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

problematic and has been a tool for researchers for a long time. In this
research, the socio-cultural factors of the UAE society are given great
emphasis. Hence the use of still images and video recordings is helpful
in determining such factors. More details about the utilisation of this
technique are presented later in this chapter.
5.9 Computer Use
During this research, the researcher created a database to help to
analyse and query the international best practice of VDS. The database
acted as a repository where existing practice could be entered, queried,
and analysed to find the practice(s) that most fulfilled the criteria for best
practice. The practices that met all or most criteria are considered the
best practiced. A conceptual framework for the proposed VDS was then
initiated.
In the evaluation stages the project also relied on the use of computer
programmes and software in assessing the student‟s participation and
for grading purposes as part of the proposed model; the data was also
used to aid the qualitative investigation.
The computer software Nvivo 8 was used to aid the organisation and
analysis of the raw data obtained through the study. The nature of the
research also encouraged the use of computer logs to assess the
student participation in the VDS 3 environment.
5.10 Hypothesis
The research attempted to construct and evaluate a framework for the
integration of technology in design education for an architectural
curriculum, bearing in mind the UAE society and its socio-cultural
aspects. The research therefore hypothesises the following:
VDS is instrumental in promoting creativity and collaboration in
architectural education and the main hypothesis is that socio-economic
factors within the UAE and other Gulf States need to be addressed to
implement successfully VDS into the curriculum.
94