E-Learning for Architecture

It has been for a few years now that new technologies have been entering the learning field and new educational methods are taking full advantage of these available technologies, testing and verifying the possible synergy between teaching innovations and the changes that these technologies have already brought to the practice and to project designs of professional studies. Education is undergoing a rapid process of evolution, particularly in Higher Education where there is a concurrence between technological advancement due to e-learning and the need to modify traditional educational models. For these reason many universities and teaching institutions are strongly pointing towards long-distance teaching environments, such as telematic universities that train students who are not obliged to attend lessons, giving them maximum flexibility in time and learning mode, thanks to e-learning environments implemented in Internet. The Council of Europe (Lisbon 2000) has set a major aim for Europe to become before 2010 "the most dynamic and competitive knowledge society in the world, with sustainable economic growth, higher and better employment, and greater social cohesion". In March 2001 the Council of Europe presented an e-learning action plan calling for a significant program of updating and coordination between European education systems. These include:- developing and integrating ICT in education and training;- developing high quality educational materials;- creating flexible infrastructures to make e-learning accessible to all;- promoting a universal digital instruction;- creating lifelong learning opportunities.