The perceived effect of digital design technology on student learning in architectural technology: a preliminary analysis

This paper explores some of the issues facing architectural education in relation to digital design and student learning. The paper, which reports on a section of a larger PhD study, presents a preliminary analysis of interviews with lecturers, tutors and studio group leaders at two Australian universities. The paper focuses on the perceptions of the key individuals intimately involved in the students' learning process. It focuses particularly on the issues of perceptions of digital design technology, with specific attention on culture, and the approach and delivery of digital media as design tools. Through com- parative analysis of 14 one-on-one semi-structured interviews with educators involved in the design and delivery of the architectural studio, we explore educational responses, including curriculum design and course delivery, to the evolvement of digital design and student needs. The semi-structured nature of the interviews encouraged partic- ipants to explore and question the effect of digital design on student learning, leading to a greater awareness and understanding of this evolving phenomenon. The purpose of the paper is to provide insight and understanding of driving forces responsible for shaping the learn- ing experience of architectural students.