Learning Spaces

Space, whether physical or virtual, can have a significant impact on learning. Learning Spaces focuses on how learner expectations influence such spaces, the principles and activities that facilitate learning, and the role of technology from the perspective of those who create learning environments: faculty, learning technologists, librarians, and administrators. Information technology has brought unique capabilities to learning spaces, whether stimulating greater interaction through the use of collaborative tools, videoconferencing with international experts, or opening virtual worlds for exploration. This e-book represents an ongoing exploration as we bring together space, technology, and pedagogy to ensure learner success.

Please note: In addition to the e-book's core chapters on learning space design principles (chapters 1–13) , this site also offers case studies illustrating those principles (chapters 15–43), including links to examples of innovative learning spaces. The entire collection is complete and available for printing as individual chapters or the entire book. The printed book is available through Amazon.com.

What People Are Saying...

"Our campus has learned the value of one of higher education's often overlooked assets—learning spaces. They can catalyze new ways of teaching and learning and create community. Institutional leaders can discover the power of learning spaces by simply downloading the e-book and exploring the possibilities."

—Dr. Daniel J. Curran, President, University of Dayton

"If all you do is look at the images in this e-book, you'll come away with dozens of ideas about how to use space to improve learning, teaching, and student engagement. The collection is a rich resource for anyone in higher education."

—James A. Davis, Chief Information Officer, Iowa State University

"This collection will open anyone's eyes to the importance of space to students and learning. The entire campus really can become a learning environment. Examples in this book point to the future of learning spaces that is already materializing around us."

—Richard Mendola, Vice President and CIO, Emory University

"Whether you're a dean or department chair, in IT, planning or facilities management, or a faculty member concerned about student success, this collection of essays on learning spaces offers principles, processes, and practical possibilities you can personally use to reconceive and enhance the physical learning environment."

—William M. Plater, Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculties, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis