8. Spaces

Jump to: Reflective Activities | Further Reading | Research Briefings | Diagrams and figures

Reflective Activities

Enviroments for learning

• To review the learning environment

Organizing the classroom for learning

• Analysing your classroom

Using technology for learning

• Using ICT in your setting
• To consider the strategies opened up by ICT

Managing people

• Making the most of the classroom environment
• To reflect on the successful and unsuccessful aspects of group activities

Further Reading

Overview

We use the term “Spaces” to represent the multitude of environments in which learning can occur. Through this chapter we discuss how spaces can become effective educational environments, allowing the students to thrive and progress.

Of particular note we explore the rise of 21st century digital literacies and discuss the inherent potential of spaces born from ICT.

Helen Beetham and Rhona Sharpe discuss the theory of technology-enhanced learning and strategies for its implementation in curriculum design and assessment. They also contextualise their work with contributors experiences and accessible resources:

Beetham, H. & Sharpe, R. (2013) Rethinking Pedagogy for a Digital Age: Designing for 21st Century Learning. Routledge. New York.

Crawley reviews the use and progression of learning technologies in the post-compulsory education sector. He criticises the lack of embedding of these in teaching and also comments on the potential damage limitations of using such programmes.

Crawley, J. (2009) Much technology, but limited impact: what progress has been made with Learning Technology in the Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) sector. Journal of Teaching in Lifelong Learning. V1. I1. pp.43-50.

Useful links

• JISC case studies on blended learning
• Ofsted on Safe Use of New Technologies
• OpenLearn Create
• Classroom planning tool
• Creative Commons
• Blended Learning at Belfast Metropolitan College
• JISC Student digital experience tracker, 2017

Research Briefings

• Using computers to enhance learning
• Interactive teaching and ICT
• From black boxes to glass boxes

Diagrams and figures

• Figure 8.1 Checklist of affordances to support learning
• Figure 8.2 Resources to support learning
• Figure 8.3 Checklist of the pedagogical and practical implications of the classroom use of ICT
• Figure 8.4 Use of Creative Commons licensed work