iTEC is about designing the future classroom. The project, which involves 15 Ministries of Education from across Europe, brings together teachers, policymakers, pedagogical experts - representatives from each stage of the educational processes - to introduce innovative teaching practices.
Open Education Europa
The latest issue of the eLearning Papers is out, on the theme of "Design for Learning Spaces and Innovative Classrooms." The articles offer insight from research findings and practical experiences relating to the re-imagination and re-configuration of learning spaces.
"by P.B. Garrett
Published on Monday, October 13, 20140 Comments
Key Takeaways
Experiential learning enhances student engagement and learning and thus is an important pedagogical driver of learning space design.
Successful creation of experiential learning environments and faculty adoption and use of innovative learning spaces depend critically on collaborative partnerships.
Investing in the creation of experiential learning spaces proves essential to preparing students for today's marketplace."
Redesigning the College Library Building, 2014 Edition
This 220+ page report looks closely at the capital spending plans and building renovation/construction policies of academic libraries, predominantly in the USA and Canada. The study covers capital spending and space allocation plans with highly detailed data on recent library spending and future plans for the construction or renovation of library cafes, seating space, lighting, atriums, classroom space, information commons and other technology-oriented spaces, group study space, storage space, collection space, rooftop space, offices, meeting spaces and auditoriums, entrances and exits, restrooms, gardens and other outdoor spaces, artwork, windows, space and facilities for special collections, performance space, space intended for library applications for specific academic departments and other forms of library space and special features. In addition, the report looks at other forms of capital spending such as plans for library furniture, workstations,information technology and more. The study also presents extensive data on sources of funding for renovations and new construction as well as data on how renovations have been received by the target audience. Redesigning the College Library Building, 2014 Edition also examines special purpose investments in energy saving technology, enhancements to natural light and soundproofing, among others. Data is broken out for public and private colleges, by size and type of college, and by college tuition level.
Dr. Robert Beichner is an award-winning professor of physics at North Carolina State University and is receiving the Prize for his work at the post-secondary level. He has changed how students learn in the science classroom not only on his home campus, but at the more than 100 institutions of higher education that have adopted SCALE-UP, an approach that uses digital technology combined with innovative teaching approaches centered on hands-on activities and roundtable discussions.
SCALE-UP initiative at Nottingham Trent, started this year.
The purpose of this website is to share designs for state-of-the-art learning studios, teaching methods, and instructional materials that are based
on more than a decade of discipline-based education research.
Learning is changing in the 21st century. Technologies used in learning, such as interactive whiteboards, personal learning environments, wireless networks and mobile devices, plus the internet and high-quality digital learning resources - and the ability to access many of these from home and the workplace - are altering the experiences and aspirations of learners.
Increasing investment in estate and learning technologies, combined with the need for more cost-effective space utilisation, is making it increasingly important for senior managers and decision-makers to keep abreast of new thinking about the design of technology-rich learning spaces.
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, independent and inspired to learn. In short 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.
Jisc RSC case study published: 11th September 2014
Summary
"Following a refurbishment of one of its campuses, staff at South Staffordshire College introduced new technology-rich learning spaces, featuring state of the art equipment. As a result, the college is benefitting from more engaged students, new assessment methods and ways of working, as well as making time and cost savings."
A guide with associated case studies and a photo library on new build and refurbishment in the sectors including sustainable approaches and business incubation spaces.