scholarly journals Exploring Co-Construction of Learning Environments at the Boundary of School and Work Through the Lens of Vocational Practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Bouw ◽  
Ilya Zitter ◽  
Elly de Bruijn
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Structured Learning ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Learning Potential ◽  
School Work ◽  
Design Considerations ◽  
Design Learning ◽  
Integration Of Learning

AbstractEducational institutions and vocational practices need to collaborate to design learning environments that meet current-day societal demands and support the development of learners’ vocational competence. Integration of learning experiences across contexts can be facilitated by intentionally structured learning environments at the boundary of school and work. Such learning environments are co-constructed by educational institutions and vocational practices. However, co-construction is challenged by differences between the practices of school and work, which can lead to discontinuities across the school–work boundary. More understanding is needed about the nature of these discontinuities and about design considerations to counterbalance these discontinuities. Studies on the co-construction of learning environments are scarce, especially studies from the perspective of representatives of work practice. Therefore, the present study explores design considerations for co-construction through the lens of vocational practice. The study reveals a variety of discontinuities related to the designable elements of learning environments (i.e. epistemic, spatial, instrumental, temporal, and social elements). The findings help to improve understanding of design strategies for counterbalancing discontinuities at the interpersonal and institutional levels of the learning environment. The findings confirm that work practice has a different orientation than school practice since there is a stronger focus on productivity and on the quality of the services provided. However, various strategies for co-construction also seem to take into account the mutually beneficial learning potential of the school–work boundary.

Inspiration Space

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milene GONÇALVES ◽  
Katja THORING ◽  
Roland M. MUELLER ◽  
Petra BADKE-SCHAUB ◽  
Pieter DESMET
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Expert Interviews ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Causal Graph ◽  
Physical Environments ◽  
Creative Learning ◽  
Design Students

Building on the assumption that the physical environment can have an influence on the creativity of designers and design students in particular, the aim of this paper is to provide theoretical propositions and evidences for this relationship. We develop various propositions about the influence of physical environments on creativity, based on eight expert interviews and supported by literature. A particular focus was given to the environments of design educational institutions. We present a summary of the main insights and visualize the developed propositions as a causal graph addressing how space influences creativity. These propositions can be regarded as a first step towards a theory of creativity-supporting learning environments and they can serve as a reference when designing or adjusting creative learning spaces.

Firm size and workplace learning processes: a study of the restaurant sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 305-320
Author(s):  
Daniel Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Firm Size ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Learning ◽  
Individual Choice ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper asks how workplace learning environments change as firm size increases, and how employees respond to this. In doing so, it looks beyond an exclusive focus on formal training and incorporates more informal, work-based learning processes. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a comparative, qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews with an under-researched group of workers – waiting for staff in restaurants. The data were collected from six restaurants of different sizes. Findings As formally instituted human resource development (HRD) structures expand as firm size increases are more extensive in larger firms, this leaves less room for individual choice and agency in shaping the learning process. This does not inevitably constrain or enhance workplace learning, and can be experienced either negatively or positively by employees, depending on their previous working and learning experiences. Research limitations/implications Future research on HRD and workplace learning should acknowledge both formal and informal learning processes and the interaction between them – particularly in small and growing firms. Insights are drawn from the sociomaterial perspective help the authors to conceptualise this formality and informality. Research is needed in a wider range of sectors. Practical implications There are implications for managers in small, growing firms, in terms of how they maintain space for informal learning as formal HRD structures expand, and how they support learners who may struggle in less structured learning environments. Originality/value The paper extends current understanding of how the workplace learning environment – beyond a narrow focus on “training” – changes as firm size increases.

scholarly journals The Model for Learning Objects Design Based on Semantic Technologies

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
Daina Gudoniene ◽  
Rytis Maskeliunas ◽  
Danguole Rutkauskiene
Keyword(s):  
Web Services ◽  
Semantic Web ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Learning Objects ◽  
Semantic Web Services ◽  
Innovative Learning ◽  
Modern Learning ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Integration Of Learning

The paper presents a comparison of state of the art methods and techniques on implementation of learning objects (LO) in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) using semantic web services for e-learning. The web can serve as a perfect technological environment for individualized learning which is often based on interactive learning objects. This allows learners to be uniquely identified, content to be specifically personalized, and, as a result, a learner’s progress can be monitored, supported, and assessed. While a range of technological solutions for the development of integrated e-learning environments already exists, the most appropriate solutions require further improvement on implementation of novel learning objects, unification of standardization and integration of learning environments based on semantic web services (SWS) that are still in the early stages of development. This paper introduces a proprietary architectural model for distributed e-learning environments based on semantic web services (SWS), enabling the implementation of a successive learning process by developing innovative learning objects based on modern learning methods. A successful technical implementation of our approach in the environment of Kaunas University of Technology is further detailed and evaluated.

Universal Design for Learning in Today’s Diverse Educational Environments

2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Kathleen Bastedo ◽  
Jessica Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Universal Design ◽  
Universal Design For Learning ◽  
Stepping Stone ◽  
Design Learning ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Educational Environments ◽  
Diverse Learning ◽  
Design For Learning ◽  
Made In

Learning can be difficult for a myriad of reasons and not just for those with disabilities and for those dedicated to teaching in its many forms. It can be next to impossible to accommodate the variety of students encountered in today’s diverse learning environments. This is where the principle of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be successfully applied. This chapter explores the strides made in creating content that brain-based research supports as a way for not only motivating students to learn, but also for allowing those with disabilities a way to learn that meets their specific needs. Although there is no one surefire way to design learning that teaches everyone, UDL is a stepping-stone to that pursuit. If implemented to its fullest potential, it can be a panacea to reducing many barriers to access and learning.

