With the rise of online education, one question that keeps coming up is whether subjects like art can truly be taught well through virtual classrooms. Unlike theory-based subjects, art depends a lot on visual learning, hands-on practice and personalised feedback. But many teachers and students are now exploring how online tools, video tutorials and interactive platforms can bring a fresh angle to learning art. So the big question is—can virtual classrooms make art more interesting for students?
I chose to write about this because art education often doesn’t get the attention it deserves in our school system. In most schools, art is pushed aside as an “extra” subject. But with the help of technology, art might finally get a chance to shine. I’ve seen students become more confident when they have access to tools that let them express themselves freely, without fear of being judged in a classroom. This topic is important because it talks about giving students more ways to connect with creativity—and also challenges the old belief that online learning is only good for science or maths.
How Virtual Classrooms Are Changing Art Education
Virtual classrooms can offer a lot of flexibility that traditional classrooms often can’t. In art classes especially, where each student may work at their own pace, online platforms can be a great advantage. Here’s how:
- Recorded video tutorials: Students can pause, rewind, and re-watch steps to learn techniques
- Live sessions: Interactive drawing or painting sessions can still be held using digital tools like styluses and tablets
- Digital submissions: Students can scan or upload their artwork for feedback
- Virtual museum tours: Online visits to art galleries help students understand history, styles and famous works without leaving home
For example, a teacher can take the class on a virtual walk through the Louvre Museum using a screen-share and explain the details of a painting like Mona Lisa with zoom tools.
Why Students Might Find Art More Engaging Online
In a virtual setup, there is less fear of being compared to others. Students feel more confident experimenting with their work because they’re not being watched all the time. Teachers also get more space to provide written or recorded feedback, which students can revisit later.
Plus, students who live in smaller towns or rural areas—where access to trained art teachers or resources is limited—can now learn from experts across the country. Platforms like YouTube and Coursera even offer beginner courses on sketching, watercolour, digital art and more.
Challenges to Keep in Mind
While virtual art classes can be fun and accessible, they do come with their own challenges:
- Not all students have access to tablets or proper internet
- Lack of physical materials like canvas, brushes or paints can limit practice
- It can be tough for teachers to track if students are practising regularly
- Some techniques like clay modelling or printmaking are difficult to replicate online
To solve this, schools and state boards need to think about hybrid models. For instance, a student could learn the concept online but get materials delivered home or have occasional offline workshops.
Teachers Are Learning Too
This shift isn’t just new for students—many art teachers are also learning how to adapt. From creating their own video tutorials to learning digital tools like Krita, Adobe Fresco or Procreate, teachers are now picking up skills they never needed before.
In Punjab, for instance, some government schools have already started using smart classrooms to teach students how to draw digitally. One teacher said students who were earlier bored with chalk-and-board drawing now look forward to digital sketching sessions.
