There is currently a great deal of interest in how the developments of learning technologies are influencing the design of learning spaces.

In 2005 the University of Birmingham, carried out a review of how learning technologies are influencing the design of learning spaces and the UK Open University and the University of Edinburgh developed a series of 10 case studies of innovative practice in the use of mobile technologies. Both studies were funded by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), citing examples and evidence from across the UK and covering different sectors of post-16 education.

Managed learning environments, mobile computing, wireless LANs and broadband are some of the technologies that are influencing how we design, use and manage our learning spaces. Drawing on the two studies outlined above, this paper will explore existing learning spaces and how technology is influencing their design and use across the UK, presenting some of the overall data gathered from the survey and highlighting current practice.

It is clear is that learning spaces are no longer confined to traditional views of the lecture theatre and the seminar room (Hartman et al, 2005). Not only are the social spaces on our campuses acting as centres for technology enhanced learning, but spaces well beyond our traditional institutional boundaries are increasingly important as part of the students’ learning environment. Coupled with this is the increased likelihood that the student already owns their own computer, PDA, or blog (Radler, 2003) and are thus both less dependent on and less willing to use institutionally provided resources. This presents institutions with a new set of challenges about how to provide appropriate support for students using their own diverse learning technologies in different contexts and at different times, while still offering access and assistance to students who prefer or need to use on-campus facilities.

We will consider some of the implications of these changes and the possible future impact on the student experience their learning environment.

References

Radler, B (2003). UW-Madison, Student Computing Survey Report.
http://www.doit.wisc.edu/about/research/2003/2003Student.pdf  accessed 11 August 2006

Hartman, J., Moskal, P., & Dziuban, C., (2005). Preparing the academy of today for the learner of tomorrow. Educating the Net Generation, Educause http://www.educause.edu/educatingthenetgen  accessed 11 August 2006

JISC, (2005) Study on How Innovative Technologies are Influencing the Design of Physical Learning Spaces in the Post-16 Sector http://www.ldu.bham.ac.uk/espaces/index.htm

JISC, (2005). Innovative Practice with e-Learning Case Studies http://www.jisc.ac.uk/eli_casestudies.html

There is also the JISC Designing Spaces for Effective Learning publication see http://www.jisc.ac.uk/index.cfm?name=pub_spaces