Challenges and opportunities in online education in Architecture: Lessons learned for Post-Pandemic education

Abstract

This paper reports on the online architectural learning experience at a university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study surveyed students and faculty members regarding their experience of learning and assessment and proposed recommendations for future online education. The survey supported the study hypothesis that students generally believe that they had a positive online learning experience during the pandemic. However, the principal challenge was the lack of a physical interactive environment in studio-based courses, which resulted in a sense of isolation. Thus, the study recommends that online education in architecture could be used as a supportive tool rather than an alternative. In this context, design studio courses, especially at the beginning of a study programme, should not be given completely online unless this was essential. The use of blended learning is a balanced strategy that uses interactive online technologies to enhance traditional face-to-face learning in design studio courses.