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

of the way they were raised and taught in the past; a spoon feeding style
in which the teacher always tell them what to do. That was also obvious
through their behaviour in the workshop. The students also complained
about the lack of time of the workshop which did not allow them to do
the films as they hoped to. It was seen that the time was sufficient for
the job required and the end results for the students was surprisingly
amazing, although they had not seen it, due to the lack of self-
confidence that had arisen during their childhood and their educational
background. Further information about this focus group is contained in
Appendix C.
� Observation
During the implementation process of the VDS 3 in The University of
Sharjah, an observational survey is conducted. The survey aimed first
at assessing the students interaction with the VDS 3 environment;
secondly, to investigate the difficulties encountered by the students;
thirdly, to receive an informative feedback about the VDS 3 environment
in use for future development; fourthly, to assess student performance
throughout the VDS 3; and finally, to assess the outcome of the VDS 3
and its effect on students performance. The observation is conducted
through the use of close observation of the students; video and audio
recording was utilised, with still images and checklists which were also
used in addition to rich picture drawings.
� Visual Methods
During the observation stage of both case studies conducted in this
phase the researcher used visual methods. The researcher used still
pictures as well as video recordings. In the Cardiff Chimera case study
the researcher used still images and video recordings to be able to
analyse and further understand students‟ perception and interaction with
the methods and techniques of the case study in progress. The
researcher observed the students‟ body language when it came to
communicating with each other and exchanging their ideas. The
researcher‟s aim was to investigate the willingness of students to share
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