Enhancing Online Learning in Architectural Education: A Virtual Reality Enabled Experiment with Arkio

Year 2024, Volume: 7 Issue: 6, 1163 - 1176, 15.11.2024

Erdem Yıldırım

https://doi.org/10.34248/bsengineering.1532152

Abstract

This study examines the role of Arkio, a Virtual Reality (VR) platform, in facilitating design critiques during online learning in first-year architectural design studios. This research, which was conducted after the severe earthquake that required a return to remote education, is based on the experiences of instructors who had previously adapted to online teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic. Arkio provides an innovative solution for the preservation of the quality of architectural education by offering an immersive, real-time environment for design feedback, which is essential in the absence of in-person studio sessions. Using a mixed-methods approach that incorporates surveys and qualitative feedback from students, the study investigates the impact of Arkio on students' understanding of architectural principles, participation in design critiques, and overall learning experience. The results suggest that Arkio was generally well-received for its ability to facilitate critiques and enhance spatial understanding. However, students encountered difficulties with the platform's interface, 3D modeling tools, and file integration. The significance of user-friendly design in educational technologies is underscored by the strong correlation between the perceived educational value of Arkio and its usability, as revealed by cross-analysis. The study identifies critical areas for improvement, despite the fact that Arkio has the potential to significantly transform the critique process in architectural education, particularly in an online setting that is influenced by external disruptions. These insights are essential for the continuous adaptation of VR-driven tools in architectural education, particularly as institutions navigate the complexities of post-pandemic and disaster-responsive remote teaching environments.

Keywords

Arkio, Virtural reality, Online learning, Architectural design studio

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