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This qualitative study examined how six students in a college introductory computer art class perceived the impact a digitalfolio had upon their learning and creative processes. A digitalfolio is similar to a traditional sketchbook in that it provides students with a place to practice techniques, experiment with ideas, and create visual images; however, a digitalfolio is kept entirely on the computer. Students perceived the digitalfolio to be an effective learning tool despite differences in gender, art training, learning and creative styles. Results indicated that the digitalfolio provided students with a place to expand technical skills, experiment without the risk of being graded, and synthesize classroom instruction. The digitalfolio also facilitated creative expression among students who had polar opposite approaches, those that enjoyed and valued experimentation versus those who preferred systematically creating finished pieces of art.

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Christina B. Bain, Ph.D. University of Georgia. Associate Professor of Art Education and Coordinator of Art Education Student Teaching and Field Placements at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.

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