| The purpose of this study was to evaluate a virtual design studio (VDS) model within the higher education curricula of interior design. The need for this evaluative study was exemplified by the lack of research committed to online and distance education options for the applied arts curriculums. The study examined a VDS model using a qualitative evaluation method of educational connoisseurship and criticism by expert evaluators from the field of interior design education, with knowledge and/or active participation in online education, and appropriate knowledge of studio education, specifically the process of design and the critique component of studio education.; The VDS model of studio education introduced the pedagogy of a traditional studio course and delivery methods of each phase of design including critique interactions. Various software and hardware options were combined and integrated to create the VDS model. It was anticipated that additional online delivery methods for interior design education would begin to emerge from the VDS; outlining the process of design, instructional taxonomy, while integrating asynchronous and synchronous communication methods. The themes that emerged from this evaluative study were indicators of future areas of development of VDS models and included the theoretical development of the model, technology used in the model, and teaching using the model. The evaluative process validated that future expansion of a VDS model is feasible, and has various applications in an interior design curriculum. |
