Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to explore ways to use mobile applications that expand learning within and beyond the formal classroom. The research particularly examines the effective use of a social-networking mobile application as tool in design education. A classroom is usually a confined space which limits an in-situ part of the learning in design. In order to promote versatility and flexibility of learning in various interior contexts, students should have opportunities to explore and analyze key design components in authentic physical interior spaces. This study uses a mobile photo/text/video-sharing application called Instagram as a platform to enable students to easily share visual- and text-analysis of lighting design elements and principles of interior spaces. Their visual analysis is then shared with an instructor every week through a course-restricted mobile account. The study is divided into three phases to assess the effective use of a mobile tool in this course activity. A visual rubric was developed to aid in the use of mobile learning throughout the phases. This methodology may be applicable in other disciplines to help extend knowledge beyond the formal classroom setting. Integrating mobile application as a learning tool may allow students to think, analyze and apply design ideas outside of a constrained classroom space.

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