Hybrid learning spaces

Learning spaces, where the design of the space and the growing use of IT mutually support each other, have till now been almost unresearched.  Knowledge is lacking of how IT and design of physical spaces interact and how the combination of different options can optimise the learning processes. This project intends to develop knowledge about how the link between the physical spaces of school and IT can support teaching.

At present, school professionals are greatly interested in changing the physical frame and design of schools to consider several different forms of teaching and cooperation. The option of forming smaller groups and not least the option of longer-running project tasks, where students participate in the preparation of their work process. This implies that options between different ways of solving a tasks and working together should be available in school environments.

At the same time there is a great interest in integrating IT in teaching, so that IT becomes a tool that the students use optimally as a matter of course in their learning processes. 

However, it is our experience that physical space and virtual space are perceived as 'opposite' spaces that exist independently of each other. A visible consequence of this is that IT facilities are often placed in quite uninspiring spaces, where the possibilities of combining different ways of tackling a task do not appear to have been considered when the spaces were designed. 

But the physical design of schools – both large and small rooms, workshop areas, reading cells – and a growing number of IT facilities – interactive floors, laptops, whiteboards, work stations – aim to support the real goal of school: that students learn in the most suitable way with the greatest possible profit. 

The research theme will be examined from different angles such as ethnographically inspired fieldwork to gain insight into how daily practices link spaces, IT, children and pedagogy.

Moreover, based on an analysis of the empirical results from the field work, projects for design of the spaces will be further elaborated in cooperation with a practicing architect. These projects will be tested over time and evaluated. 

Visible result of the project – communication

The result will provide the responsible parties with a better basis for building and designing schools. Optimisation of linking physical design and the use of IT is expected to improve the efficiency of learning processes that are necessary for the Danish school in the future. 

Demonstration projects: Newly designed learning spaces will serve as demonstration projects that can inspire the lay-out and design of schools. 

Knowledge for practicioners:  A publication with examples in text and pictures intended for local authorities, practicing architects and teachers that wishes to work with and improve learning spaces provided with IT. 

Knowledge for schools of architecture, colleges of education and other researchers: The result are published in a report and in national and international articles. 

The project will consist of the following phases:

• Phase I Comparative case studies
• Phase II Demonstration projects
• Phase III Evaluation and reporting