Computers in College University Art Departments: Present and Future

Abstract

Computer applications have dramatically expanded, both in number and diversity, in higher education during the past decade. A survey of art departments in four-year institutions was conducted to determine the extent of computer applications within this discipline and to identify factors affecting computer usage. Survey data indicated that computer applications were limited, although over a third of the responding departments had some applications in the areas of administration, research, or instruction. Factors affecting computer use included: lack of faculty background, budget limitations, program size and specializations, graduate program emphasis, and type of institution. Computer applications in society and education will continue to grow and art departments need to be informed about the potential of computer technology within their field and develop a computer policy to help direct future program activity in this area.