Validation of an instrument to evaluate art apps that enable the development of artistic skills in digital settings.

Abstract

Apps that help art teachers work on areas relating directly to artistic competences are a valuable digital teaching resource. In this study we call them art apps. Aims: To validate a measurement instrument for digital applications based on the results we obtained in the first design phase, and to modify the items and identify factors. Methodology: We carried out three processes in this second phase. An exploratory factorial analysis, a pre-confirmatory analysis, and a confirmatory factorial analysis adjusted by the global or absolute fit indices for all of the scales of the test. This was based on an evaluation battery comprising 98 items distributed in three dimensions and four scales: artistic dimension (expressive and perceptive domain), technical dimension, and pedagogical dimension. Results: We obtained a definitive model of all the scales with optimal values in all the adjustment indicators. Discussion/Conclusion: After completing this process, we designed the definitive test based on the results of the fitting. Taking into account the resulting number of items (74), the number of factors (8), and the wording of each one, we consider it to be a useful and viable tool for evaluating art apps by connecting their artistic, technical, and pedagogical dimensions according to the needs and possibilities of the educational activities.