scholarly journals Exploring Complex Learning Spaces

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Wood ◽  
Paul Warwick
Keyword(s):  
Formal Learning ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Complex Interplay ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Virtual Spaces ◽  
Experimental Learning ◽  
Seminar Room ◽  
Lecture Theatre ◽  
The University ◽  
Learning Ecologies

This project focuses on developing an understanding of the complexity of learning spaces which are inhabited by students in higher education institutions. Developing work already carried out by the project leaders on experimental learning spaces within the university, this is a project which aims to gain a better understanding of the ‘learning lives’ of students beyond the formal learning spaces such as the lecture theatre, laboratory and seminar room. Using a mixed methods approach focusing on survey and photo-ethnographic methods data will be developed from the general to the particular to investigate the other spaces which students use to develop their learning. These spaces include both physical and virtual spaces, as well as on and off campus spaces, including cafes, libraries, study bedrooms as well as virtual learning environments and social networking/Web 2.0 technologies. This research intends to consider the complex interplay of these different spaces in the learning of students and also how they relate to the formal spaces of which we have a clearer understanding. This project will therefore aid academics in better understanding the dynamics of the learning ecologies which underpin the experiences of students within the university.

scholarly journals Learning over tea! Studying in informal learning spaces

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 34-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Hunter ◽  
Andrew Cox
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Study Habits ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Formal Learning ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploratory Investigation ◽  
Study Experience ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer an exploratory investigation of students' use of informal learning spaces for their studies at the University of Sheffield. Previous research has mainly focused on formal learning spaces such as libraries and lecture theatres, but there is an increasing recognition of the value of informal learning spaces such as coffee bars. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires, observations and interviews were the sources of data for the study. The research approach particularly looked at how students used informal learning spaces and what their perceptions of the spaces were. Findings – Analysis showed that students found that the background atmosphere greatly influenced their choice of study location and that technological devices were only used sparingly. Students adapted their study habits to fit the learning spaces that they liked. Originality/value – Although, attention is often paid to the furniture and colour schemes in libraries, this article makes librarians consider the importance of all sensual stimuli in making libraries warm, friendly and homely spaces. The “Model of Zengagement” was developed to show how stimuli from the background atmosphere influences' students' study experience.

Designing and Evaluating Learning Spaces

2012 ◽  
pp. 87-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley Reushle
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Teaching And Research ◽  
Design Based Research ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Initial Design ◽  
Experimental Learning ◽  
The University ◽  
Development Laboratory

This chapter discusses the purposes, design and implementation of a physical experimental learning and teaching space which forms part of the University of Southern Queensland’s Australian Digital Futures Institute (ADFI). It identifies challenges associated with the initial design and offers some recommendations for addressing these challenges. The concept and principles of the PaSsPorT design model which has been developed to guide the redesign of the space are introduced, and a brief description of another ADFI space, the software research and development laboratory follows. The paper also introduces a process for evaluating the design and implementation of learning, teaching, and research spaces using design-based research to frame the model.

scholarly journals Valoración del uso de la plataforma virtual Moodle como recurso pedagógico en la enseñanza universitaria de la informática

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Manuel Claro-Vásquez
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Virtual Platform ◽  
The University ◽  
Trabajo Colaborativo ◽  
Estudiantes Universitarios

