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Figure 6.2: VDS 1 basic elements<br />

The pedagogical aspects were implemented with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first <strong>model</strong> us<strong>in</strong>g<br />

blackboard and active worlds. Blackboard was used as a learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

management system that supports educational elements. Active world<br />

backed up by blackboard assisted <strong>the</strong> student to work on <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>design</strong><br />

ideas. Students participate <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>studio</strong> by go<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> <strong>virtual</strong> place to<br />

present, discuss and develop <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>design</strong>. Their presence <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world<br />

is represented by avatars. In addition, <strong>the</strong> Blackboard is used to<br />

facilitate communication and educational tools such as: learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

materials, bullet<strong>in</strong> boards, whiteboard, and email.<br />

6.3.2 Evaluation <strong>of</strong> VDS 1<br />

An exploratory survey was conducted at this stage to get a thorough<br />

understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>design</strong> education need <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE educational<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitutes. 282 The survey also aimed to <strong>in</strong>vestigate <strong>the</strong> students and<br />

<strong>in</strong>structors perceptions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> proposed VDS. The study confirmed <strong>the</strong><br />

UAE educational <strong>in</strong>stitutes‟ need <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> VDS environment. The study<br />

also revealed <strong>the</strong> existence <strong>of</strong> high technological tools <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> UAE<br />

educational <strong>in</strong>stitutes yet not potentially utilised 283 . For more about this<br />

study refer to appendix C.<br />

6.4 VDS 2<br />

The feedback from <strong>the</strong> previous study alongside <strong>the</strong> literature review<br />

was used as a need analysis <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> VDS.<br />

282 Al-Ali, A. I. (2007). op.cit. p439-456<br />

283 ibid. p439-456<br />

Real<br />

World<br />

Simulati<br />

on<br />

3D<br />

Design<br />

Tools<br />

Virtual<br />

Reality<br />

Chat<br />

VDS<br />

Model<br />

Text<br />

126<br />

File<br />

Manage<br />

ment<br />

Video<br />

Confere<br />

nc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Email

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