The influence of information and communication technology on graphic design: reflections on pedagogy

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have influenced the teaching and learning of graphic design. The introduction of ICT has also brought in some challenges as far as the pedagogy is concerned, as it requires relearning, training and upgrading. Ironically, the pedagogy of graphic design education being championed in a university in a developing country, and seen as an adaptation of the Bauhaus theory, seems to be at variance with current practices in both the profession and in its education. This article analyses the trend of graphic design practices and how design students are using ICT, as a way of considering the paradigm shift resulting from the introduction of ICT. This is done as a way of considering the paradigm shift resulting from the introduction of ICT in the curriculum. It examines the contribution and the adaptation of Innovation Education (IE) to educational theories in the context of ICT and graphic design education. It also analyses how students undertake idea development in graphic design with ICT. The study agrees that current ICT practices call for a review of pedagogy that allows students to develop ideas digitally. It concludes by calling for an exploration of current ICT practices in graphic design education, especially in issues of ideation and pedagogy.

Keywords: ideation, pedagogy, innovation education, constructivism, graphic design