A Virtual Classroom for Architectural Composition Subject: A Reflection About Opportunities and Limits

Abstract

This text aims to reflect on the proposal for the implementation of a virtual classroom for teaching the subject of architectural composition within the framework of Degree in Foundations of Architecture of the Higher Technical School of Architecture (ETSA) of the Universitat Politècnica de València, following the health emergency caused by the Sars Cov 19 virus in spring 2020.Against this backdrop a summary is proposed of the adaptation and progressive fine-tuning of the subject taking into consideration different protocols and mechanisms characteristic of remote teaching. This constitutes a veritable metamorphosis in a time of major crisis, requiring a drastic shift from the classroom teaching system which has been in place for decades at ETSA. In this context the text describes the methodological guidelines developed to create the virtual classroom for the subject as well as the tools used to meet a series of objectives for teaching and learning digitally, specifically geared towards critical thinking among students. The text reflects on the distance learning model, known for its agility and difficulties.This adaptation brings with it a series of limitations as well as a host of pedagogic opportunities and resources to be used innovatively. As teachers have come to understand, face-to-face and online teaching overlap to some extent.It is true that after several months of use major points of convergence and divergence have been identified and taken into consideration when drawing up this initial assessment and retrospective of this teaching experience.