Abstract:

Autonomous learning is a reality, which is being supported in different technologies and spread out in all areas of knowledge with a wide and accessible repertory of good practices. This paper presents a project focussed in gathering hands-on learning, exploring and producing representations of some relevant architecture sites using new technologies.

The set of models designed propose the user a "learning by doing" approach, to create shapes producing simple elements, which allows informal learning about these buildings. Using and blending technologies available nowadays it is possible to create different models that, not only can be built and touched, but also convey a range of spatial concepts, proportions and wayfinding information.

Building your own prototypes maintain a high level of interest, incorporate tangible interactions encouraged learners in the content, we undertook our first formative module designing initial prototypes experimenting with different methods and technologies that could stimulate creative purposes. The idea is to define some space equivalents in terms of landscape, sections, and blueprints to make understandable the main features of the building, while the different supports or stimuli are developed. In order to give more chance to an informal and autonomous learning model, these files will be available online to be used with laser cutting machines to produce tactile pictures and pop-ups, and 3D printers to get volumes and moving parts. We will bring these prototypes to schools and other different potential groups of users in educational and interpretation contexts.

Keywords:

Informal learning, Resources technologies, Tactile objects, Hands-on learning.