CumInCAD is a Cumulative Index about publications in Computer Aided Architectural Design
supported by the sibling associations ACADIA, CAADRIA, eCAADe, SIGraDi, ASCAAD and CAAD futures

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Hits 1 to 20 of 552

_id ecaade2007_119
id ecaade2007_119
authors Zupancic, Tadeja; Mullins, Michael
year 2007
title Reconfiguring Course Design in Virtual Learning Environments
doi https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2007.647
source Predicting the Future [25th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 978-0-9541183-6-5] Frankfurt am Main (Germany) 26-29 September 2007, pp. 647-654
summary Although many administrators and educators are familiar with e-learning programs, learning management systems and portals, fewer may have experience with virtual distributed learning environments and their academic relevance. The blended learning experience of the VIPA e-learning project for architectural students offers some innovative insights into experientially oriented educational interfaces. A comparative analysis of VIPA courses and project results are presented in the paper. Special attention in the discussion is devoted to the improvements of e-learning solutions in architecture. The criterion of the relation between the actual applicability of selected e-learning solutions and elements of collaborative educational interfaces with VR are taken into account. A system of e-learning applicability levels in program and course development and implementation of architectural tectonics in courseware is developed from the evaluation process and which contributes to the discussion of future trends in architectural education.
keywords Architectural education, e-learning, virtual space
series eCAADe
email
last changed 2022/06/07 07:57

_id ecaade2007_115
id ecaade2007_115
authors Seifried, Philipp; Hoog, Jochen; Falkner, Christoph
year 2007
title Teaching 3D Generative Virtual Architecture with VIPA CONSTRICTOR
doi https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2007.751
source Predicting the Future [25th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 978-0-9541183-6-5] Frankfurt am Main (Germany) 26-29 September 2007, pp. 751-756
summary CONSTRICTOR is a novel teaching and learning tool to introduce students of architecture to the fundamentals of computational design. It was developed within an EC funded e-learning project, VIPA (Virtual campus for virtual space design Provided for European Architects). In this paper, we describe the general structure and technology of CONSTRICTOR and its application within the course “Synthetic Constructions II”) that aims at familiarizing students with concepts like cellular automata, swarms, shape grammars, path finding etc. CONSTRICTOR allows students to observe simulations, navigate through them and change the parameters that define and control them, thereby developing an understanding for the rules that govern their virtual environments. They can also change the geometry used in the simulations and work with and export their results. Students can modify the simulations at code level, combine them or write entirely new simulations. Finally some of the student work performed during and after the course is described, and an outlook for future work and further developments around the VIPA courses and the constrictor software will be given.
keywords Blender, generative design, learning platform, virtual space design
series eCAADe
email
last changed 2022/06/07 07:56

_id ascaad2007_051
id ascaad2007_051
authors Ibrahim, M.M.
year 2007
title Teaching BIM, what is missing? The challenge of integrating BIM based CAD in today’s architectural curricula
source Em‘body’ing Virtual Architecture: The Third International Conference of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2007), 28-30 November 2007, Alexandria, Egypt, pp. 651-660
summary Building Information Modeling is the technology converting the workplace in design firms around the world. Now, professionals as well as academia see the feasibility and benefits of converting to such a new technology. Therefore, it seems inevitable to start teaching BIM to architecture students. And as we keep using and depending on computers the way we are, it also seems inevitable that programming will soon become one of the core curriculum classes for architecture students. However, the same problems facing professionals in design firms are those facing academic educators in schools of architecture, but with some different aspects. The misconceptions about the reality of BIM and the lack of understanding the full potential of the applications are the common issues. Few schools have started looking at the problem of preparing their students for a career in a BIM enabled work environment. The difficulty is due partly to the novelty of the technology and partly to the dilemma of teaching one application versus teaching the technology behind it. Besides the steep learning curve there should be the early introduction to how to interact deeply with the application to edit its content. The training required for BIM based CAD should focus on the core concepts rather than the application interface and functionalities. Therefore, building a course for teaching these systems should follow a different path than with conventional CAD. The training should be tied closely to the design curriculum in the design schools. A special version with different interface might empower the user. Hence, enhancing the experience and relieving some of the concerns attached with introducing BIM in the architecture curriculum.
series ASCAAD
email
last changed 2008/01/21 22:00

