Distance Education for Interior Design: A Needs Assessment

Abstract

Issue By the year 2000, over 50% of all college students will be non–traditional, that is, over 25 years old, married, and working. Traditional higher education delivery systems limit non–traditional students’ access to education. Distance education offers an opportunity for increased access to higher education for non–traditional students. How can interior design programs implement distance education pedagogy? Goal This report discusses the potential of distance education to respond to the changing demography of students, decreasing university resources, and developing educational technologies. Application A tool for interior design educators and administrators to assess distance education's potential to enrich interior design curricula is developed. Description This report provides a needs assessment strategy for interior design programs considering implementation of distance education. A needs assessment is the first of four stages associated with the decision to implement distance education into an interior design program. The other three stages—delivery technology options, interactivity, and faculty participation/development—are subjects for future discussions. Conclusion Distance education provides a method for addressing the needs of non–traditional students and may offer an opportunity to enhance interior design education through resource sharing.