Abstract:

This paper presents a blended pedagogical method which guides coursework online and in-person based on the contributions of virtual prototyping technique.
The method proposed promotes the use of new information technologies and technological platforms in practical projects which accompany the theoretical courses acquired in class. Teachers with diverse teaching styles are able to maximize their communication potential when using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to support their pedagogical practices.

The method promotes the prolongation of face-to-face classwork with homework. This method consists of the transmission in advance by email to the students of the themes of the projects, to inform them about the specific topics to be addressed. Each student will choose one project theme and will work at home to resolve it.

Each week, at the time provided for class work, each student will present the status of his project using the video projector, and will analyze the content of the project, bringing clarifications and additions with aid from the teacher.

All projects must progress through each week, from start to finish, following a project plan that describes the project goals and project content as important details.

The methodology based on this method uses the virtual prototyping technique, computer modeling, and simulation. The computer modeling and simulation are exposed as motivating elements for the skills acquired by students in the thinking process of the practical project.

The virtual prototypes are principally the result of technological advances in methodology in producing imagery using the ICTs, during the thinking process of the project.
In architectural design, the modeling is a process of translating conceptual ideas into visual forms as virtual prototypes. A smart building is a perfect example for such project.

In this paper, an experimental virtual prototype, mediated by information technology, for a smart building is realized and analyzed.

The methodology based on this method offers various opportunities for guided coursework online and in-person, with the purpose of developing increasing degrees of autonomy, the students playing the role of an active protagonist and the teacher fulfilling the double role of designer of learning situations and facilitator.

Keywords:

Pedagogical practices, practical projects, virtual prototypes, smart buildings.