Classrooms are increasingly moving away from traditional designs towards more flexible learning spaces that enable collaborative learning and integration of technology. This shift is being driven by changes in pedagogical approaches and student learning preferences, with teachers adopting more collaborative designs and students expecting to access information and work together both inside and outside the classroom. The new learning spaces are designed to support a variety of learning activities through adjustable furnishings and access to wireless devices, reflecting the changing needs of 21st century education.

2. Technology is a key enabler of collaborative learning Argue that classrooms themselves are constraints to new ways of teaching and learning. ‘Spaces shape and change practice’ New and refurbished learning spaces are no longer classrooms to hold 30 students and 1 teacher in fixed box style, single purpose rooms There is a strong movement away from computer labs as learning spaces, replaced by more flexible use of technology in all learning spaces. Diane Brook, Sydney Catholic Education Office

3. Technology is a key enabler of collaborative learning Shift towards collaborative learning and its impact on learning design Collaboration is not new but there is a new environment in which we live Teachers who use collaborative learning approaches think of themselves less as authentic transmitters of knowledge and more as designers of intellectual experiences. Benefits Student engagement and participation increases Access to information, knowledge and networks greater outside of the classroom – technology enables that Students are creators and consumers of knowledge and services Reference : Collaboration in Teaching and Learning, education.au

4. Technology is a key enabler of collaborative learning Shift towards collaborative learning and its impact on learning design Partnerships for 21st Century Skills Reference : Partnerships for 21st Century Skills

6. Teacher centric

7. Students passive – empty vessels to fill

8. One to many communication

9. Lack flexibility

10. Have limited support for technology

11. Individual rather than group focussed

13. Technology literate and adept

14. Media savvy

15. Flexible, multi-tasking and not passive

16. Communicators and collaborators

17. Interactive and networked

19. Technology is a key enabler of collaborative learning Integration of ICT and Multimedia Technologies in classroom environment Digital Education Revolution If the nature of learning varies at anyone time in class, then you don’t need 32 of anything!! Trends suggest that broadband connections (24x7 and anywhere and global) and mobility are key characteristics to enable successful implementation of today’s or tomorrow’s technologies. Still require electrical connections to power machines, wireless connections critical. Government is funding through DER – some decisions being made are a little puzzling. Eg 3G and Next G networks almost silent in the NBN Putting 32 computers into a traditional classroom just doesn’t work. Students should be able to connect to devices anywhere How long before the govt will fund a tax break for parents to purchase computers to take into schools. Between home, school and the community Fit for purpose purchase Provision for fixed and mobile devices…….(eg IWB’s, multi-media machines, iphones, netbooks) Quick and reliable access to Dynamic and interactive curriculum materials, collaborative and data rich services, and personalised learning spaces

21. Space is designed for a range of activities

22. Furniture reflects different activities

23. Quiet individual reflection, group celebration, workbenches with power, long term work benches

24. Technology provision

26. Flexible and adaptable - furnishings and equipment

27. Can be rearranged with speed and ease.

28. Able to switch between individual and group settings – for presentation, communication and collaboration modes

29. Reflective of the new learning practices

30. Designed to support different levels of technologicalsophistication

31. Provided with wireless and mobile computing devicesReference : 21st century learning spaces, education.au

32. Technology is a key enabler of collaborative learning Thank you Resources http://delicious.com/gputland Blog http://blogs.educationau.edu.au Twitter http://twitter.com/gputland Website http://www.educationau.edu.au Garry Putland, General Manager, education.au gputland@educationau.edu.au Reference : 21st century learning spaces, education.au