ATLANTIS: A bridge for an introduction to architectural history

The purpose of this dissertation was twofold: to assess design, presentation, and content by a panel of experts and to pilot with end users the presentation and content of the Alternative Teaching, Learning, And New Technology Instructional Systems (ATLANTIS) product. The objective was to determine if ATLANTIS is an engaging and meaningful learning tool for an introduction to architectural history course.; The pilot phase of the study elicited feedback about the various facets of ATLANTIS and how they pertain to an introduction to architectural history. The questions addressed in this study were: (1) Does ATLANTIS provide a viable means of content delivery according to students' perceptions? (2) Do students perceive ATLANTIS helping their content retention? (3) Do students perceive ATLANTIS creating a learning community? (4) According to students, what are the strengths and weaknesses of ATLANTIS? (5) Do the panel of experts and students perceive the ATLANTIS learning tool as meeting the college/university requirements for an introduction to architectural history course?; The panel of experts completed a Panel of Experts Questionnaire, which focused on design, presentation, and content of ATLANTIS. Student participants completed an ATLANTIS Pilot Survey, which focused on presentation and content.; A group of 28 architectural community college students and 11 interior architecture university students participated in the study. Population ages ranged from 18 and higher at Citrus Community College located in Glendora, California, and California State University Long Beach located in Long Beach, California.; ATLANTIS was assessed and pilot evaluation results varied. Experts and student participants thought ATLANTIS provided relevant material that fostered discussions and debate with student participants. ATLANTIS was easy to use, entertaining, and maintained the attention of student participants.; A replicated larger scale study, expanding the sample of architectural students, the geographical area of the population, and exploring the demographic variables is recommended.