This qualitative study examined how six
students in a college introductory computer art class
perceived the impact a digitalfolio had upon their learning
and creative processes. A digitalfolio is similar to a
traditional sketchbook in that it provides students with a
place to practice techniques, experiment with ideas, and
create visual images; however, a digitalfolio is kept
entirely on the computer. Students perceived the
digitalfolio to be an effective learning tool despite
differences in gender, art training, learning and creative
styles. Results indicated that the digitalfolio provided
students with a place to expand technical skills, experiment
without the risk of being graded, and synthesize classroom
instruction. The digitalfolio also facilitated creative
expression among students who had polar opposite approaches,
those that enjoyed and valued experimentation versus those
who preferred systematically creating finished pieces of
art.