Teaching visual communication online: Methods for a changing classroom

Discussion of visual communication pedagogy in the last few decades has assumed a face-to-face classroom environment (see Brumberger, 2007; Heller, 2003). In fact, many in the graphic design field resist taking design coursework online because of the perceived loss of face-to-face interaction that might compromise the ability of an instructor to properly mentor students. Steven Heller, a well-known graphic design professor and author of multiple books on graphic design education, admits that he has not emphasized online coursework in his books because he believes that “a truly valuable learning experience is in the classroom and hallways” (S. Heller, personal communication, September 28, 2009). Although Heller admits that coursework will eventually have a place online, embedded in his sentiments is an assumption that the quality of teaching will diminish in an online environment because of the loss of face-to-face interaction.