The document discusses the importance of place and space in virtual learning environments. It notes that people construct their worldview in complex ways using mechanisms like metaphor, analogy and stories. The conception or idea is more important than perception. The document questions whether metaphor can be used to design online learning and argues that education involves more than just facts - it encompasses ideas, understanding, knowledge and wisdom. It suggests that virtual learning environments currently do not fully account for cognitive mapping, spatial reaction, identity and other psychological and socio-cultural factors, but that the design process should continue as students create a sense of place.

1. What way is up?
Space and place in virtual learning environments
Derek Jones
Lecturer in Design, The Open University
Derek.jones@open.ac.uk
Peter Lloyd
Professor of Design Studies, The Open University
Peter.lloyd@open.ac.uk

2. What we see is not what we think...
(my perception / conception of this room is very different to yours)

3. People do not construct their
worldview in a deterministic way
(It’s more complex than that…)
oveL?
X!seat

4. The conception (idea/phenomena)
is what is important

5. People use metaphor, analogy,
stories, belief, …
(mechanisms for embodying the complex…)

6. plac
Can metaphor be used to
design online learning?

7. Education is more than facts
Is more than the ‘sum of the parts’
ideas
understanding
knowledge
wisdom
concepts

8. We already do this…
(but not completely)
Home page
Forums
Go back
Go up
Library
Portal
Enter
Open
Cognitive (mapping)
Spatial reaction
Psychological
Sociological
Identity
Physio-psychological
Cultural
Political

9. Failure to do this…
“Why should we hope
that speculative,
context-less
information should be
meaningful without
the opportunity for
sense-making,
interpretation,
experimentation,
meaning …”

10. “One of the mistakes
we make is to assume
the object designed is
complete ... the design
process continues as
the new house owner
creates a home:
converts space to
place”

11. •Failure to do this…

12. • Introductory level design education
• Distance learning ... to design
• Virtual learning environment
• Large student community
Design Thinking

17. 17

18. “Bachelard (1984) claimed that the home
was the place of dreaming, an essential
place for the mind as well as the body.
If this is in any way true, then surely the
place of learning should be no less
important.”