by Mia Hipwood
Being such a hands-on program, the art classes at Minarets have had some difficult obstacles with distance learning. Even with new mediums like digital art, most traditional art courses require in-person interaction and feedback.
Junior art student Bella Velazquez has been looking at the distance art classes in both positive and negative lights. Velazquez says that distance learning has given her more time to put detail into her art pieces. But even with this, she, and other students, still struggle. “The worst part is I can’t ask for help on some of my paintings. Like when I have questions about instructions or colors.”
Art teacher Jill Gamble is viewing the situation similarly, saying, “Being in a classroom allows the students to ask questions in real-time and not wait for an email answer. It also holds them more accountable to work while I am monitoring progress throughout the period. On the reverse side of that, it is easier to manage the class because they are not talking over me, or disrupting others' learning. It makes it easier to get the information out, but I think a lot of students are more intimidated to ask questions in front of everyone so if they do have questions they just don't ask, or wait to email, which doesn't always get answered right away. I think it is probably also good for the creative process to talk about art with your peers as you are brainstorming ideas. However, for the beginner, it is less intimidating to do the work because no one can see your work so there is no stress that it is ‘bad’.”
Her students are having to push themselves and get even more creative to accomplish what would otherwise be ‘normal’ assignments. At the very least, Gamble’s graphic design students have not experienced as many difficulties since it always primarily takes place on devices. Like many other hands-on courses, the art program has had to navigate these new challenges, but it continues to muscle through and produce quality student work.