POST THREE - Horizon 2015 Report - Redesigning Learning Spaces

Redesigning Learning Spaces

Universities and educational environments such as classrooms are thinking about the recreations of the learning space to implement more active learning facility. Technology is being used in the classrooms, wireless internet and smart devices to provide collaborative interactive study.

Previously the learning spaces were very basic, focussing on the content that the teacher would provide for the students, however know learning is to be centred on the students.  Technology I believe can be used to achieve this because it is an interactive way of learning where the students are engaged and learn through an innovative experience.

Technology in the learning environment such as the proposal to place interactive boards in hallways and theatres is an effective method to provide knowledge to the masses. They can interact with the devices and access abundant information. This is also effective for collaborative work, where students can post questions to others for answers or they can use video link or such technology which allows them to work on projects together without necessarily being at the same place increasing convenience.

The standard has been removed from the technological power of the learning spaces, therefore whatever resources can be afforded by the different institutions across the world can be used. This is especially effective for those countries and smaller schools where the budget and resource accessibility is limited. They may not be able to afford virtual reality equipment or 3D printers but still they can invest in technology to teach their students in an interactive manner.

Personally, reflecting upon this report, enterprises and educational institutions should invest in building eco-friendly schools which incorporate technology as their foundation of learning whilst still mantling traditional methods. Although the benefits of technology as a new design for teaching classrooms. Teachers still can explain to students on a personal level and break down information to them on a one to one basis. Technology can only go a certain way, students of philosophy who may study manuscripts or law students reading books written fifty years ago still need access to traditional methods. Technology may not replace but can enhance the learning experience and work alongside traditional methods.

The University of Western Sydney (Australia), updated their curriculum rather than completely change it to provide technology blended courses. They also provisioned for interactive work spaces, mobile furniture, projectors and collaborative learning spaces through technology.

George Washington University’s implemented a Nursing Simulation Lab, for experimental training, mimicking a real hospital. Key features of the lab include a model emergency room suite, strategic\ally embedded cameras, microphones, live streaming to the lab and system capable of closed-circuit broadcast to a 100 lecture hall and 50 seat classroom.