Online Courses in Art and Design During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Teaching Reflections From a First-Time Online Instructor

Abstract

Online courses became the primary means of delivering instruction for higher education classes during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Although institutions provide training and support to faculty members teaching online for the first time, for some faculty, including those in art and design, the online course design process seems vague and arduous. This article explores the challenges experienced by one such faculty member teaching her first online art and design course during the pandemic. With an autoethnographic approach to examine her online courses, the author reflects on the challenges and successes when designing and delivering a traditional face-to-face course in an online environment. Particular attention has been paid to the tools used to encourage student-student and student-teacher interactions. Recommendations are also provided for practical ways in which other art and design instructors can create online classrooms that promote student engagement and interaction.