Ogunlade Benjamin Ande
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
Title: Sustainable use of computer technology in graphic design education: a principled approach
Biography
Biography: Ogunlade Benjamin Ande
Abstract
The bewildering pace of change in technology has had a polarizing effect on design education profession. Graphic design educators tend to cope in two ways, either by finding the least invasive ways to use technology without interfering with their standard mode of practice, or by embracing technology at every step and turn in new and innovative ways. The former does a disservice to graphic design students, but the latter is unsustainable. This research explores the sustainability of using computer technology in graphic design education and puts forward principles and guidelines to determine the most effective technology tools to use in the most sustainable situation. In this framework, the onus is put on graphic design students to complete active graphic design projects in and outside the studios. The resulting learning environment and the computer tools employed in various graphic design activities are investigated in this study. Data were collected via field notes, questionnaires, student interviews, researcher journal entries, and student reflections. The findings of this research indicate that a principled approach to the sustainable use of computer technology in graphic design education fosters a student-centered orientation which raises student motivation, reduces the affective filter and builds confidence without placing undue pressure on lecturer’s demonstration or on limited design resources.