Learning Spaces: Design Matters

Instruction isn't just about content and content delivery; also important is the physical space in which learning or training takes place. Educators in any setting need to understand how the design of physical space impacts the instructional process. We often argue that any space can become a learning space, especially given today's rapidly evolving technologies. But what makes a learning space effective? Participants in this course will evaluate existing learning spaces, and design a physical learning space in accordance with well-established learning principles using a needs assessment process that engages critical stakeholders. The course is devoted to introducing you to the art and science of learning space design. It is built around active learning and collaborative thinking. When we're done, you will have collaborated with classmates as well as students at Stanford University who are also taking a course in learning space design to develop insights that will help enable you to design formal and informal spaces appropriate to your work and learning needs.   

Audience

This course is targeted at educators and workforce learning professionals in K12, higher education, corporate, government, non-profit, and military.

Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

• Identify and list design requirements for a variety of learning spaces stakeholders.
• Identify and list a variety of heuristics for technical specifications of effective learning spaces.
• Identify and list key attributes of the learning space that must be considered for effective design.
• Describe how learning theory informs learning space design.
• Describe how an empathetic focus can improve learning space design efforts.
• Build relationships and network with students currently studying learning space design at Stanford University.
• Use a needs assessment process to evaluate the effectiveness of existing learning spaces and make recommendations for improvement.
  

Assignments

Resources

A growing list of course-related links is available and will be maintained after the course is over.

Course Outline

NOTE: Class meets in the Instructional Technology Services Learning Research Studio, Adams Humanities Building, Room 1112

Session 1: April 7, 2007

8:30 AM

• Conceptual overview of course and assignments
• Small group discussion of informal and formal learning space Tops and Flops
• SDSU Case Study
• Read and discuss Brown's Learning Space Design Theory and Practice table
• Role assignments for photo analysis activity

12:00 to 12:45 - Lunch at Chipotle and form teams

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

• Walking tour of SDSU learning spaces

Prior to next class session:

• READ all assigned articles
• COMPLETE all assignments

Session 2: April 21, 2007

8:30 AM

• WebQuest Team Presentations

12:00 to 12:45 - Lunch

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

• Discuss Video Conference Room case study
• Discuss comments on Stanford and SDSU learning spaces
• Discuss readings, emergent topics, etc.
• Complete course feedback survey (see surveymonkey link)