_id ecaade2007_114
id ecaade2007_114
authors Olmos, Francisco
year 2007
title Training Programs for Art and Design Learning in the Virtual Studio
doi https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2007.639
source Predicting the Future [25th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 978-0-9541183-6-5] Frankfurt am Main (Germany) 26-29 September 2007, pp. 639-646
summary Computers are very common drawing tools at university design studios but their potential as training tools in arts and design has not been explored in depth. In arts and design the learning process is based on ‘knowing in action’ (Schön 1983). Therefore, training is the keystone of the learning process in arts and design. This action takes the form of a reflective practice based on the manipulation of a media where each media has its own possibilities, its own limits in communicating design ideas or artistic concepts. With the introduction of digital media in the design studio, it is expected that reflective practices in design learning will experience a qualitative change. However, currently there is little understanding of how to use the digital and virtual media in a design studio as a learning tool (Szalapaj 2001), nor of the use of design training programs. In this paper the use of training programs in an experimental design course at a university level, is discussed. This experience was carried out as a PhD research experiment at the Faculty of Architecture and Arts of the Universidad de Los Andes in Merida, Venezuela. The training programs discussed here were designed for an eight week introductory design course in a virtual design studio. The programs were written in VRML and conceived as a virtual design training environment. Each program was designed for a specific design exercise, based on a learning strategy and an interactivity model proposed for object manipulation in design training. A comparative analysis of the data gathered from the course was made of training exercises done with a Cad program and with the training programs and crossing information with other sources. The experiment shows that the training programs, their learning strategy and the interactivity model proposed were successful in guiding the scope of the design exercises during the training process.
keywords E-learning, virtual studio, design training, virtual environment
series eCAADe
email
last changed 2022/06/07 08:00

_id ascaad2007_036
id ascaad2007_036
authors Pratini, E.F.
year 2007
title Experimental Tools for the Teaching of Technical Graphics and Improving Visualization
source Em‘body’ing Virtual Architecture: The Third International Conference of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2007), 28-30 November 2007, Alexandria, Egypt, pp. 457-468
summary This paper presents an updated evaluation of an experience of applying computer graphics, virtual reality and Internet resources in the teaching of technical graphics at the University of Brasilia, Brazil. It differs from a previous paper (Pratini, 2004) for the addition of an overview of the course, the context and the new teaching methodology. It is an extended, more detailed paper, which includes examples, and closes with some results of surveys on the didactic material and the methodology. Our motivation for this experiment is the fact that most of the students have a lack of previous knowledge on the basis of drawings, resulting difficulties in both understanding and visualizing technical drawings. In this experiment, we introduced VRML 3D modeling in addition to CAD and regular pencil-and-paper drawings study and practice. To support the learning of this broad knowledge not present in the technical graphics bibliography, we first provided a website with animations and virtual reality resources. Since 2003 we are providing a CD-ROM containing all the former website material which is updated each semester. At the present time, the CD-ROM contains almost all the needed didactic material and software for the one semester technical graphics course. This experience was intended to improve and to support learning in a way that motivates the students, young people who are used to play video and computer games. Classes, website and CD-ROM material were conceived to take advantage of computers´ interactivity and animated resources. The use of computers´ technology and new media to support the learning resulted a new methodology and several new unanswered questions.
series ASCAAD
email
last changed 2008/01/21 22:00

