Problem Orientation in Art and Technology

Art and Technology is an interdisciplinary art program at AAU that involves knowledge and methods ranging from the humanities, to engineering sciences. Art and Technology is a hybrid program that combines science and technology with the artistic imagination, and thus combines both artistic and academic methodologies. The main question this paper addresses is: “What is a problem in art?” The paper discusses what defines a problem as in the PBL Aalborg Model, in the field of Art and Technology, by analysing the problem formulations of the 2017 BA projects through Mogens Pahuus three types of problem orientation. The paper discusses the potentials and pitfalls of PBL in art and technology education. THE PROBLEM IN PBL AND IN THE AALBORG MODEL OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNINGThe BA study programme Art and Technology is an interdisciplinary study program at Aalborg University (AAU). The study program involves knowledge, methods and theories related to both fine art as well as academic disciplines ranging from the humanities; visual studies, media studies and art history, to engineering sciences such as media technology. The myriad of theories and methods, relevant to the combined field of art and technology illustrates the hybrid nature and complexity of the study program as it combines science and technology with the artistic imagination, and thus combines both artistic and academic methodologies. In addition to the interdisciplinary and hybrid nature of the study program, the educational activities at AAU must be structured as Problem-Based Learning, as AAU has implemented the Aalborg Model for Problem-Based Learning as a pedagogical strategy in all parts of the university and as an institutional trademark.