Schools and universities across the world have had to close, amid fears of the rapid spreading of COVID-19. This has forced education providers to transition student learning to virtual environments, requiring parents and caregivers to step in and guide their children through a new daily routine. Whilst students have already been exposed to self-pace online learning long before COVID-19, the use of powerful collaboration tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) may propel virtual learning into the mainstream.
Effective virtual learning environments can better accommodate physical assets, and by using Building Information Modelling to expand the time and space of schooling, education providers can meet a wider range of needs.
Creating collaborative virtual learning environments
As designers of both the real and virtual space, GHD have been able to model projects and plans through the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology for some time. BIM enables us to design the look and feel of a classroom, lecture theatre or gymnasium, and take clients on a virtual tour of the project to experience it for what it might be, before it is built. The surge in digital technologies has also revolutionised our ability to collaborate where both teaching and learning could be advanced to a new level of effectiveness. Transitioning these technologies into virtual learning environments could lever a new opportunity for education.
Drawing on capability from across our multi-disciplinary business, we can take the design of a classroom and model this into a virtual experience that incorporates the architecture, learning framework and social aspects of traditional schooling and transfers it into the size of a device without comprising on the benefits of classroom learning. Taking a human centred approach, the design will allow students to share ideas, talk with one another and continue working in groups just as you would in the classroom. It removes the barriers of personal circumstances such as mobility, sickness or family environments that may prevent face-to-face attendance without compromising the individual.
What the virtual classroom could look like
Through augmented and virtual environments we gain the ability to measure and adapt to changes faster. If we find that the layout of a classroom is no longer fit for purpose, we no longer have to wait for a renovation or rebuild, instead we can redesign the environment almost instantly, ultimately allowing providers to reap the benefits of the change faster as well.
We can also see the direct impacts that virtual reality has on the population through congestion reduction, allowing more time available for extracurricular activities and accessing a wider student base that may not have had the ability to be a part of schooling before. Through the power of technology we have the ability to provide a wider sense of belonging for everyone in education.
Meet Petar
Petar Milivojevic is an Architecture Director for GHDWoodhead creativespaces. With over 20 years’ experience in the architecture industry, Petar uses his technical expertise and leadership skills to progress design approaches and strategies to meet today’s challenges. With a special interest in the education sector, Petar has a passion for doing things differently and has worked across a variety of multidisciplinary projects including; Manurewa Central School Redevelopment, Tauranga Intermediate School New Block and Campbells Bay School New Block. For more information contact Petar Milivojevic at Petar.Milivojevic@ghd.com.
