Learning Spaces (A Free EDUCAUSE e-Book)

URL: http://www.educause.edu/content.asp?PAGE_ID=10569&bhcp=1

"Space, whether physical or virtual, can have a significant impact on learning. Learning Spaces focuses on how learner expectations influence such spaces, the principles and activities that facilitate learning, and the role of technology from the perspective of those who create learning environments: faculty, learning technologists, librarians, and administrators. Information technology has brought unique capabilities to learning spaces, whether stimulating greater interaction through the use of collaborative tools, videoconferencing with international experts, or opening virtual worlds for exploration. This e-book (446 pages) represents an ongoing exploration as we bring together space, technology, and pedagogy to ensure learner success."

(Entire book: PDF 20,173 KB)

By simply downloading this free e-book and exploring the learning space possibilities (from real stories at top Universities), you will probably get many new great ideas on how one can really utilize the space around us to create amazing learning environments. As the e-book is a whopping 446 pages, I strongly recommend that you simply browse through and get AHA-inspirations from all the pictures of amazing learning spaces, before going on the long reading journey. The only minus point, is that they should have included more pictures from these amazing learning spaces around the world, in addition to all the reasons and wisdoms behind their constructions.

Overall, next time you plan to revamp the University's (College or School) learning spaces (in addition to exploring this e-book), you should seek inspirations from the students and educators (and other key stakeholders), before getting swayed by the architects, designers and contractors. I am sure that the creativity from the Youth will pop-up a few great ideas that are hopefully cost-effective, too. Since they will be using these learning spaces, their visions and reflections should be nurtured as much as possible (Customer Focus). Start with a University competition: RM 1000 for the best learning space ideas for the library, classroom, labs, etc.

Then we can find out, whether the wisdom of the crowds really work for learning spaces :)