The use of information technology in arts education in Hong Kong

This paper begins by describing the impact of computer technology on the student’s thinking and learning. It gives a brief survey of the development of information technology in education in different parts of the world, including the fiveyear strategy (1998-2003) for the use of IT for learning in Hong Kong. The paper focuses on evaluating the utilization of IT in arts education in Hong Kong. Through a questionnaire survey of primary and secondary school teachers, it investigates several aspects of using information technology in art and music teaching for the five years after its implementation: the teaching and learning of art and music; lesson preparation and student assessment; student self-learning, teachers’ perspectives and their professional needs when utilizing IT in teaching the arts. The findings reveal that teachers have a very positive view of IT, believing that it motivates student interest and facilitates arts teaching and learning. However, provision and funding for it are not satisfactory, and this creates problems and hinders progress. A concerted effort is needed from the various parties involved, in order that IT can be properly utilized to achieve fully its potential impact on student learning. Copyright © 2003 International Conference on Computers in Education ICCE 2003.