PERCEPTION OF CREATIVE ARTS PRACTITIONERS ON THE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR CREATIVE PROJECTS AMONG CREATIVE ARTS STUDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING

Abstract

Innovation and continuous development of digital technologies have brought significant changes to learning. The use of digital technologies allows accessibility to a vast array of information and provides students with the opportunities to learn and grow in different ways. While the Malaysian government has constantly put in huge investments for developing Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities in higher learning institutions to prepare students for new technologies and ‘new’ workplaces, information which focus on creative arts students’ digital competency in staying relevant to creative arts is still limited. This paper aims to explore the use of digital technologies by creative arts students for creative project development. This study employed qualitative methodology where in-depth interview was conducted with five well-known Malaysian creative arts practitioners. Perceptions and views of creative practitioners on creative arts students’ digital competency are gathered and analysed. While students in this day and age are known as ‘digital natives’, creative arts practitioners have different views on creative arts students’ digital competency in creative project development. Majority of the informants noted that digital technologies are helpful for creative arts students, but they also expressed their concerns on the challenges faced by the students. The interviews revealed that practitioners associated several issues in students’ creative projects, such as building collaboration, obtaining constructive and helpful information, as well as identifying goals and copyright concerns. The data collection outcome will enable policymakers and practitioners to identify actions that should be taken to prepare creative arts students with better skills, knowledge and attitudes for meaningful participation in the digital world. This article is written to generate and facilitate discussion on how creative arts students’ digital competency can be further improved for productivity and efficiency in accomplishing their tasks.