Influences of visual culture in the design of Web-based art education instruction: Using content analysis for interpreting research and student opinions to (re)consider interactive design

This study explores how the way students learn through visual culture can inform the design of Web-based art education instruction. It focuses on four interrelated topics relevant to current art education curriculum and Web-based learning in higher education: technology and learning, constructivist theory, visual culture, and graphic design. A literature review of each topic in addition to undergraduate student interviews about their experiences contributes to discussing ways to improve Web-based instruction. This interdisciplinary case study presents a critique of the current usability guidelines and standards used for developing websites. The research places an emphasis on the visual interface that serves as the main form of communication between the function of the website and the student audience. The information provides a foundation for interactive design recommendations applicable to Web-based instruction. Recommendations made as a result of this research are applicable to improving constructive, inquiry-based teaching and learning environments in art education and related academic disciplines.