NEWH - April 2004 - (Page 62)

design education today collaboration and teamwork, the keys to education profiling: Stephanie Clemons, Colorado State University by: Nancy Bohnett Design education is changing, just like that of industry and the student. This generation has been encouraged to expect “instant gratification” as acknowledged through choices in communication, entertainment, and technology. Technology tools have offered increased capabilities, yet we never seem to have enough time to accomplish all of our tasks/goals. Our challenges in the Design Industry can be seen with the “New Student”; those that come equipped with great expectations and the strong desire to succeed immediately! The design educator is constantly challenged to impart the knowledge of design and applied research yet maintain FIDER standards in their interior design programs. Collaboration and teamwork between educators and practitioners can enhance the students’ design education! Our professors of today are very educated and qualified to teach. However, an issue exists in higher education that design practice offers little recognition/rewards for the professional educator; it is viewed as “service” rather than “research.” Therefore, due to other higher education priorities, many of our full time educators have limited time to practice. On the flip side, practitioners question research and the purpose it serves in defining design solutions of everyday practice. Yet new resources are available to the practitioner, such as InformDesign, that can support practitioners through research-based design solutions (“evidence based designs”). Practitioners are beginning to see the need for research that is not only readily available but that also supports their design ideas. In addition, many practitioners are discovering the joy in teaching design students in their communities. Nationally, we are seeing a resurgence of design practitioners coming back to the classroom to teach one or two classes for their nearby design programs. As a result of this teamwork, well qualified alumni are entering the profession. While it is a welcome addition to bring the richness of real experiences into the classroom, higher education is dealing with many issues: budget cuts, accreditations, increase in student enrollment, and the downsizing staff and programs. Schools are relying on the partnering and ongoing support of industry - yet industry is also going through similar painful challenges. We have to face the fact that interior design is an expensive program to support on a higher education campus. Student enrollment is 62 limited by the traditional mode of teaching design: studios. Many programs have selective advancement into their major through portfolio reviews, thereby limiting the size of their graduating class. The programs also require specialty and dedicated spaces, along with technology to connect with outside resources. The quality of education is mandatory and proven by the demands of the “new student,” the current mentality of this generation. The student of today comes with high expectations and the immediate desire for return on their investment. Design students specifically, are critical thinkers, respectful, resourceful and not afraid to speak out. The educator of today is no longer the “know all of current knowledge,” but instead serves as the “facilitator” by using technology and out sources. Classes are filled with independent thinkers that take time to “seek out” the information, analyze it, and apply it to the design problem. Communication and technology has enhanced the educational process, allowing for greater flexibility and desire for more knowledge. The ongoing need for instant gratification is shown in Communication and technology has enhanced the educational process, allowing for greater flexibility and desire for more knowledge. The ongoing need for instant gratification is shown in the communication styles students prefer: emails, Internet and outside sources. The electronic linking uses techniques that are quicker and more sophisticated then ever before, and allow all to deal effectively with their time restraints. Cell phones are so common, and have become a universal tool that shares more than just communication. This generation is seen to be better managers of their time and tools, constantly moving forward. I am very grateful to have had the interview and insight shared to me by Stephanie Clemons, Ph.D, FIDEC, ASID, an instructor at Colorado State University. Stephanie shared the ongoing demands in education today, and the viable solutions, which are allowing education to overcome the hurdles and prosper to higher levels. The educator’s role has changed, allowing incoming freshmen to alter their direction in thinking and take responsibility to monitor their own advancement. The design schools look to practitioners for assistance, either in classroom, online teaching or providing materials to maintain tools for staying abreast of the rapidly changing industry. Today’s collaborative efforts have greatly impacted the quality of education and will impact all in the design community for years to come.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - April 2004

NEWH - April 2004
President’s Letter
Calendar of Events
Contents
From the Editor
Hospitality News
In Memory - Thomas R. Durkan, Sr.
Top Hotel Developers - John Q. Hammons
On the Road Again
HD Expo at a Glance
Surviving HD
Did You Know
Exclusive Lifestyle by Design
If It Were Easy
The Best of Time
Talk About Fast Track
What to Expect From the Vacation Ownership Industry
A Look Back in History
The New Direction for Timeshares in Europe
Confronting the Disabilities Myth
Furnishing Today’s Timeshare
Art - The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Showcase Projects
Design Education Today
Designer Profile: Esther Dunbar-Cullum
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
Top Awards
From Across the Pond
Spotlight On...
Tips on Specs
Window Treatments 101
Hot New Products
We Want Your Projects
Bios

NEWH - April 2004