more empowering and enriching learning experience for every student. Through championing diversity and equity in arts education, arts education leaders can contribute significantly to advancing social justice and creating a more equitable arts education environment.

  6. Support Diverse Perspectives and Open Source Resources: Encouraging the adoption of tech resources that reflect diverse perspectives and cultures can enrich arts education and promote inclusivity. Arts education leaders can support open-source platforms and initiatives that focus on global perspectives, enabling educators and students to explore a wide array of arts-based technological skills.

  7. Collaborate to Address Educators' Needs: Arts education leaders can work closely with educators and leaders to understand their needs and challenges in the classroom when it comes to technology adoption. By identifying and addressing these needs, Arts education leaders can make mindful tech investments that positively impact arts education.

  8. Review and Update Arts Education Standards: Arts education leaders can review, revise, and reissue updated arts education standards that integrate arts-based technological skills. This will align arts education with the evolving digital landscape and equip educators with the guidance necessary to incorporate technology effectively into their teaching practices.

  9. Foster Community and Resource Sharing: Arts education leaders can support the creation of community and affinity spaces for educators to collaborate and share resources. These spaces can facilitate intergenerational collaboration and provide valuable support to educators in implementing tech accessibility in their classrooms.

  10. Advocate for Increased Technology Funding: Arts education leaders can advocate for more technology grant and funding opportunities for educators. Adequate funding will enable educators to access the necessary tools and resources to enhance arts education through technology.

  11. Promote Student Autonomy in Learning: Arts education leaders can promote the use of browser-friendly resources that focus on student autonomy in their learning. Tools like Incredibox, Chrome Music Lab, and other applications can empower students to explore and create independently, fostering creativity and self-expression.

Overall, we can learn from the experiences of arts educators and envision a brighter future for arts education. Embracing technology, fostering collaboration, and ensuring equitable access to resources will pave the way for innovative and impactful virtual arts learning experiences that empower the next generation of artists and creative thinkers. 

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient arts education system that prepares students to thrive in the ever-changing digital world and creates a more inclusive, diverse, and enriching arts education environment that celebrates creativity, fosters talent, and nurtures the artistic potential of every student.