An Ecological Approach to Instructional Design

2013 ◽  
pp. 872-889
Author(s):  
Paul Resta ◽  
Debby Kalk
Keyword(s):  
Instructional Design ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Linear Process ◽  
Ecological Approach ◽  
Complex Environments ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Deep Appreciation ◽  
Opportunities For Learning ◽  
Traditional Approaches ◽  
Underlying Processes

The confluence of collaborative and social technologies, with the phenomenon of digital natives, creates new opportunities for learning environments, which, in turn, demand innovative instructional design strategies. An ecological approach to instructional design can yield rich learning environments that provide learners with authentic experiences. These learning experiences can be challenging, engaging, and effective, and provide students with deep appreciation of underlying processes, principles, and relationships. It’s a learner-centered design that features collaboration, authentic experiences, and complex environments. Designing for these complex systems requires thinking outside the boxes of traditional approaches. The ecological approach requires identifying the key contextual factors and interactions that are central to understanding and performing complex intellectual tasks. This non-linear process involves selecting appropriate technologies and social interactions, appropriate levels of scaffolding and support, and giving learners increasing levels of responsibility for their own successful outcomes.

e-Learning in the Cloud

2012 ◽  
pp. 10-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niall Sclater
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
It Services ◽  
Institutional Policies ◽  
Personal Learning ◽  
Personal Learning Environments ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Levels Of Service

Elearning has grown rapidly in importance for institutions and has been largely facilitated through the “walled garden” of the virtual learning environment. Meanwhile many students are creating their own personal learning environments by combining the various Web 2.0 services they find most useful. Cloud computing offers new opportunities for institutions to provide dynamic and up-to-date Internet-based, e-learning applications while ensuring high levels of service, and compliance with institutional policies and legislation. The cloud is rapidly evolving in its architecture, the services offered and the logistics of deployment. It brings with it risks but also possibilities for learners and for educational institutions to reduce costs and enhance services. It is likely to severely disrupt the business model developed by existing vendors of VLEs who provide an integrated suite of e-learning tools, installed and maintained by the institution’s IT services department.

Drawing on Design to Improve Evaluation of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning

2004 ◽  
pp. 281-310
Author(s):  
John B. Nash ◽  
Christoph Richter ◽  
Heidrun Allert
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Human Computer Interaction ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Program Theory ◽  
Computer Supported Collaborative Learning ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Design Learning ◽  
Evaluative Thinking

This chapter addresses theoretical frameworks for the evaluation of computer-supported learning environments. It outlines the characteristics and obstacles this evaluation must face with regard to projects that design learning experiences, stressing the notion that human-computer interaction is imbedded in social context that is complex and dynamic. The authors examine how scenario-based design and program theory can contribute to the design and evaluation of computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and present a case study in which both approaches are applied. Based on the revealed complementary frameworks, a compelling approach is drafted that combines both of them. Our goal is to make CSCL designers more aware of the benefits of evaluative thinking in their work and to introduce two tangible approaches to evaluation that, when implemented as a design step, can strengthen CSCL initiatives.

eLearning in the Cloud

2010 ◽  
pp. 661-670
Author(s):  
Niall Sclater
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
It Services ◽  
Institutional Policies ◽  
Personal Learning ◽  
Personal Learning Environments ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Levels Of Service

Elearning has grown rapidly in importance for institutions and has been largely facilitated through the “walled garden” of the virtual learning environment. Meanwhile many students are creating their own personal learning environments by combining the various Web 2.0 servicesthey find most useful. Cloud computing offers new opportunities for institutions to provide dynamic and up-to-date Internet-based, e-learning applications while ensuring high levels of service, and compliance with institutional policies and legislation. The cloud is rapidly evolving in its architecture, the services offered and the logistics of deployment. It brings with it risks but also possibilities for learners and for educational institutions to reduce costs and enhance services. It is likely to severely disrupt thebusiness model developed by existing vendors of VLEs who provide an integrated suite of e-learning tools, installed and maintained by the institution’s IT services department.

Assessing 3D Virtual World Learning Environments with the CIMPLe System

2010 ◽  
pp. 147-168
Author(s):  
Sean D. Williams ◽  
Deborah M. Switzer
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environments ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Systems Design ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Instructional Systems ◽  
Experience Design ◽  
User Experience Design ◽  
Design Learning ◽  
3D Virtual World

This chapter introduces an assessment rubric for virtual world learning environments (VWLEs) built from proven principles of user experience design, instructional design, interface design, learning theory, technical communication, instructional systems design (ISD), and VIE motivation theory. Titled the “CIMPLe System,” this rubric captures the ways that context, interactivity, motivation, presence, and cognitive load weave together to form a successful VWLE. The CIMPLe System offers an advance in how educators can assess the quality and predict the success of the VWLEs that they build. The holistic approach achieved in the CIMPLe System arises from the multidisciplinary approach represented in the tool. As designers consider what to build into the environment, they can refer to the CIMPLe System as a checklist to ensure that the environment meets the needs that the cross-disciplinary theory suggests are necessary.

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