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

extended use of Facebook accounts to include other subjects and
communicate with each other about issues related to other subjects.
The students were also observed to pick up and adopt the style of
learning encouraged in the VDS 3 workshop. The students started to
take responsibilities of their own learning. The students also started to
think creatively in attending some of the tasks for other subjects. At the
end of the VDS 3 workshop it was evidenced in the campus corridors
the students‟ use of the skills they learned in VDS 3. The students
involved their surroundings in solving their academic problems. The
students also began to work with each other in a less stressed manner
especially as far as gender is concerned.
Interviews with the lecturers revealed a change of attitude by the
students toward their learning. Dr. Radoine comments that “I could see
the motivation developed inside the students not only in turning to the
VDS 3 on a Saturday morning but also in using what they learnt in VDS
3 in other subject areas.”
The effect that this workshop left on the educational institutes in the
UAE was covered also by the press in the UAE. 315 Also the University
has already demanded some more collaboration in terms of conducting
new VDS and having it as a continuous activity. The University of
Sharjah web page has also addressed VDS 3 as one of the important
events that occurred in the University in 2009. 316
7.6 Outcome Evaluation
The outcome evaluation was measured through the use of the data
obtained from the observation and the student focus group and the
lecturers‟ interviews. A set of intended outcomes were identified as
shown below:
315
Al Sada Magazine (2009). Virtual design studio to redesign Sharjah: by an Emirati PhD. student Amal
Al-Ali. Emirates. Year 11. 544. p52. (in Arabic)
316
http://www.sharjah.ac.ae/English/Academics/Colleges/Engineering/Departments/ArchitecturalEngine
ering/events/ArtActivities/Pages/Redesignsharjah.aspx
166