_id ascaad2007_033
id ascaad2007_033
authors Sheta, S.A.
year 2007
title Collaborative Design as an Experimental Multidisciplinary Approach to Develop Computer Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) Courses
source Em‘body’ing Virtual Architecture: The Third International Conference of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2007), 28-30 November 2007, Alexandria, Egypt, pp. 399-414
summary This study demonstrates an overview of the state of teaching Computer Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) in the Department of Architecture, Misr Academy for Engineering and Technology (MET). This course is basically designed to enable students to explore new ways of design using Computer Aided Architectural Design software. In hypothetical valuation analysis, the study examines the necessity of combining ICT with architectural courses’ teaching in a collaborative design manner. In this sense, it tackles an experimental multidisciplinary approach to develop CAAD courses. It focuses on the innovation of the course by the introduction of ICT both in the contents of the course and as a means of education. To attain its goals stated above, the paper discusses the differences between teaching CAAD by using standard software and teaching the principles of CAAD. It distinguishes four-interdisciplinary system of application for collaborative design in education: social systems, professional systems, educational systems, and innovative systems. This exploration is seldom backed up from a design methodological viewpoint. The conclusion shows how the developed CAAD course, when taught in combination with ICT and collaborative design approaches may result in favorable learning outcomes.
series ASCAAD
email
last changed 2008/01/21 22:00

_id e5a8
id e5a8
authors Saghafi, Mahmoud Reza; Jill Franz, Philip Crowther
year 2010
title Crossing the Cultural Divide: A Contemporary Holistic Framework for Conceptualising Design Studio Education
source CONNECTED 2010 – 2ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DESIGN EDUCATION 28 JUNE - 1 JULY 2010, UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
summary While the studio is widely accepted as the learning environment where architecture students most effectively learn how to design (Mahgoub, 2007:195), there are surprisingly few studies that attempt to identify in a qualitative way the interrelated factors that contribute to and support design studio learning (Bose, 2007:131). Such a situation seems problematic given the changes and challenges facing education including design education. Overall, there is growing support for re-examining (perhaps redefining) the design studio particularly in response to the impact of new technologies but as this paper argues this should not occur independently of the other elements and qualities comprising the design studio. In this respect, this paper describes a framework developed for a doctoral project concerned with capturing and more holistically understanding the complexity and potential of the design studio to operate within an increasingly and largely unpredictable global context. Integral to this is a comparative analysis of selected cases underpinned by grounded theory methodology of the traditional design studio and the virtual design studio informed by emerging pedagogical theory and the experiences of those most intimately involved – students and lecturers. In addition to providing a conceptual model for future research, the framework is of value to educators currently interested in developing as well as evaluating learning environments for design.
keywords design studio, learning environment, online education
series other
type normal paper
email
more http://eprints.qut.edu.au/32147/1/c32147.pdf
last changed 2010/11/16 08:26

_id ascaad2007_042
id ascaad2007_042
authors Ameireh, O.M.
year 2007
title Abstract Thinking: An Introduction to Creative Thinking in Basic Design
source Em‘body’ing Virtual Architecture: The Third International Conference of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2007), 28-30 November 2007, Alexandria, Egypt, pp. 527-542
summary This paper critically examines the nature of the dramatic increase in the number of students accepted in schools of architecture in Jordan, and the contradictory decrease in their artistic, creative, thought process, projects problem solving and other skills. The paper also reviews architectural curriculum and courses to identify weaknesses in handling the changes and ultimately within these constraints and in order to handle the students variable potentials, abilities and contradictions, certain exercises in the basic design course are devised in ways that; reduces its dependency on learnable manual skills and conceptual thinking; uses teaching techniques that correlates and incorporates Arts, Architecture and Sciences as complementary topics; approaches and reaches creativity as a procedure not a gift; transfers and travels easily between complexities and simplicities, between natural and artificial intelligence, between abstract and relative thinking; employ geometries and design tools as the main structure of any composition; makes self evaluations of choices, decisions and variables easier. Taking Abstraction as a framework in solving the problem of the exercises gave answers and solution to many problems that was not easy solving under the conventional ways of design.
series ASCAAD
email
last changed 2008/01/21 22:00

