Led by Professor Peter Jamieson, The University of Melbourne.
It’s clear that HE is moving towards a more student centered approach to teaching that encourages active, collaborative and peer group learning. The implications are for universities to provide suitable venues that accommodate a greater mix of teaching and learning approaches.
On April 21 2009, we were delighted to host Professor Peter Jamieson from The University of Melbourne, who delivered his keynote presentation on the design of new learning environments.
Professor Jamieson is a leading academic who has international prominence for his work in the design and development of flexible learning spaces. He has extensive experience of designing and implementing new learning environments, technology rich spaces as well as new informal areas for students.
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On Tuesday 21st April the day began with a series of presentations, beginning with a welcome from Head of College Dr. Frances Corner and followed by a keynote presentation from Professor Jamieson.
Please click below to download Professor Jamieson’s presentation.
We also made a video recording of his keynote presentation along with his Powerpoint slides. The duration is one hour and fifty minutes.
Please click here to download the file.
Following this, Gavin Jenkins, Head of Technical Services and James Rutherford, Media & Learning Support Site Manager, presented a look back at Learning Technology at the college over the past fifteen years as well as current developments.
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In the afternoon session, delegates were invited to gather into three groups for a workshop session.
The purpose of this activity is to investigate a more creative and collaborative approach to the design of a new generation of learning environments. The activity required that each group focus on a specific physical environment. The intention wasn’t that the exercise should result in the creation of an absolute “final design”, rather it is intended that key issues and challenges should be addressed and possible design solutions be considered in the course of the activity. It was hoped that the experience would in turn inform how the real design process and real design solutions could be achieved.
The three distinct learning environments we focussed on were:
- ‘Teaching room’ This is a general purpose teaching room. It should accommodate (for the purpose of this exercise) up to 30 students. This is the kind of space where seminars, presentations and group-based activity would occur.
- ‘Sample room’ A specialist classroom supporting pattern cutting, sewing machines and the use of presses. This room should be designed to accommodate up to 25 students
- ‘Informal learning lounge’. This is intended as an informal learning area which provides students with a mix of IT access and use, as well as a range of seating and furniture types to accommodate a variety of activity.
The groups asked to think of a metaphor for their particular space before getting down to the details of furniture, room decor, audio visual and IT equipment.