Start date: 12 March 2007
End date: 31 October 2007
JISC theme(s): e-Learning
Committees: JISC Learning and Teaching committee
Overview
The focus of this study was to look at how to ensure that new learning environments based on open plan technology rich space work and to document how they were managed to achieve their aims. A key question of the study was how could open, interactive environments be managed to accommodate the variety of needs from those users requiring peace and quiet, group meetings, and more intimate working arrangements enabling them all to operate effectively in the same space?
Aims and objectives
The study aimed to consider, and determine best practice in, technical issues relating to dealing with the containment of noise, the maintenance of good ventilation, the management of circulation, maintenance of flexible use of the space, behaviour management, and management of access to technology and its use.
Project methodology
Experience with open plan working space in the education sector is relatively young, whereas the field of office design is relatively sophisticated. It was therefore proposed to undertake a broad initial study to gather experience from a range of environments using a range of techniques including desk research, electronic questionnaire, telephone interview and visits.
A wide diversity of practice was identified and documented, but the focus of the project was the production of case study material.
Anticipated outputs and outcomes
Expected outputs were:
- Guidelines and recommendations for senior managers regarding the topic of the review based on desk research, questionnaire results, conversations with practitioners and site visits
- A final report with a minimum of 6 case studies (co-ordinated with JISC infonet current stock of case studies on technology-rich learning spaces)
- These from the project will be made available to JISC infonet for incorporation (by them) into the infokit 'Designing and Planning Technology-Rich Learning spaces'
Expected outcomes were:
- Availability of an authoritative source of guidance for institutions and managers on best practice in the area of the study
- Six case studies covering a broad range of examples
- Additional information to supplement the JISC infokit on Designing and Planning Technology Rich Learning Spaces on the management of technology rich open plan learning and teaching spaces