Rethinking physical learning environments in the digital age

Dr Graham Walton, Head of Planning and Resources, Library* and Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Information Science*

*both Loughborough University , UK

Changing physical learning space in Loughborough University Library : 2005

Changing physical learning space in Loughborough University Library : 2007

Changing physical learning space in Loughborough University Library : 2008

Changing physical learning space in Loughborough University Library : 2010

Changing physical learning space in Loughborough University Library : October 2013?

Everywhere being wireless enabled is not optional (and finding the extra power sockets is not optional as well)

The networked PC is a long way from being a dinosaur

Students will ‘bring their own devices’ (and don’t be surprised)

The digital native still needs somebody to help them (especially with printing and evaluating)

ICT and the physical learning environment

Don’t be afraid of the ‘L’ word – people know what it means

Ensure the branding in the physical and digital learning environments are inter-linked and support/ inform each other

Branding, ICT and the physical learning environment

People need to be able to easily use their technologies of choice when they want it

People need physical space to use ICT in a combination of ways with their peers, lecturers and library staff

Physical learning space has to have the flexibility to change function quickly and easily as when needed

Ensure there is ICT flexibility and choice in the physical learning environment

Physical learning environments have to continually change as a result of the changing learner - there is no room for guess work

The more creative the evaluation approach is, the richer the data that emerges

‘Just in time’ evaluation will not do – has to be continuous and part of routines

Unofficial evaluation data can be as informative as that generated by the university

Evaluation has to be at the core of ICT and the physical learning environment

Formal and informal physical learning environments are still needed in the digital world

They will not succeed without continuous rethinking (including resourcing, monitoring and developing)

Whatever happens, the user/ student/ customer/ reader has to always be at the centre

Rethinking physical learning environments in the digital age: summary