_id be0c
id be0c
authors Hamza N, Horne M
year 2007
title An operational model for teaching low energy architecture
source Building and Environment Volume 42, Issue 11, November 2007, Pages 3841-3847 July 2007
summary Awareness of the need to integrate sustainability at all levels has recently been gaining momentum in education to meet pedagogical university policy, government and employers’ expectations. Within the school of the Built Environment at Northumbria University an integrated course delivery has been adopted for second year students. This proposal intends to disseminate an operational model for integrating teaching and assessment between three modules which have traditionally been taught and assessed separately to achieve a low-energy house.
keywords low-energy architecture, virtual reality, integrated curriculum, project decision making, mapping learning outcomes
series other
type normal paper
email
more http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2006.11.003
last changed 2008/03/14 00:25

_id ecaade2007_138
id ecaade2007_138
authors Koszewski, Krzysztof; Wrona, Stefan
year 2007
title me, Architect
doi https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2007.415
source Predicting the Future [25th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 978-0-9541183-6-5] Frankfurt am Main (Germany) 26-29 September 2007, pp. 415-422
summary The paper is focused on selected issues of preliminary education of computer techniques as part of first semester curriculum at a school of architecture. Teaching methods based on previously known research are tested and explored in a situation of clearly defined constraints: lack of architecture-specific knowledge of the novices and varying levels of their computer skills. The paper is based on three-year experience. Although we are all in the mood of saying: we do not teach software any more, we still have to think how to encourage students to develop their skills in computer techniques to the level that can liberate them from tool-dependence. The aim is to direct them towards task rather than tool oriented actions. Learning while designing causes the design process to be less important than representation. On the other hand, classic software courses are a thing of the far past and are not suited for design-oriented curriculum. There is a need to find alternative ways more suitable for a preliminary architecture IT course.
keywords Architectural design education, design process, curriculum, pedagogical strategy
series eCAADe
email
last changed 2022/06/07 07:51

_id ecaade2007_069
id ecaade2007_069
authors Madrazo, Leandro
year 2007
title Crossing Interactions between Architecture and Media
doi https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2007.827
source Predicting the Future [25th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 978-0-9541183-6-5] Frankfurt am Main (Germany) 26-29 September 2007, pp. 827-835
summary The course Systems of Representation has been conceived as an open structure made up of relationships between different areas of knowledge. Art and new media, architectural theory and visual communication, graphic design and interface design, digital tools and manual techniques, are put into relation in the theory lessons and in the realization of exercises. The crossing interactions between the different media gives rise to an interdisciplinary and participatory education, with the support of information and communication technologies. The paper focuses in the content and results of two of the six themes that make the course: Text and Image.
keywords Representation, design education, interdisciplinarity, computer-supported collaborative learning
series eCAADe
email
last changed 2022/06/07 07:59

_id ascaad2007_029
id ascaad2007_029
authors Prichard-Schmitzberger, A.
year 2007
title Team-Working and Reverse Engineering: Teaching Methods for Complex Architecture
source Em‘body’ing Virtual Architecture: The Third International Conference of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2007), 28-30 November 2007, Alexandria, Egypt, pp. 343-356
summary This paper contains research and details of a work in progress on the implementation of advanced 3D precision modelling in an undergraduate curriculum. Core to the investigation is the undergraduate course Digitally Enhanced Construction and Fabrication (D.E.C.A.F.) at the Department of Architecture, California State Polytechnic University Pomona. The course tests the application of Reverse Engineering (RE) in a team configuration, Hot-Swapping (HS), and precision modelling of complex geometries with minimal programming/scripting input, taking in consideration the limited resources common to small-scale architectural practices. Reverse Engineering particularly enables students to extract information building assembly and executed details with precision, based on existing documentation. It is conducted in teams not only to emphasize and investigate efficiency of protocols but also to observe problems in developing threads in digital modelling. Hot-Swapping identifies the principle of replacing components of a building during active design processes without altering its general appearance. As a teaching methodology, it allows the investigation of required modelling accuracy, creation of prototypes and various versions of assembly alternatives. The current paper focuses mainly on 1) engaged procedures in Reverse Engineering, 2) the educational aspects of such an approach, and 3) the advantages and disadvantages of conventional tools in a collaborative modelling exercise.
series ASCAAD
email
last changed 2008/01/21 22:00

