21st Century Learning Spaces

“Spaces shape and change practice. Engaging, adaptable spaces energise  students, teachers and the community. Well-designed learning spaces inspire creative, productive and efficient learning."

MCEETYA Learning Spaces Framework

A new environment of schooling has been emerging over several decades, stimulated by a new economy, new technologies and new understanding about learning. In today’s interconnected, technology driven world, learning typically takes place in physical, virtual and remote places. It is an integrated, highly technical environment in which learners learn. The new learning spaces incorporate technologies, engage the learner, creating new learning possibilities, enhancing achievements and extending interactions with local and global communities.

Characteristics of new learning

• A shift from instruction to active learning and an increased attention to personalised learning.

• An emphasis on collaborative learning and greater attention to human relationships

• A growing commitment to project-based learning involving problem solving, investigation and trial and error.

• Emphasis on skills needed for the 21st Century

• Emergence of collaborative networks that support professional learning

• Globalisation of education – national and international partnerships

[Appeared in News in Brief  Vol 28, No 3,  May 2009]