DESIGN EDUCATION IN THE AGE OF MEDIA CONVERGENCE

The development of digital media has enabled the convergence of different technologies and forms of communication into a single distribution network, while also leading to the diversification of media forms. These convergent and divergent phenomena have affected the way in which products and services are created and delivered. This paper explores the implications of new communication technologies on design education, informed by teaching projects with graphic and multimedia design students. Drawing from a research project conducted as part of a doctoral program, this paper examines what new challenges might emerge for design educators due to the convergence and divergence of communication technologies. Observations made during the project were used as a basis for discussion around questions such as: How do design educators create relevant curricula that address the challenges posed by convergent media? How might educators address the growing gulf between traditional media-specific skills, and the skills required for new media? How might educators teach design skills that are applicable across a broad spectrum of media and disciplines, while still addressing the requirements of a specific medium? Several possible approaches will be offered in the conclusion of this paper and are used to inform further discussion on pedagogic approaches for convergent media