_id cbfc
id cbfc
authors Rafi, A and Khairul Anuar, S
year 2007
title The relationship of spatial experience, previous mathematics achievement and gender with perceived ability in learning engineering drawing
source Journal of Technology Education, 18(2), 52-66.
summary This study examined the relationships among three factors namely spatial experience, previous mathematics achievement and gender, with students’ perceived ability to learn Engineering Drawing at the foundation year. A correlational and regressional descriptive design was utilized involving 224 students of secondary schools. Two survey instruments comprising Spatial Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) and Student Questionnaire (SQ) were administered to elicit participants’ demographics and their perceived ability to learn the course. Correlational analysis found a significant correlation between perceived ability and spatial experience. Perceived ability was slightly correlated with previous mathematics achievement and gender. Regressional analysis attested spatial experience as the only variable to have a strong predictive power to account for variation in perceived ability.
keywords spatial experience, engineering drawing, perceived ability
series journal paper
type normal paper
email
more http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/
last changed 2007/09/11 02:35

_id ascaad2007_011
id ascaad2007_011
authors Reichrath, M. and P. Zeile
year 2007
title Illumination of urban space using digital simulation methods: Exemplified on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg
source Em‘body’ing Virtual Architecture: The Third International Conference of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2007), 28-30 November 2007, Alexandria, Egypt, pp. 127-140
summary The photorealistic visualisation of lighting-scenarios with the help of virtual 3d city models is gaining importance as a tool, helping to make decisions in the process of planning. This form of presentation makes sense to every spectator very quickly and in a definite way, thus it makes collaboration easy especially in interdisciplinary planning teams. Moreover the light-planner has the possibility to check his design in a virtual surrounding and therefore gain additional reliability for his planning. The displayed, exemplary, workflow and the techniques belonging to it, allow to show situations during the course of planning and to present the current state of planning realistically. Hence the quality of planning can be enduringly improved, through experimental use of new materials and ideas. Moreover alternative planning that does not show the right results can be eliminated very early in planning process, with not need for special investments to do so.
series ASCAAD
email
last changed 2008/01/21 22:00

_id 45f3
id 45f3
authors Russell Lowe
year 2007
title COMPUTER GAMING, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURE: EMBEDDING THE INTERSECTION WITHIN AN ARCHITECTURAL CURRICULUM.
source AASA2007
summary Today, leading computer games provide real time environments including spaces, objects and characters that range (by manipulating an enormous array of parameters and being subject to simulations of real world physics) from the super realistic to the super delirious. Biotechnology, although apparently unrelated, also requires the manipulation of information in space and time and promises to affect environments in a range of ways that is at least as extreme. The opportunities suggested by an intersection between Architecture, Computer Gaming and Biotechnology were instrumental in the creation of courses and topics for students in first year right through to students studying toward a Masters degree. This paper reflects on and critically reviews the implementation, strategies and outcomes of embedding the intersection between Computer Gaming and Biotechnology within an Architectural curriculum. It draws from the experience of over 500 students, two Universities and major technological shifts. It develops the notion of the experiment in design. In contrast with the introduction of computer gaming technology into a core first year course, that had the underlying aim of including these technologies as a part of a general design curriculum, the introduction of issues connecting architecture with biotechnology (through computer gaming technology) reflects the specific research agenda of the author and is not intended for general application across an architectural curriculum. For more general application it could be seen as a strategy to promote cross disciplinary collaboration through the concept of the ‘boundary object’.
keywords Architecture, Computer gaming, Biotechnology, Design Experiment, Boundary Object
series other
type normal paper
email
more http://www.russelllowe.com/publications/aasa2007/aasa2007.htm
last changed 2008/04/28 07:48

