ProjectProject

A protocol for developing curriculum-led human-centred next generation learning environments in higher education

Project Information

Year Funded:
2008
Grant (ex GST):
$220,000
Project Status:
Ongoing
Program:
Priority Projects
Project Keywords:
Authentic learning, Curriculum development, Curriculum-led, Human-centred, ICT (information communication technology) integration, Learning and teaching spaces, New technologies, Next generation learning spaces, Spatial design, Systems approach
Project Discipline:
Non-disciplinary

Institutions

  • University of Technology, Sydney (Lead)
  • Monash University
  • The University of Melbourne
  • The University of New South Wales

Project Leader

  1. Ms Susan Sherringham
    University of Technology, Sydney
    susan [dot] sherringham [at] uts [dot] edu [dot] au

Project Outcome

The development, through a soft systems approach, of a curriculum-led, human-centred process for designing and evaluating next generation learning spaces and the associated technologies and pedagogy to achieve curriculum aims. Through this systems approach, to simultaneously develop a framework of protocols, tools & models to support the conceptualisation, design, implementation and post occupancy evaluation of next generation learning environments. These protocols, tools and models will focus on achieving authentic next generation learning environments, both formal and informal, that address the relationships between stakeholder needs, curriculum, pedagogical approaches, technology and learning environments.

Project Methodology

The project will build on institutional strategies, research, and learning space initiatives and will be developed using collegial institutional teams, through case studies at UTS & elsewhere and through cross institutional workshops, probes and prototyping.

Year 1

  1. Extension of the review of literature and national / international case studies conducted by the UTS Working Parties
  2. Case studies of the use of existing curriculum-led learning spaces in the three participating universities.Development of a framework and protocols for the design of new curriculum-led learning spaces, including informal learning spaces.
  3. Workshops for groups of academics, facilities management staff, students and others from UTS and a range of other universities in Sydney and Melbourne to disseminate, evaluate and refine the initial framework and protocols.

Year 2

  1. Refinement of the draft protocols, following the workshop evaluation.
  2. Development, evaluation and dissemination of the protocols through workshops with other universities that are engaged or have recently engaged in new learning space design. Refinement of the protocols, based on the evaluation.
  3. Dissemination and evaluation of protocols through an online survey targeting national and international participation.
  4. Development of a set of resources for curriculum-led learning space design, including a website hosting, for example, a repository for completed and ongoing case studies, publication of research findings, protocol-kit including guidelines tools and models, a wiki or a blog for ongoing discussion.

The information on this project's page was correct at the time of funding. Changes may have occurred since.

The information on this project's page was updated 29 June, 2009.

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