Reimagining Arts Education and Practice in the Digital Space

Abstract

This paper investigates the urgent need to reassess arts education, particularly popular music education, in the digital space. It highlights the importance of pedagogical preparedness among educators while examining the gaps, challenges, and opportunities digital tools present. Integrating these technologies is essential for fostering students' creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy (Rexhepi et al., 2024). Using a constructivist paradigm and a qualitative research approach, the study analyses existing data to evaluate digital adoption in popular music education. The findings suggest that while digital tools offer significant benefits, their integration is incomplete, with many educators relying on traditional methods. The study acknowledges limitations, mainly focusing on teacher-centred data with less emphasis on student experiences. As education systems worldwide confront rapid technological advancements, traditional frameworks in arts education face significant challenges. This research examines the transformative potential of digital tools in popular music education, emphasising the need for professional development and systemic support to equip educators with the necessary skills. The paper stresses the importance of addressing these challenges to create an environment where digital tools enhance traditional popular music education. Moreover, it considers how digital transformation reshapes the roles of educators and students, offering opportunities for more dynamic and interactive learning experiences. The study also explores the potential of digital tools to democratise access to quality popular music education, breaking down barriers related to geography and economics. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a balanced approach to digital integration, ensuring that innovation complements essential pedagogical principles.