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

The participants will then be instructed to explore and observe the emirate, and prepare
their individual presentations which will take place after lunch. The participants will then
break for a flexible break for lunch and prayers, which will be considered in this case as
an opportunity for the participants to polish their final presentations.
After lunch and prayers, the participants will then present their initial design ideas in a
via a video conferencing facility to enable the male and female groups interaction and
on a film format. The films will be broadcast on MSN and stored on Facebook for future
reference. Discussion and critique will be reserved for studio time.
The participants will then partake in studio-based work. It is here where Al-Ali and the
tutors will re-form the groups, using information from Facebook and the Pecha Lucha
presentations as a basis for doing so. At this point, design briefs need to be finalised for
the final exhibitions films. Studio-based work will then commence, with the tutors
working closely for guidance and support. At this point, the participants will be informed
of that the deadline for their presentations is the end of the following day.
During the studio-based workshop the groups will be remixed and matched by the
tutors, and will be expected to work on finalising their design briefs. The participants are
then encouraged to socialise, reflect and relax in accordance with the studio’s
philosophy on Schon’s theory of reflection. During this time the participants can visit the
appointed zones covered during the virtual tour or work within their newly formed
groups. They must facilitate the VDS tools, using links from the website to explore the
emirate using, and Facebook to answer workbook questions and update status etc, all of
which will be monitored by the tutors for assessment.
The day will then end with a lecture from Studio Coordinator Gemma June Howell,
concerning creativity and design thought processes. This lecture will encourage the
participants to think metaphorically in terms of poetry and design, teach them to trust
one another as team members and will inspire them to create their final design
strategies.
Day 3. 21/10/09: 09.30-11.30hrs
Submission & Installation
The final day is reserved solely for presentations and critique. During the first hour of
the day the students must submit their final projects. The female presentations will take
place via a video conferencing link, discussion and critique will follow from both tutors
and groups. The participants will be required to submit their presentations and all
relevant material for their design projects from the participants.
The will then have a free period until 13.30hrs where they will regroup for the final
presentation and critique session of their projects before the final installation. All of the
tutors will be on hand at the point and changes can be made before the final film
installation.
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