Future Learning Spaces in Higher Education: Space, Technology and Pedagogy
Overview
A significant amount of estates development is currently underway in UK colleges and universities at a time of major change for educational technology and modes of learning and teaching. Changing educational requirements of increasingly diverse student populations have prompted more tailored, student-centred, approaches to designing environments for learning on and off campus. Increasingly approaches to learning are required to be flexible and networked, bringing together formal and informal activities in a seamless environment that recognises that learning can take place any time, in either physical and/or virtual spaces. Despite the relationship between spaces and learning receiving growing recognition as a fundamental aspect of the debate on contemporary approaches to learning and teaching in higher education; ushering in a broader emphasis on learning space design as ‘sites for learning’ that is necessitating a more holistic vision for campuses and programmes. Our understanding of the complex interplay between spaces and learning remains largely underdeveloped, lacking a clear evidence-base.
Learning space design, when approached from a holistic perspective, takes into account the spectrum of learning activities and the variety of environments necessary for students to realise a richer educational experience. Here, the development of learning spaces supports innovative (formal and informal) pedagogical approaches and environments through the affordances of digital technology. To this end, the HEA’s Flexible Learning symposium aims to bring together cutting edge examples of effective and innovative efforts at learning space design. More specifically, the one-day symposium seeks to better understand and evidence the relationship and interplay between three core features of learning space design, namely: Space, Technology and Pedagogy.
Aims of the series
Hosted at the Higher Education Academy in York, the one-day symposium will not only be of interest and relevance to the work of senior leaders and academic teaching staff, but also to those with a responsibility for shaping and supporting the wider university learning environment – i.e. estates and library services, as well as Student Unions. The aims of the symposium are:
- to provide an open and supportive environment within which to share and discuss contemporary practical and strategic programmes and initiatives in this priority area; and
- to begin to craft a principled, and evidence-informed, approach to devising subsequent support and guidance for future learning space design in higher education.
Programme
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09.00–9.45 |
Arrival and Registration |
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09.45–10.00 |
Welcome |
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10.00–11.00 Session One |
Seven different ways of thinking about space influencing education: Brett Bligh, Department of Educational Research, Lancaster University Learning spaces development at Abertay University: Creating a ‘Sticky Campus’: Alastair Robertson, Director of Teaching and Learning Enhancement, Abertay University |
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11.00–12.00 Session Two |
Transforming education through the built environment: Osama Kahn, Director Learning and Teaching, Southampton Solent University Classrooms for flexible, adaptable approaches to curriculum delivery: Responding to staff and student feedback: Gunter Saunders, Associate Director Digital Engagement, University of Westminster |
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12.00–12.45 |
Lunch |
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12.45–13.45 Session Three |
The Learning Commons at Northampton: Chris Powis, Head of Library and Learning Services, University of Northampton Maximising social, problem-based and experiential learning – The impact of new forms of learning space: A case study of Northumbria University: Guy Brown, London Campus Director, Northumbria University |
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13.45–14.45 Session Four |
Bringing technology to teaching: An exploration of creativity, mobility, technology and pedagogy in Performance and Art practice workshop and studio spaces: Neil Glen, Learning Technologist, Bath Spa University Transformative learning spaces: Exploring the impact on classroom interactions: Charlotte Rowlands, Learning technologist, University of South Wales |
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14.45–15.00 |
Refreshment break |
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15.00–16.00 Session Five |
Flexible learning spaces to support holistic student learning: A case study of refurbished library spaces at Teesside University: Liz Jolly, Anne Llewellyn and Richard Sober, Teeside University Space and technology for high interaction learning: Brunel Learning and Teaching Centre case study: Mohamed H. Gaballa, Lecturer, Intelligence and Security Studies, Brunel University |
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16.00–17.00 Session Six |
Intentional content and the professional educator: Megan Lawton, Senior Adviser on Academic Practice in the College of Learning and Teaching, University of Wolverhampton The University of Portsmouth International and European Students’ Book Club: Judith Martin (and colleagues), Academic Study Support Lead, Portsmouth University |
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17.00–17.15 |
Summary and close |
7 hours
Who should attend?
The symposia series is intended for anyone – managers and leaders, academic and support staff – with an interest in and/or responsibility for flexible learning in higher education at all levels. It will be a useful forum to encourage the exchange and dissemination of different ways of thinking about flexible learning.
The symposium will feature a keynote presentation, followed by themed sessions showcasing case studies from the sector.
Delegates will have the opportunity to learn from leading practitioners in the sector, debate priority issues and learn from cutting-edge initiatives on flexible learning.
Who is delivering the symposium?
The symposium will be facilitated by Dr. Sam Elkington, HEA Academic Lead for Assessment and Feedback, in partnership with experienced HEA Associates.
Presenter rates
Presenters at the symposium are eligible for the discounted rate of £180. Presenters should contact our events team on 01904 717574 in order to book their place.
Innovation Way,
York Science Park,
Heslington,
YORK,
YO10 5BR,
United Kingdom