ResumenEl presente artículo describio las valoraciones que hacen los docentes sobre los usos de la plataforma virtual como un recurso de enseñanza y aprendizaje en los cursos de informática de la Universidad de Santander, sede Cúcuta.  Para la recolección de la información necesaria para la investigación se empleó una encuesta aplicada a ocho profesores pertenecientes al Departamento de Sistemas de la Universidad. Esta encuesta se complementó con una entrevista semiestructurada centrada en las experiencias subjetivas de tres docentes. Entre los resultados más relevantes aparece que los profesores que participaron en el estudio utilizan frecuentemente la plataforma virtual como complemento para el desarrollo de sus cursos. El manejo apropiado de la plataforma se lleva a cabo como un proceso dinámico e interactivo de tal manera que el profesor constituye la base fundamental de la construcción de ideas en su entorno y muestra que el uso de la plataforma virtual en la formación de los estudiantes universitarios ha logrado que se reflexione sobre las técnicas elementales de la educación y puedan ser aplicadas en los procesos de enseñanza basados en la formación virtual.Palabras clave: recursos pedagógicos, espacios virtuales de aprendizaje, plataforma virtual Moodle, trabajo colaborativo Assessment of the use of the Moodle virtual platform as a pedagogical resource in the university teaching of computer scienceAbstractThis article describes teachers’ assessments regarding the uses of the virtual platform as a teaching and learning resource in informatics courses of the University of Santander, Cúcuta. As a means of collecting the information necessary for the investigation, a survey of eight professors belonging to the Systems Department of the university was carried out. This survey was complemented by a semi-structured interview centered on the subjective experiences of three teachers. Among the most relevant results, it appears that the professors who participated in the study frequently use the virtual platform as a complement for the development of their courses. The appropriate management of the platform is executed as a dynamic and interactive process, in such a way that the teacher functions as the fundamental basis for the construction of ideas in its environment. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the use of the virtual platform in the training of university students has managed to reflect on the elementary techniques of education and can be applied in teaching processes based on virtual training.Keywords: pedagogical resources, virtual learning spaces, Moodle virtual platform, collaborative work, Valoração do uso da plataforma virtual Moodle como recurso pedagógico no ensino universitário da informática.Avaliação do uso da plataforma virtual Moodle como recurso pedagógico no ensino Universitário de informáticaResumoResumo: Este artigo descreve as avaliações feitas pelos professores sobre os usos da plataforma virtual como recurso de ensino e aprendizagem nos cursos de informática da Universidade de Santander, Cúcuta. Para a recolha das informações necessárias para a investigação, foi utilizada uma pesquisa aplicada a oito professores pertencentes ao Departamento de Sistemas da Universidade. Esta pesquisa foi complementada por uma entrevista semi-estruturada centrada nas experiências subjetivasde três professores. Entre os resultados mais relevantes, parece que os professores que participaram no estudo freqüentemente usam a plataforma virtual como complemento para o desenvolvimento de seuscursos. O gerenciamento apropriado da plataforma é realizado como um processo dinâmico e interativo, de tal forma que o professor é a base fundamental da construção de idéias em seu ambiente e mostra que o uso da plataforma virtual na formação de estudantes universitários conseguiu refletir sobre as técnicas elementares de educação e pode ser aplicado em processos de ensino baseados em treinamento virtual.Palavras-chave: recursos pedagógicos, espaços virtuais de aprendizagem, plataforma virtual Moodle, trabalho colaborativo 

scholarly journals EMERGENCE OF INFORMAL LEARNING SPACE IN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS: A COMPARATIVE SCENARIO IN THE CONTEXT OF KHULNA CITY

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Sourav ◽  
◽  
D. Afroz ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Formal Learning ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Informal Learning Environment

Ancient education system was developed from a semi-outdoor environment. While developing the learning spaces it developed into indoor environment to ensure controlled environment, focus, discipline and compactness. These properties lead to formal education and formal learning space which replaced the informal learning environment. Formal learning space usually drive students towards a single expertise or knowledge. The limitations and boredom of formal education often causes depression and annoy towards education that result in limited learning and one-sided education. This research indicates the role of “informal learning environment” which helps university students to achieve multi-disciplinary knowledge through a simple, contextual and informal way. To establish the emergence, we tried to do a quantitative analysis among the students studying different universities in Khulna city. We have tried to understand the perspective of the students whether they feel the importance of informal learning or not in their daily life. While working on this paper, we have experienced unique scenario for each university but by any means Khulna University and Khulna University of Engineering & Technology serves their student the environment where students can meet and share knowledge with their natural flow of gossiping with food or drinks while Northern University of Business & technology and North-Western University have shown different scenario.

scholarly journals Assistive Technologies and Environmental Design Concepts for Blended Learning and Teaching for Disabilities within 3D Virtual Worlds and Learning Environments

2012 ◽  
pp. 50-74
Author(s):  
Noha Saleeb ◽  
Georgios A. Dafoulas
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Educational Facilities ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Virtual Spaces ◽  
E Learning

3D Virtual Learning Environments (3D VLEs) are increasingly becoming prominent supporters of blended learning for all kinds of students including adult learners with or without disabilities. Due to the evidenced effect of architectural design of physical learning spaces on students’ learning and current lack of design codes for creating 3D virtual buildings, this case study aims at evaluating the suitability of the architectural design elements of existing educational facilities and learning spaces within 3D VLEs specifically for delivering blended e-learning for adult students with disabilities. This comprises capturing student contentment and satisfaction levels from different design elements of the 3D virtual spaces in an attempt to issue recommendations for the development of 3D educational facilities and hence initiate a framework for architectural design of 3D virtual spaces to augment accessibility, appeal and engagement for enhancing the e-learning experience of under-graduate, post-graduate and independent-study adult learners with disabilities within these virtual worlds.

