The cobblestone streets of Tallinn, Estonia, provided a charming backdrop for the latest BuildingVids project meeting, held from May 6th to 8th, 2025. Hosted by our esteemed Estonian partners at Tallinn Polytechnic, the historic Museum of Estonian Architecture offered a fittingly inspiring location for our collaborative discussions. Over three productive days, the consortium made significant strides in shaping the future of our educational resources. Here’s a day-by-day glimpse into our activities:
Day 1: Laying the Digital and Conceptual Foundations
Our work kicked off with a focused workshop on the project’s Moodle page. The team engaged in a lively discussion about the optimal ways to share information, considering aspects like the types of resources to include, the most intuitive organisational structure, and effective methods for communication and collaboration within the platform. Ideas flowed freely as we aimed to create a user-friendly and comprehensive online learning environment for our target audience.
The afternoon session shifted our attention to the Educational Handbook, led by Warnborough College’s Dr Julian Ng. Dr Julian explained the concept of the handbook, demonstrating its structure and key content areas. We brainstormed potential sections, outlining the scope and depth of information for each part, and even began to consider the approximate number of pages required to effectively convey the knowledge. This foundational work is crucial for creating a cohesive and valuable resource for learners.
Day 2: Polishing Content and Crafting Assessments
The second day was dedicated to refining our existing materials. We meticulously reviewed the translations of Chapter II, scrutinizing the finished and revised English texts alongside their accompanying illustrations. The diligent work of Marika and Kriszta in providing the initial translations, followed by Dr Julian’s careful revisions, was evident, and the collective effort ensured accuracy and clarity.
Following this detailed review, we transitioned into a dynamic workshop focused on Quizzes. Our aim was to design engaging and effective assessment questions for Chapters I and II. We collaboratively wrote potential problem-solving questions that instructors can further elaborate on in their classes, encouraging deeper understanding and application of the learned concepts. This hands-on approach ensured the quizzes align perfectly with the learning objectives of each chapter.
Day 3: Cultural Activities and Charting the Course Ahead
Our final day in Tallinn began with a visit to our hosts, the Tallinn Polytechnic where we had a tour of the facilities and observed some classes. We held some important discussions surrounding Revisions to the project’s templates. We explored a new template design, offering feedback and suggestions to ensure it effectively captures the necessary information and streamlines our workflows moving forward.
Our time in Tallinn wasn’t all work and no play! We had the opportunity to visit the impressive Linnahall, a unique structure built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics Summer Regatta, offering a glimpse into the city’s modern history. Adding a personal touch to the gathering, we joyfully celebrated Lola’s birthday, sharing laughter and good wishes. Throughout our stay, we were treated to delicious traditional Estonian cuisine, providing a delightful taste of the local culture.
The BuildingVids meeting in Tallinn was a resounding success, marked by productive collaboration, insightful discussions, and a strong sense of camaraderie. The progress made on our educational resources, coupled with the enriching cultural experiences, has energized the team as we continue to build bridges of knowledge in the field. We look forward to our next meeting and the continued development of this vital project.
