Designing Spaces for Effective Learning

Joint Information Systems Committee 04/22/23 | | Slide 1

Designing Spaces for Effective Learning

Ros Smith, JISC

Joint Information Systems Committee Supporting education and research


A guide to designing spaces for effective learning

Launched at JISC Conference March 2006

Focuses on the role and impact of technology on physical learning space design in FE and HE

Builds on the JISC eSpaces Study, University of Birmingham (2005) www.ldu.bham.ac.uk/espaces

Copies distributed UK-wide to Vice Chancellors, Directors of Estates, of Library and Information Services & Media Services, and Heads of e-learning and of Academic Practice

Also available from [email protected]



Takes readers on a ‘walkthrough’ featuring different types of space

Examines the role for technology in each space Brings issues relating to estates management,

space utilisation, pedagogy and technology into one forum

Identifies some core principles for effective practice

Provides case studies of refurbished and new-build projects demonstrating vision and innovation in embedding technology into learning spaces


Designing Spaces for Effective Learning Identifies what is innovative and emergent, and..

Provides architects’ floor plans for three types of space based on current thinking: general teaching, vocational and learning centres

Explores the relationship between redesigned, technology-rich spaces and learning potential

Concludes with a checklist of key points for senior managers

“Spaces are themselves agents for change. Changed spaces will change practice.”

Image: AMA Alexi Marmot Associates


Key messages from Designing Spaces for Effective Learning

“Understanding what makes an effective design is important. The best are likely to assist all within the institution to work more productively and to produce learners who are confident, adaptable, and inspired to learn.”

Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, JISC 2006



“Embedding technology into learning and teaching spaces is likely to be an evolutionary process rather than a revolutionary one.”

“Start by establishing your pedagogic aims, then review the design and the technological infrastructure in the whole institution.”

“To resolve what is the best way forward, effective dialogues are needed to establish what will be required from the spaces, what changes in pedagogic approach are desirable and why.” Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, JISC 2006



Learning needs to be

Pervasive

Flexible

Active

Social

Inclusive

And continuous



There can be no one blueprint for the design of learning and teaching spaces…

“The concept of the learning centre is still evolving , blending with other previously distinct spaces to absorb more of their functions.”

Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, JISC 2006



Case studies show…

Increasing support for social, collaborative and blended models of learning

More availability of audio-visual technologies

Increasing hybridisation of spaces

Flexibility in design, fittings and furniture to ensure sustainability



In the future, we can expect to see…

Spaces designed to provide simultaneous support for f2f and virtual learning

Spaces developed to support innovative, experiential learning in f2f contexts

A higher profile given to social areas supporting problem-solving and collaborative learning based around mobile and wireless and audio visual technologies

Greater emphasis on developing learners’ wider skills, especially creativity and adaptability

Image: University of Northumbria


Key principles for designing effective learning centres

We now expect that learning will involve many different activities, each having different behaviours associated with it

These varied purposes demand a clear vision for each area provided for autonomous learning

The ultimate in flexibility – large open plan centres in which both learning and teaching take place – still presents challenges in management of sound, heat and student activity

One solution – the University of Warwick’s Learning Grid, a highly adaptable and highly resourced space for collaborative group learning with peer support


An example of a high-tech learning centre

Plan: AMA Alexi Marmot Associates, Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, JISC,2006



New priorities

Supportive customer-focused approach

Collaborative technology-enabled learning

Wireless-enabled

Self-regulating environment

Flexible furniture

Re-think of space allocation



An educational building is an expensive long-term resource. The design of its individual spaces needs to be…



Flexible – to accommodate both current and evolving pedagogies

Future-proofed – to enable space to be re-allocated and reconfigured

Bold and creative – to look beyond tried and tested technologies and pedagogies and to energise and inspire learners and tutors

Supportive – to develop the potential of all learners

Enterprising – to make each space capable of supporting different purposes


Final words

“The design of our learning spaces should become a physical representation of the institution’s vision and strategy for learning – responsive, inclusive, and supportive of attainment by all.”

Designing Spaces for Effective Learning, JISC, 2006



Give your comments on Designing Spaces for Effective Learning. A feedback form can be downloaded from www.jisc.ac.uk/eli_learningspaces.html

To order copies, email: [email protected]

http://www.jisc.ac.uk/eli_learningspaces.html


Further information

Email:

– [email protected] and [email protected] Web:

– e-Learning and Innovation - www.jisc.ac.uk/elearning_innovation.html

– Designing Spaces for Effective Learning - www.jisc.ac.uk/eli_learningspaces.html

– Designing Spaces for Effective Learning www.jiscinfonet.ac.uk/infokits/learning-space-design

Mailing List:

– Pedagogy and Innovation mailing list - [email protected]

http://www.jisc.ac.uk/elearning_innovation.html

http://www.jisc.ac.uk/eli_learningspaces.html

http://www.jiscinfonet.ac.uk/infokits/learning-space-design

Documents

Designing Spaces for Effective Learning