THE “SCHOOL. MY CHANCE!” PROJECT – A CASE STUDY FOR PREVENTING PUPILS’ SCHOOL DROPOUT IN ROMANIA

2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-14
Author(s):  
Valentin Cosmin Blândul
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
School Dropout ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Formal Learning ◽  
School Year ◽  
School Subjects ◽  
Early School ◽  
The University ◽  
Short Time

Pupils’ school dropout could be defined as an early and final abandonment of school before graduation, which prevents the pupil from registering in the following stage of education, losing in this way the possibility of benefiting from a proper and higher education. The statistics show that, unfortunately, in recent years school dropout rates have been increasing among secondary school pupils. The University of Oradea and The Bihor County School Inspectorate, Romania, have implemented a project called “School. My chance!” The aim of the project was to prevent and reduce the phenomenon of early school leaving by 100 pupils. The pupils attended five schools in Avram Iancu, Bogei, Carasau, Les and Suncuius, all village in Bihor, Romania, and were identified with higher school dropout risks. This paper proposes to present the partial results obtained at the end of the first period of the project implementation – the second semester of the 2010 / 2011 school year. The sample was represented by those 100 pupils from the above mentioned schools, who were included in Cognitive Therapy, implemented with the help of the project. The method consisted of analysing and comparing the pupils' school marks at the beginning and at the end of the relevant period. The results proved that, after one school semester, the pupils' marks remained rather unchanged, but in a few specific cases (schools or school subjects) small progresses were made. These results can, however, be seen as a significant success, because in education it is very difficult to obtain some spectacular improvements in such a short time and the most important aim of our project was to help those pupils to remain in the formal learning system so that that the positive conditions were created for their personal development. Key words: formal learning system, prevention, school dropout, school performance.

Moving from Co-Location to Cooperation to Collaboration

2018 ◽  
pp. 1250-1275
Author(s):  
Rosemary Bodolay ◽  
Steve Frye ◽  
Carrie Kruse ◽  
Dave Luke
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Academic Institution ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Program Staff ◽  
University Of Wisconsin ◽  
The University ◽  
Learning With Technology ◽  
Library Technology

Through collaboration with faculty and other campus partners, libraries have become centers of innovation in teaching and learning with technology. The authors, representing library, technology, and program staff from partnerships at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will present a framework based on Joan Lippincott's definitions of co-location, cooperation and collaboration. Learn how to assess and develop your partnerships and how the diversity and adjacency of learning spaces, resources, services, and staff are redefining the library and the library's role within an academic institution.

Learning Spaces for the Digital Age

2012 ◽  
pp. 182-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Hunt ◽  
Henk Huijser ◽  
Michael Sankey
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Net Generation ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Age Related ◽  
History Of ◽  
The University

This chapter shows how virtual and physical learning spaces are shaped by pedagogy. It explores the shift in pedagogy from an orientation to teaching to an emphasis on student learning. In so doing, it touches on Net Generation literature indicating that this concept has a poor fit with the diverse nature of student populations engaged in lifelong learning. The argument is that the skill set required for lifelong learning is not age related. At the core of the chapter is a case study of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) which describes a history of learning environments that have been variously shaped by pedagogy and the limits of technology. It refers to the concept of the ‘edgeless university’, which acknowledges that learning is no longer cloistered within campus walls, and it describes how USQ is engaging with this concept through the development of open source learning materials. An important point in the chapter is that the deliberate design of quality learning spaces requires whole-of-institution planning, including academic development for university teaching staff, themselves often ill-equipped to take advantage of the potential of new learning environments. The import of the discussion is that higher education learning spaces are shaped by deliberate design, and that student learning is optimised when that design is pedagogically informed and properly managed.

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