DIGITIZATION OF LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS IN THE AEC SECTOR THROUGH 360° VIRTUAL TOURS: EXPERIENCES WITHIN THE ELER² PROJECT
A. Martín-Garín1, I. León-Cascante1, A. Casado-Rezola2, J.J. Pérez-Martínez2, M. Senderos-Laca1, J.P. Otaduy-Zubizarreta1, Z. Iturbe-Martín1, F. Mora-Martín1
The increasing number of students per classroom, funding limitations for acquiring adequate equipment for practical training, and the challenge of designing learning environments tailored to each subject or degree program, among other factors, can significantly impact the development of practical learning processes in academia.
Nowadays, practical learning is gaining increasing relevance due to its strong connection with the professional field. In the case of AEC sector degree programs, site visits are a fundamental tool for students to acquire first-hand knowledge of construction processes and the different phases of project execution. However, managing these visits can pose logistical challenges that hinder the teaching-learning process.
In this context, Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) have emerged as an effective alternative to enhance practical training, allowing students to interact and experiment with dynamic models that represent the subjects of study. Among the most widely used technologies for reality virtualization, 360° cameras stand out, facilitating the creation of immersive environments.
The research methodology carried out is developed in different phases, ranging from acquiring competence in the use of cameras and necessary software to its implementation in the educational environment through learning platforms. On the other hand, in order to assess the suitability of the new learning approach, student follow-ups are conducted to identify the advantages or challenges posed by the implementation of these new techniques in the field of education.
This paper presents the workflow and results obtained within the framework of the ELER² Educational Innovation Project at the University of the Basque Country through the development of Virtual Tours applied to the construction sector, with the potential for extrapolation to other fields. It has been demonstrated that the digitalization of construction sites using 360° cameras enhances learning by providing immersive experiences that enrich the understanding of construction processes.
Keywords: 360° Virtual Tour, AEC, Digitalization, Educational Innovation Project, Virtual Learning Environments.