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

Chapter Three: Needs Analysis
3.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the needs analysis related to the development of
this study. The needs analysis of the study determines the importance
of focusing the study object. The needs analysis also helps the
researcher to define their goals and objectives. Defining the goals and
objectives makes it clear what the researcher intends to accomplish.
Needs analysis also determines the requirements for developing a
certain project. This study aims at meeting the needs of the UAE
development plans in terms of the use of technology to enhance
architecture education. The study also considers the socio-cultural
factors of the UAE society. Hence a needs analysis of the UAE society
in general and architectural education in particular was essential. This
chapter establishes the foundation of the study. In this research, the
needs analysis of the UAE requirement of the use of technology is
assessed. This chapter presents the background of the needs analysis
of the UAE. The chapter includes the UAE‟s vision for its national‟s
development plans. The chapter shows that this study is in line with the
UAE‟s mission for the future. It proposes the need for the integration of
technology in education in the UAE. The chapter evaluates the impact
of IT on architecture education. It also highlights the need for an
effective utilisation of IT in architecture education in the UAE. The
chapter further investigates the strong infrastructural arguments for IT
utilisation. An overview of the use of creativity in architecture education
is then discussed and the use of collaborative skills is evaluated. The
chapter then concludes with the highlight of the benefits for the UAE
from international practice.
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