Transforming spaces to empower digital learning

Transforming spaces to empower digital learning

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  Anne Llewellyn, PrincipleLecturer, Learning & Teaching Transforming spaces to empower digital learning
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  Transforming spaces toempower digital learning . Anne Llewellyn
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  Aims of thesession • To introduce the mixed methods approach to library space evaluation • To explore the importance of learning space design for student engagement and learning
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  Refurbishment programme Design objectives: •The Library will be a place for 21st Century learning. • The library will be a visually impressive space • The library will be a technology-enabled environment. • The library will be a flexible learning space • The library will drive and enhance the student experience
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  Evaluation methodology • Actionresearch approach – cyclical in partnership with key stakeholders, including students • Methodology – Mixed method analysis based on JELS Conceptual framework for evaluating learning space design
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  Action research Design Phase1 • Collaboration with students, academics, professional services staff and architects. • Evidence - workshops; mood boards and feedback processes; SU data Evaluation of Phase 1 • First impressions data: • Head count data • Non-participant observation to see what spaces are used (time and frequency); • Learning logs to evaluate relationship between space usage and learning Design and refurbishment Phase 2 Evaluation of Phase 2 - impact analysis
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  JELS Conceptual frameworkfor evaluating learning space design
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  Mixed methods analysis •First impressions survey • Headcount data • Observational study • Student narrative accounts.
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  First impressions data •Conducted by the Students Union and Library Staff • Over 4 week period • 4 questions asked (1 per week) • Use of post it notes in SU and graffiti boards in the library. • Students were asked to provide key words to reflect their initial feelings about the Floor 1 library space.
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  Which words wouldyou use to sum up what you think about the collaborative space on Floor 1? (341 responses)
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  What do youlike most about Floor 1? (247 responses)
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  Is there anythingthat you would change about Floor 1? (189 responses) More computers More bins More refreshment/water More space for working Better signage Other
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  How are youplanning to use the new learning spaces on Floor 1? (177 responses) Individual Collaborative
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  Headcount data
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  Observations and narrativereflections • Different areas facilitated different types of working • Collaborative areas were inclusive • Range of formal and informal areas important for choices about where and how worked • Siting of the spaces important – collaborative areas in middle meant students could talk without feeling they were disturbing others • Comfort and ambience important • Interesting place where students want to study • Importance of lighting • Technology enabled learning
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  Collaborative areas “It helpsme and my friends during our group project etc. It is visible to everybody. So, anybody can make a suggestion quickly within the team.”
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  Low Tech/Cube areas “AsI was creating a thought shower for my work as a plan for my dissertation I also used the large wall of whiteboards to do this, I found this really useful”
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  Oasis “I wasvery pleased with how productive I was today and felt very comfortable working in the small space I made for myself. I used one of the individual workspaces by the front window. I like how it was separated from the rest of the library in the corner”
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  Hilly Banks “Therewere people relaxed on the bean bags in the corner that once housed desks. The talk was of a group presentation, but the atmosphere informal, like a needed break from the strict world of study”
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  Green Retreat “The spaceis interesting and nice to be in with the felt wall cut outs hanging up, it creates a more enclosed atmosphere which is good for individual learning.”
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  City Park “I feelthe bold colour choices for the furniture promote creative work as they provide a relaxed environment.”
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  Conclusion • Rich datafrom mixed methods analysis • Narrative reflections gave deeper insights into the relationship between space and learning • Ambience important motivating factor for usage and study.
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  “It reminds mesomehow of my favourite childhood movie scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when the doors open to an edible world, it’s kind of magical and at the same time festival! I think it allows the mind to wander to the likes of the viewer a little world that you can create yourself.“