4IT Guys will post their reflections and comments here on the CETL Learning Space.The idea is to think about the teaching techniques within the room, but it's also important to look at the learning that takes place. How does the learner feel in this space? Does the provision of a clearly expensive and 'different' room effect the self-esteem of the learner and add motivation?
In my opinion the room hugely affects the motivation of student learners; it feels like a special space that the University has invested large financial resources in and so makes the student feel 'special' about their learning space and this may impact upon their own investment in their work. In education we talk a lot about making learning spaces motivational through the use of displays, environmental text etc to help promote learning and this room certainly adds to the motivational factor!
A long time ago in the UK, I attended a presentation given by Prof Stephen Heppell on Schools for The Future. Heppell's thoughts on learning spaces are always worth reading and his work in this initiative can be seen here.
