Learning spaces – are we doing enough?

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With the start of a new academic year swiftly approaching (I realise many have already started, sorry) I am again having discussions with academics on the best way to use the spaces they’re given.

It’s not only about the size or resolution of the screen/projector. It’s not about the fact there is always a spot-light right above the screen which makes it so difficult to see the content. It is about whether the space is too cold or hot. It is about whether there is enough natural light, or is it annoying neon strip lights? Is there (enough) power sockets spread around the space so trailing wires aren’t a trip hazard? Can students get in and out of the room and seats quickly to enable a quick or easy change between classes? What about the spaces outside the classroom – does the next class block the exit as they hover outside waiting to get it?

This is the kind of thing that needs attention when looking at learning spaces, not just about how flexible the seating arrangement is. Yes, it’s good to have flexibility of room layout and the kind of devices that can connect to the infrastructure, but not at the expense of comfort or access. Can they bring a drink with them (most classes and lecture theatres say ‘no food over drink’, yet sessions over lunchtime often mean the students are flagging from lack of energy.

All this has an impact on how the students view these ‘spaces’, how they interact with it, even how they like or dislike it. If you’ve annoyed the student before they’ve even sat down, will you ever re-capture them for the reason they’re there?

So, with Universities committing to new buildings, the question is .. are ‘we’ doing enough to make the spaces fit for learning, or just fit for bums-on-seats?

Here are two of the best learning spaces I’ve seen, either in person or online:

Loughborough University: Lecture theatre – The first meeting of the East Midlands ALT group was here, and we used this space fantastically. A series of presentations and small group work enabled us to collaborate and discuss projects with colleagues on our desk, but also engage and interact with others on similar and surrounding desks. Each table can sit four comfortably, six at a push, getting in and out (for activities and a swift room change) is easy and I even remember power sockets available too (can someone check this for me please?).

The room itself was quite shallow but wide, and perhaps I’d prefer a little less of a ‘stage’, and a more flexible workstation for the presenter/facilitator, but this is one of the few spaces I always talk to people about when the topic of spaces for learning is raised.

Loughborough University

University of Birmingham: Collaborative spaces – I’ve seen many of these spaces (University of Dublin, at the 2014 Blackboard Conference – but I didn’t get a photo. Silly me) around but this is the best photo I can find. A slightly tiered floor enables those further back to still see the front/presenter, but every other row of seats can turn round and engage with the row behind. The desks are curved to enable a slightly less formal appeal/structure, and aid getting in and out.

University of Birmingham learning spaces

Schools of the future: Stephen Heppell – This video is from 8 years ago (2008) and we’re still talking about these learning spaces. I think (I have no proof) that we have moved on somewhat from this discussion, there are more spaces described by Stephen here, but it does also still feel we are having the same conversations, seeing the same spaces being replicated, and that those who design (and pay for) these spaces are not moving things forward.

Here are some more resources I’ve been saving as I surf, all about learning spaces in all sorts of shapes and sizes:

If you know of a learning space, or indeed work in one, that should be shared and shouted about (good or bad), please let us know in the comments below.

Update: How about this great set up Neil Morris and Stewart Ross at the University of Leeds? Fantastic, love it. I would love to hear more about the reasons for the different elements, and also see it being used for teaching and learning .. please?