IN-PERSON: Learning. Life. Work
Abstract
A significant challenge in design education lies in the limited exposure of educators to effective practices of giving feedback to students. This issue is deeply ingrained in the very essence of design education, where feedback is predominantly administered on a one-on-one and private basis, presenting a substantial obstacle for educators aspiring to hone their feedback-giving skills. The central research question addressed in this study is how Virtual Reality (VR) offers an effective avenue for design educators to transcend the limitations of traditional feedback practices by immersing themselves in dynamic, immersive classroom observation experiences. Virtual Reality (VR) in design education has received limited attention in literature. The research presented here fills a void by examining the transformative capacity of VR in addressing this critical challenge in design education. A case study will be conducted at the American University of Sharjah, Department of Art and Design, in which a VR training experience tailored for art and design educators will be administered. In this research, faculty members will be immersed in a virtual classroom and provided opportunities to observe and evaluate scripted feedback interactions between students and design faculty. This goal is for this immersive experience to serve as a learning tool, enabling educators to observe and apply the techniques they acquire in their pedagogical practice. By transcending traditional limitations of isolated student-professor interactions, VR will enhance feedback-giving strategies and enrich student learning experiences. This research underscores the importance of innovative solutions in addressing pedagogical challenges and contributes to the discourse on teaching and learning in contemporary educational contexts.
Zinka Bejtic is a Professor and Head of the Department of Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah, teaching film and digital media courses. With a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Zinka is dedicated to investigating and advancing pedagogies of creative studio-based disciplines. Her research helps studio educators assess, develop, and enhance specific techniques that target individual student’s needs, enhance student engagement and motivation, and constitute relaxed, supportive learning environments.
Mohammed Mamdouh is an Assistant Professor at the College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD) at the American University of Sharjah. His expertise in filmmaking has led to a strong interest in VR technology for innovative teaching methods in design education. After obtaining a Master in Fine Arts in Film from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, he built a successful career in filmmaking, with his works acclaimed at international film festivals. Notably, his screenplay for the feature film “Everglow” received numerous nominations and honors at international film festivals, including a nod at the 2023 Los Angeles Movie Awards and selection as a semi-finalist at the prestigious Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIFF), known for its Oscar and BAFTA qualifying status.
Ali Matay is an Assistant Professor at the College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD) at the American University of Sharjah specializing in Cinematic Virtual Reality. He earned a master’s degree with a full scholarship in Graphic Design and Illustration at Konstfack University in Stockholm, Sweden. During this time, he honed his post-production digitization skills while assisting renowned photographer Anders Petersen. His graduate studies revolved around digital media and film studies. Following an intensive directing program at the New York Film Academy, he secured a full scholarship in the Animation and Interactive Technologies Program.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Monday 10th June, 2024