Grace Morales Pineda

6.25 The 4th Dimension of Education through Art in an International Teacher Training Video Exchange (Paper)

Grace Morales Pineda – University of Granada, Spain

Gabriella Pataky – ELTE Faculty of Primary and Pre-School Education, Budapest, Hungary

Viola Rekvényi – ELTE Faculty of Primary and Pre-School Education, Budapest, Hungary

Judit Skaliczki – ELTE Faculty of Primary and Pre-School Education, Budapest, Hungary

Abstract:

The development of children’s visual competencies is crucial for their cognitive, emotional, and social growth, particularly within educational settings. In schools, fostering these competencies not only enhances students’ ability to interpret and engage with the world around them but also supports the acquisition of foundational skills in problem-solving, as well as creative and critical thinking. Traditional arts education was originally based on a two-dimensional (2D) model, where students translated ideas into flat images or designs. However, in a world increasingly dominated by digital interfaces and virtual realities, the physical act of creating with pencil, paint, or ink has evolved into a new way to explore ideas and emotions. The three-dimensional (3D) experience, enabled by new technologies, enhances this creative process by allowing individuals to reflect on their experiences, convey their thoughts, and communicate visually in ways that words often cannot. But why not go further and incorporate a fourth dimension? In the context of arts education, the fourth dimension (4D) encourages students to think beyond static representations and engage with art as fluid, evolving experiences. This approach incorporates time-based media such as video, animation, performance, and interactive installations, opening up new possibilities for creative expression. In a determined effort to foster cross-cultural understanding and creative collaboration, the University of Granada in Spain and ELTE University in Hungary are working together on an innovative project to create a series of non-dialogue short films. The aim is to explore the universal language of visual storytelling, transcending linguistic barriers to communicate emotions, themes, and narratives while incorporating diverse cultural perspectives and creative approaches to filmmaking. The ongoing collaborative process encourages participants to break free from language limitations and embrace the universal reach of visual art. The results of this experiment will be presented during the world congress as a way of finding common ground in unexpected territories.