Abstract:

The covid-19 pandemic tested the teachers and students’ ability to move from traditional classroom teaching to a 100% online classes. The greatest challenge of this paradigm shift was undoubtedly the extremely short time available to effectively implement this change. Academia, ICT sector, teachers, students and their families, played a central role in the success of this change.

This work aims to present the challenges faced by the Geographic Information Systems course scholars at the Architecture program of the University of Beira Interior to adapt the teaching-learning process to an online format, as well as the students' response to this new teaching-learning process namely skills development on digital literacy . The main challenges, limitations and achievements, from the teachers and students’ point of view are presented.

The online teaching model included synchronous and asynchronous interaction through videoconferencing and content delivery platforms. The use of video and forums as teaching tools were well accepted by students. Video was used for recorded lectures, tutorials and learning pills, and forums allowed continuous contact between students and with scholars. Group work was adapted to online teaching support and interaction between students. Evaluation was also a major concern. Tests and exams were performed using digital contents platforms.

The article ends with a proposal that seeks to identify best-fit e-Learning course format, namely through a Blended Learning Approach, in which the teaching-learning process combines synchronous and asynchronous sessions.

Keywords:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Architectural education, Covid-19, Online teaching and learning.