The changing face of education
Due to the rapid and ever evolving advancements of technology, learning spaces of the 21st century are networks of diverse connections. Learners are no longer being directed along a lineal path for the purposes of finding a career. Because, quite simply, as Ken Robinson (Ted, 2006) points out , the careers of students today have yet to be created. The challenges facing young people as they become adults are more complex and demanding than ever before (Bentley, 2012) Therefore, in order to equip our students to be future global citizens, lets become educational innovators, lets rethink and adapt our pedagogical strategies, make changes to our classroom and school spaces, adopt forgotten, and explore new, cultural approaches, whilst immersing ourselves in e-space connections. We will address the challenges and strengths of: learning in the e-space; personal learning journeys and the influences of the liminal space; learning experiences both in and beyond the classroom; and cooperative and collaborative cultural approaches.
Classroom Spaces
For many numbers of students and classroom sizes are a challenge when wanting to design your perfect learning environment. Then there is the challenge of budget.
Examine the collection of images created by Steve Brophy. They are his visual interpretation of learning spaces and their metaphorical links to a watering hole, campfire, cave, mountain top and sandpit.
Another challenge for teachers is your classroom seating plan, with students complaining or refusing to sit in their allocated place (Howell, 2014). Negotiation is always tricky!
Using the Classroom Architect website create your own ideal 'virtual classroom'. Imagine spaces that stimulate collaboration, motivate self-discovery, encourage self-reflection, prompt global interactions. Print out your plan to discuss and compare with other staff members. Try out your seating plan in your class and reflect on if is meeting the learning needs and styles of your students.
