Strategies and effectiveness of teaching universal design in a cross-faculty setting |
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| Authors: | Valerie Watchorn Helen Larkin Susan Ang Danielle Hitch |
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| Institution: | 1. Occupational Science and Therapy, School of Health and Social Development , Deakin University , Geelong , Australia valerie.watchorn@deakin.edu.au;3. Occupational Science and Therapy, School of Health and Social Development , Deakin University , Geelong , Australia;4. School of Architecture and Building , Deakin University , Geelong , Australia |
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| Abstract: | Universal design of built environments is an area of professional interest for both architects and occupational therapists, yet is not always specifically included in undergraduate curricula. This paper reports on the student experience of introducing universal design education into architecture and occupational therapy curricula. Online and face-to-face teaching methods were employed, including virtual and real-life simulation activities designed to provide students with a personal experience of impairment. Virtual simulation activities used the medium of Second Life?. Results showed improvement in self-reported learning outcomes related to universal design and, overall, students found the learning activities and resources useful. Real-life simulations were reported to be more useful than virtual simulations. Project outcomes support the introduction of universal design education into architecture and occupational therapy curricula, and offer insight into student perceptions and future directions for related teaching and learning resources. |
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| Keywords: | universal design architecture occupational therapy education environmental design Second Life? |
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