Online Learning as a Tool for Enhancing Design Education

Universities are under great pressure to lower costs and operate more efficiently. This fact has lead to the widespread adoption of distance learning as a means of delivering curriculum. Due to the fiscal demands of their universities, and in response to changes occurring in the professional realm, many design departments find themselves needing to adapt. Students need greater exposure to other disciplines and the professional world, and the ability to engage in the learning process in ways that compliment their sensibilities. Support networks need to be put in place for faculty who work in virtual settings to boost their confidence and increase their participation. The traditional design studio setting has immeasurable value as a stage for building what have been discovered to be important aspects of learning such as social presence and personal growth. The limits of any physical space, however, are its inaccessibility due to location, and unavailability due to time. The strengths of online courses are that they are accessible any time by any student, and that they are expansive and adaptable. Virtual studios can be used to expand access, and the existent social structures of traditional studios, as well as to provide a conduit of exposure to new people and ideas and support for faculty.

Name thesis:degree_name

MFA

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

College of Communication and Information / School of Visual Communication Design

Grantor dc:publisher

Kent State University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Richburg, Jason E.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Visocky O'Grady, Ken

• Design
• Education
• Educational Technology
• Higher Education
• design education
• social media
• distance learning
• design studio
• studio based learning
• online learning
• learning technology

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1368532104

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:kent1368532104