The virtual print exhibition: a case of learning by designing

This paper describes work that has been in progress on the use of information and communications technology in the transformation of teaching and learning in several subjects in the School of Fine Arts, Classical Studies and Archaeology at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Its specific focus is on the 'Virtual Print Room' project. This project involves the development of a rich database of high quality digitized images of a large number of prints (from the Baillieu Library's Old Master Prints Collection) comprising the works of famous artists such as Durer, Marcantonio, Raimondi, Rembrandt, and Hogarth. Most importantly, this database enables the study of fragile prints outside the 'white-gloved' controlled environment of the conventional print room. One such novel form, described in this paper, is learning by designing a 'Virtual Print Exhibition.' Students involved in this subject create a virtual exhibition from the database of prints and experience at first hand how to construct an art historical argument in the form of an exhibition. As part of this presentation, the online learning environment that supports this group-based learning activity is demonstrated.