Examining the digitally assisted sketching skills of students in visual arts classes at Science and Art Centers (BİLSEMs)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the digitally supported sketching skills of gifted students aged 10 to 13 who are enrolled in the general ability and visual arts programs at the Çanakkale Biga Science and Art Center (BİLSEM) during the 2023/2024 academic year. The research focuses on students participating in both visual arts classes and elective workshops within the center. The study was conducted during the second term of the academic year at Biga BİLSEM and a qualitative action research design was adopted. The research was conducted with a total of 24 students,including 9 boys and 15 girls. Among the participants, 3 students were identified in the field of visual arts talent, while 21 were identified in the field of general intellectual ability. All students voluntarily participated in the elective course titled Computer-Aided Graphic Design and Animation Workshop, based on their interest in visual arts. During the data collection process, a written question and-answer interview form and an observation form were used with the participants. With sketchbook digital drawing software, content analysis method was used in the analysis of applied sketching activities at the basic level. Skills such as selecting digital tools using a drawing tablet pen, enabling the use of digital paper, creating different types of lines and shading, and using the digital color wheel were carried out with students from both art talent and general talent groups. It was observed that students in this age group, who are in a critical stage of developing visual spatial intelligence, were able to engage in creative forms of expression during digitally supported sketching activities and adapted more easily to digital tools. The findings of the study indicate that students quickly adapted to using digital drawing tools and were able to successfully transfer their traditional drawing skills to the digital environment. In this context, it is recommended that art education activities be restructured through digital drawing applications, and visual arts teachers’ digital drawing skills be improved.