In the summer of 2020, the Department of Interior Architecture and Design received a sizeable Instructional Technology Development Grant from FSU. Technology use is continually shaping and influencing design practice. In recognition of this, plus the extraordinary new demands placed on teaching processes within the pandemic restrictions, the grant has enhanced faculty remote-style instructional capability. As well as provided faculty and student startup and ongoing technical support for the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters. With the grant, the IA&D department was excited to acquire tools including digital markup devices in the form of Microsoft Surface Pro computers, document cameras, videoconference speakers, and for the first time, laptop computers for all adjunct instructors. Current professional design practices, as well as accreditation standards, now demand that students are aware and capable of using current technologies, and the use of these tools provided the added benefit of orientation for students to their future careers’ technological procedures. These innovative technological instruments will contribute significantly to the evolvement of student projects with greater efficiency due to new digital resources such as professional demonstrations, many of which are now available to students outside of class time.
“The new purchases help to make class sessions more accessible to our students. Students can review their meetings with us alongside transcripts, helping them to remember what was discussed. As we move forward, I’m very excited about the opportunities to eliminate geographical barriers by integrating a range of design experts to review projects, offer guest lectures, and mentor students. Being less reliant on paper-based instruction also means we can be more nimble and sustainable.” – Associate Professor Amy Huber
With the new upgrades provided by the ITS grant, learning outside the classroom is expected to increase. As further learning tools will be shifted to a digital platform, students are allowed the opportunity to learn not only in the classroom but through remote learning via Zoom as well. With greater access to recorded lectures and demonstrations, individual learning will extend beyond the bounds of class time. Increased flexibility within the environment will translate to a more sound approach to instruction and learning, both of which will be beneficial to faculty and students.
“All of the upgrades to the technology have given both the faculty and students a more balanced approach to instruction and learning. We have the ability to teach in a more flexible environment. We owe a huge thank you to William (Jay) Willoughby in ITS for providing the new technology for the Technology Enhanced Classrooms/Studios in the William Johnston Building.” – Specialized Faculty member Amy O’Keefe
The developments in technology will support the newly launched Studio D Institute, which will be in effect during the summer of 2021. This summer scholar program is open to professional artists internationally, selecting five applicants for a virtual residency. This residency will offer opportunities for self-directed learning and creative prototyping with assistance from the Studio D team within a virtual studio along with collaborating in a remote maker space. Studio D supports critical thinking through the process of problem identification, context research, ideation, development, and testing for solutions for real-world design problems. With the technology provided by the grant, faculty feedback will be timelier than ever and expert models will be available for academics and professionals to use as a resource at any hour, all of which will contribute to the efficient progression of work through academic flexibility.
“All machines and tech at Studio D have been outfitted to showcase the production of designs in real time. This allows designers to engage at Studio D in a new and innovative platform for anytime anywhere learning regardless of the physical boundaries of the makerspace.”—Associate Professor Marlo Ransdell
To learn more about Studio D visit https://interiordesign.fsu.edu/studio-d-institute/