Aaron Douglas and the African American experience: A strategy for culturally sensitive, technologically current, interactive instruction in art

A discipline-based, culturally sensitive, interactive, computer-generated curriculum unit focused on the contributions of artist Aaron Douglas in the context of the Harlem Renaissance was developed for and pilot-tested with 89 students enrolled in three computer graphics classes. The study was conducted during the 1999--2000 school year in a North Florida community.;The study examined the effects of a discipline-based interactive instructional program on student knowledge and appreciation of African American artist Aaron Douglas and the Harlem Renaissance time period, with the computer as a medium for learning in that context. Although all students were considered, African American students in particular were targeted in this regard.;A combination of quantitative and qualitative research was used to examine the relationship between three categorical variables and seven quantitative variables. The categorical variables are gender, ethnicity, and grade level and the quantitative variables are art knowledge and appreciation, computer anxiety and competence, learning and cognitive styles, and instructional delivery methods. A focus group was selected from the sample to provide rich qualitative information. The information from this group included interview responses, copies of their imagery, and written responses to qualitative instruments.;A series of lessons supplementary to the interactive unit based on Aaron Douglas was presented to students over a thirty-two week period to prepare students to lower computer anxiety and develop skills prior to treatment. The interactive curriculum unit was presented over a four-week period and was comprised of a multimedia program which provided the content for the unit. A series of lesson plans using a DBAE framework were utilized and students developed a computerized mural which emulated Aaron Douglas' signature style.;In general, the qualitative and quantitative findings indicated the utilization of an interactive, discipline-based, user friendly, computer-based, Afrocentric art curriculum was successful at enhancing student knowledge and appreciation of African American artist Aaron Douglas and the Harlem Renaissance time period, and of the computer as a medium for learning in that context.