_id cf2007_061
id cf2007_061
authors Stavric, Milena; Heimo Schimek and Albert Wiltsche
year 2007
title Didactical Integration of Analog and Digital Tools into Architectural Education
source Computer Aided Architectural Design Futures / 978-1-4020-6527-9 2007 [Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Futures / 978-1-4020-6527-9] Sydney (Australia) 11–13 July 2007, pp. 61-70
summary This paper describes the new syllabus of the course “Methods of representation” that has evolved in the first year of architectural study at our university. Due to the rapidly growing digital possibilities students need to know/learn the new topics and tools which are relevant in modern architectural design practice. Our students should be empowered rather than overwhelmed by the arsenal of digital tools available today. In this course we try to define the essential skills in representation which we achieve through the synthesis of digital and analog methods and tools. Digital and analog methods and tools we use are: study and construction of complex geometry, observation and analysis of organic forms and their representation through hand drawing, collaborative work through peer-to-peer learning on our web interface, NURBS-modelling, rapid prototyping and desktop publishing.
series CAAD Futures
email
last changed 2007/07/06 12:47

_id ascaad2007_050
id ascaad2007_050
authors Techel, F., K. Nassar
year 2007
title Teaching Building Information Modeling (BIM) from a Sustainabilty Design Perspective
source Em‘body’ing Virtual Architecture: The Third International Conference of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2007), 28-30 November 2007, Alexandria, Egypt, pp. 635-650
summary Building Information Modeling has recently gained significant attention both in academia and practice. BIM presents immense opportunities for increased efficiencies, coordination and quality of architectural design. One of the reasons that BIM offers a more comprehensive design approach is the fact that all aspect of the building are considered during the modeling phase. Rather than drawing the building using lines and circles actual object are used to model the building, which results in a more comprehensive underlying database model of the entire edifice being designed. The approach obviously has tremendous benefits in terms of coordination and systems integration, as well as, project control and management during the design and construction phases. Nevertheless BIM offers its own unique challenges vis-à-vis its introduction to students of architecture. The students in Architecture programs are usually introduced to BIM in two ways, either through a specialized course in CAD or via a shadow introduction in design studios and related courses. Careful positioning of the course within the architecture curriculum is crucial in order to gain maximum benefit in the synthesis of other course content. The reason being that students of architecture in earlier years of the design curriculum may not yet have developed the ability to synthesize and coordinate multiple systems required for complete BIM. This is an important consideration the design and pedagogy of introducing BIM to Architecture students. This paper argues for a new approach in teaching BIM for Architecture students. Instead of designing a course specifically for BIM/CAAD we present a paradigm whereas BIM can be presented within a larger more rigorous context. The experience of teaching BIM within a sustainable design framework is presented in this paper. Issues relating to the design of basic residential buildings were integrated into the course presenting BIM. A simplified set of design rules and guidelines under banner of sustainability were taught to the students in pre-defined doses and sequence throughout the course. The careful placement of these concepts permitted for BIM to be introduced in a more interesting and comprehensive manner than in the traditional CAD-course setting. Samples of student work are presented and critiqued in order to come up with recommendations and guidelines for incorporating BIM into a comprehensive and comprehensible course. The pedagogical advantages of and disadvantages of the approach are discussed within the paper, as well as, a detailed description of the course content and structure. Results from and outcome-based assessment of the objectives of the course are also illuminated which provided suggestions for future offerings of the course.
series ASCAAD
email
last changed 2008/01/21 22:00

_id sigradi2007_af113
id sigradi2007_af113
authors Zorzano Betancourt, Osvaldo; Eduardo Hamuy Pinto; Marcelo Quezada Gutiérrez; Bruno Perelli Soto
year 2007
title Introduction to Digital Culture in Design Teaching [Introducción a la Cultura Digital en la Enseñanza de Diseño]
source SIGraDi 2007 - [Proceedings of the 11th Iberoamerican Congress of Digital Graphics] México D.F. - México 23-25 October 2007, pp. 163-167
summary This academic experience is about the Computer Graphics I course, version 2006, part of the first academic year in the Design career at Universidad de Chile and the results obtained due to the study program update, besides an improvement of a methodolgy for digital media teaching. The academic team has evolved from planning focused on sofware operation to a competences-based approach, which is defined as the curricula model by Universidad de Chile. The relevant issue in this experience is the perspective of setting the accent in the learning process lying beneath the tools, more than the final results or products.
keywords Digital Culture; Design; Teaching/Learning; TIC
series SIGRADI
email
last changed 2016/03/10 10:03

