Integrating Canva in Art Education: A Digital Approach to Enhancing Creativity Among Student Teachers

Abstract

The integration of digital tools into art education has transformed traditional pedagogical approaches, particularly within teacher education programs. This study investigates the role of Canva, an online graphic design platform, in enhancing creativity, digital literacy, and pedagogical effectiveness among student teachers. Through a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews and evaluation of Canva-based poster projects, the study examines the extent to which Canva fosters artistic confidence, engagement, and multimodal communication skills.Findings reveal that Canva significantly enhances students' creativity, with 70% of participants demonstrating high levels of originality and visual appeal in their designs. Additionally, 80% of student teachers exhibited strong digital literacy and technical execution, suggesting Canva's effectiveness in building competence in visual storytelling. While most students found Canva pedagogically beneficial, challenges were observed in thematic alignment and in students with lower creative confidence.The study concludes that Canva is a valuable digital resource for integrating innovation and creativity into art education. However, it emphasizes the need for structured support to address disparities in thematic relevance and digital proficiency. The research highlights Canva’s potential to bridge traditional and modern artistic practices, offering a dynamic, accessible, and inclusive medium for future educators. Recommendations for further training and longitudinal studies are proposed to optimize Canva’s impact in teacher education programs.