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

9.3.3 Networking Facilities
The open nature of the studio in terms of the accessibility of online
learning materials raised an issue about the security and confidentiality
of online material availability. The use of the online social networking
site Facebook resulted in students‟ accounts being exposed to
unauthorised users. Nevertheless, the network in The University of
Sharjah showed a great deal of reliability and stability which assisted the
use of video and audio facilities. The focus group and the interviews
provided evidence that a number of system enhancements and
modifications were required to more effectively support the learning
outcomes and to programme the evaluation progress. It was evidential
that links to other universities and online reports were required for the
multi-disciplinary nature of the VDS. A need for a maximum utilisation of
the available network facilities was also evidenced, as the observation
depicted an underutilisation of available resources, such as blackboard,
made available for the students and the faculty by the university.
9.3.4 Instructors
Despite the nature of the work ethic practised in the university and the
importance of the hierarchy in terms of making decisions in academic
circles within the UAE, the faculty members (instructors) practice
freedom in the tools they use in their teaching. However, the
importance of having a vision of standardised technology deployment is
essential in that it creates a shared standard and gives equal
opportunities to all students following design courses, regardless of the
instructors‟ positive or negative attitude toward the technology. The
importance of instructor training initiatives (in the technological aspects)
is also highlighted as a point of difficulty, as the underutilisation of
technology is directly linked with the instructor‟s ability. The availability
of a support network is also crucial as this will enable the instructors to
approach the technology without fear or lack of knowledge. The
Interviews conducted on the stage 3 (evaluation stage) of phase 3 with
the lecturers in the University of Sharjah revealed that Instructors‟
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