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

Interview with Ms. Randah Taher
Q1. Do you think the aspect of virtuality (use of computers) was fulfilled
in this workshop?
It was used and very helpful. The effects showed more after the
workshop as the groups kept in touch with each other (some of them).
Perhaps it would have been much more helpful if the virutality was
across countries and the connection was between students at UoS and
at Glamorgan university. That would have been much more interesting
and fulfilling. Also, since most students came from the same
department, they were completing their work meeting in the main halls
and classes, and not necessarily online. So it did not fulfil the “virtuality”
concept in this sense (the process) but only in the final product.
Q2. Do you think that this workshop contributed in promoting Creativity
taking in consideration the student‟s final products?
It did promote creativity with the different approaches/tools offered. But
did the students use those tools in finishing up their final products?
Other than the film production (which was a great addition) did they use
the concept of writing (or free-flow writing) or producing lots of ideas
before choosing one? Again, I don‟t know.
Q3. In terms of time constraint as the student and the staff had their own
pressing commitments, how do you see ways of improvements in the
future?
The timing was a big issue not only of the duties of the workshop within
one week but also the timing of it (during exams). If students knew about
it at the beginning of the semester then some work might have been
done prior. For example, the instructors from Glamorgan could have
produced a short video to show the participants before they come here
and ask them to do some work (using in-house facilitation). They could
also start connecting the groups and following their progress, watching
the virtual tour, etc.
That way no stress in time would be as big. Also, finishing up their
project in a short time added to the stress level of not only the students
but also their instructors from other classes who complained about
students missing class and/or not coming prepared with their
assignments. Should it have covered 2 weekends instead might have
been a better story, but again, each time option has its pros/cons.
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