_id ascaad2007_002
id ascaad2007_002
authors Abdellatif, R. and C. Calderon
year 2007
title SecondLife: A Computer-Mediated Tool for Distance-Learning in Architecture Education?
source Em‘body’ing Virtual Architecture: The Third International Conference of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2007), 28-30 November 2007, Alexandria, Egypt, pp. 17-34
summary Despite the importance of distance learning for its ability to reach a wide audience, easiness to access materials, and its lower cost compared to traditional learning, architecture education has not been well served by distance education. This is because it has a higher level of learning objectives, it is taught by coaching methodologies, and involves nonverbal forms of communication. One of the most common learning methods used in the design studio is the Criticism/Critique, which is a graphic and oral type of communication between the tutor and the students. In this investigation, Second Life, a massive multi-user online virtual environment that offers three-dimensional spatial capabilities via Avatars impersonation, is used as a computer-mediated tool for text and graphic-based communication in a distance learning situation. The study describes a demonstration experiment where students had to communicate with their tutor, display and describe their projects at a distance, in a purposely designed criticism space in SecondLife. The main objective of this paper is to observe and document the effects and the use of SecondLife virtual environment as an online 3D graphical-based tool of computer-mediated communication in distance learning in architecture education. The study also answers some questions: How well did the students use the tools of the medium provide? Was there a sense of personal communication and realism gained through using Avatars in the virtual environment? Did SecondLife provide a successful means of communication for a graphic-based context? And what are the students’ opinions about the learning environment? Using multiple methods of data collection, mainly based on an electronic observation of the experiment, questioning the participants before and after the experiment, and the analysis of the chat transcripts, the study presents descriptive results of the experiment, and discusses its main features. Proposals for modifications are made for future replications.
series ASCAAD
email
last changed 2008/01/21 22:00

_id ascaad2007_035
id ascaad2007_035
authors Al-Ali, A.I.
year 2007
title Readiness for the Use of Technology for effective learning via the vds: Case of the United Arab Emirates
source Em‘body’ing Virtual Architecture: The Third International Conference of the Arab Society for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ASCAAD 2007), 28-30 November 2007, Alexandria, Egypt, pp. 439-456
summary Review of the literature indicated that today’s knowledge-driven economy demands a workforce equipped with complex skills and attitudes such as problem solving, meta-cognitive skills, critical thinking and lifelong learning. Such skills can be acquired if learning and teaching are guided by the constructivist and cognitive learning theories. In particular, the constructivist approach emphasises effective learning processes based on learning by doing and collaboration. This approach is congruent with use of technologies, such as Virtual Design Studio (VDS), for the purpose of architecture education in design courses, but such use is lacking in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is thus important to assess the extent to which the constructivist and cognitive theories are implemented in teaching design courses in the Architecture schools of the UAE. It is also important to assess the effectiveness of employing technology in general and VDS in particular in implementing these theories. The author intends to study the relationship between effective learning on one hand and using VDS in implementing the constructivist and cognitive approaches on the other hand. Thus, the author conducted a preliminary study to gain a basic understanding of the difficulties, approaches, attitudes, perceptions, and motivation related to the learning of design in architecture schools in the UAE. Second, the investigation was designed to assess the extent to which the students would be interested in the use of sophisticated technology in the teaching and learning environment in the UAE architecture education schools in order to achieve effective learning. The study has been conducted in the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Methodology used for this was the focus group method. In addition to the focus group interviews with the UAEU students, unstructured individual interviews with lecturers from UAEU and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) have been carried out. Data analysis showed that students were not satisfied with the current teaching methods based on traditional lectures. It was concluded that students were ready to practice effective learning of design via the intermarriage of VDS and the constructivist and cognitive approaches. An ambiguity that remained was whether students were ready for assessment methods which are consistent with the constructivist approach.
series ASCAAD
email
last changed 2008/01/21 22:00

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