Learning and Teaching Conference 2021- The material grounds of digital learning

In architectural education, learning by doing and by watching others do, by exploring and experimenting shapes the core of our design curriculums and requires access to both digital and physical learning environments. This presentation looks back at the sharp digital turn that Y1 learning blends underwent in Welsh School of Architecture and discusses the pedagogical value and challenges of blended activities, of digitally orchestrated outdoor explorations and homebased exercises. With reference to students’ feedback, the presentation argues that we need to reconsider and reimagine the material grounds of digital education, in order to support an inclusive, sensory rich and creatively emancipating learning experience