Abstract:

Information Communication Technology (ICT) is changing the way of teaching and learning. In urban studies, the employ of new technologies can facilitate a more significant learning process in which students are engaged more directly with their own progress, allowing them to establish individually paced learning. The tools available for the professors are almost unquantifiable and also they present a new challenge to teachers who have to adapt their teaching methodology to instruments that they are not used to. In this paper, we present the pedagogical practices conducted in the subjects of urban geography and urban planning through the use of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Our paper drew on an experience of working with Moodle, an open source software that allows to create interactive websites, combined with other tools such as audiovisual resources, databases, GIS, e.a., that are of great interest for the analysis of issues related to urban spaces. The possibilities offered by this virtually platforms are great not only for e-learning courses but also as a support for traditional in-class courses. Also, the range of the other internet tools analysed (Google Earth, Google Maps, Udalplan, e.a.) can play an key role, allowing more effective visualization of urban resources and offering a wide variety of tools that support the theoretical explanations given by the teacher in the classroom.

Keywords:

New Technologies, Moodle, Urban Studies, Google Earth, Google Map, Udalplan, Udalmap.