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

dimension in the studio time. The researcher also used a note taking
method to mark the students‟ participation and their reaction to the tools
utilised. The researcher also implied the rich picture method in
capturing the students and the tutors‟ behaviour inside the studio (see
appendix B). Video and audio recording were also utilised to help the
researcher stay concentrated and give the chance for a second round of
observation after the studio time in the researcher‟s own time. Still
image picturing was also used as part of this case study. Finally semi-
structured interviews were used with the students and the lecturers to
gain an in-depth view of their perceptions and views of the studio.
Procedure
The researcher acted as an observer participant. Full attention was paid
to observing the students behaviour and reactions to the surrounding
atmosphere. The researcher sat in all of the activities and lectures
taking part in asking questions and gaining understanding of the studio‟s
theoretical base. The two weeks long studio started daily at 0900 and
continued until 2100. The studio started with a two hour lecture and
ended with a lecture that varied in length (1-2 hours). After the studio
time the students usually gathered for informal drinks with the lecturers.
During the lectures the students got broad information about the area of
study in terms of its demographics, historical and geographical
background as well as the directions and views of the city planners.
This information helped the students create a vision of the city‟s need
which in turn helped them in their design ideas. After the lecture the
student usually gathered in the studio room and started collaborating on
their design ideas. The researcher observed the whole group
communication as well as the tutor-student interactions. Taking notes,
video and audio recording and rich picture sketching were the
researcher‟s main role. After each day the notes, pictures video and
audio tapes are all transcript and revisited to formulate the main theme
for each day and identifying the utilisation of tools for encouraging
creativity and collaboration in design. At the end of the studio workshop
the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with the studio
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