framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...

the real CAVE. It is observed that the technology despite of its
existence but was not properly integrated into the design curriculum of
the UAEU.
� Participants
The design of this research required the involvement of participants at
its different stages. In the first stage the participants are students and
staff from UAE University. The staff consists of five male lecturers in the
UAE with two male design studio instructors and one female design
studio instructor. The student participants were both male and female,
aged 18 to 23, studying design studio as part of their education
programme. 80% of the students are UAE nationals and 20% are
coming from other Arab countries (Palestine, Iraq, Jordan and Syria) but
were born in the UAE or lived there for several years. For more about
the focus group questions refer to Appendix C.
5.13 Methods of Phase 2
Secondary Data Collection Method in Phase 2
At this phase the same internet search tools mentioned above were
used to further identify needs of the UAE society in terms of the VDS
developed in the first phase. An investigation of the international best
practice of using technology and specifically VDS in architecture
education in the world was conducted. In addition, a database
management system was created and placed to accommodate and
administrate the data collected (more about the database will be
detailed in the next chapter). Two models were identified according to
the author. The models were further studied as case studies using a
secondary data collection method. The researcher conducted an online
search and article search (see appendix C). A database table was
created and a second VDS was formulated and then rectified in stage
three according to the international best practice.
271 Okeil, A. (2010). op.cit. p202-216.
101