Instructional Technology Conference 2008

Title: Thinking Outside the Box: four walls and a ceiling no longer make a learning space.

Name: Lauren E Rudd, Ed.D. & Sharon S Coleman M.S.

Audience Level: All

Audience: Anyone involved in planning or using learning spaces.

Length: One hour

Abstract:
Traditional classrooms are no longer the best environments to promote student learning. Although new technology in the form of hardware, software, and teaching methodologies are important, students need proper lighting and use of color in their environment to make it both healthier and more conducive to learning. This presentation will provide supporting evidence and ideas to improve the learning spaces of students. The related economic value and importance to the institution is also addressed.

Description:
"We are learning that space, properly conceived and built, is essential to learning (Oblinger, 2006, p. 3.2)."; What has previously been considered appropriate for "classrooms"; is being reevaluated with impressive results. Learning spaces entail much more than the typical classroom. Oblinger points out in her discussions on contemporary learning spaces that learning takes place in many areas outside of the classroom. As a working definition, Learning Spaces support the acquisition of knowledge of, or skill in something by study, instruction, or experience within the unlimited or incalculably great three-dimensional realm or expanse in which all material objects are located and all events occur (Dictionary.com).

Current research supports that learning spaces require more considerations than they have been given in the past. In addition to the four walls, ceiling, and floor, those who are designing or using spaces should be aware of the needs for lighting, color application, moveable furnishings, and the importance of a view.

The use of full-spectrum and natural lighting in schools, classrooms and other work environments has been shown cause students and workers "to experience less stress and anxiety, improved behavior and attitudes, improved health and attendance, and increased performance and academic achievement. Research in the use of light in schools has shown that cool-white fluorescent bulbs, (which are used in virtually all classrooms) cause: bodily stress, anxiety, hyper-activity, attention problems and other distress leading to poor learning performance. (Martel, 2001)"; Students who have a view to the exterior are exposed to natural light and also register awareness of time of day which improves circadian rhythms and health.

Color used in interiors impacts the body as well as the mind - certain physiological changes can occur as a result of exposure to certain colors. The effects can include speed and volume of conversation, breathing and heart rates and eye movement. Color is very closely related to light and without light, there is no color. If light is not full spectrum, then colors are not seen properly.

Once the lighting, colors, and views are addressed, the usability of the classroom can better facilitate group and interactive learning through the use of moveable furniture. Students can interact with each other and are not "fixed"; toward the front of the room listening to the "sage on the stage"; type presentations as is traditional to classrooms. Instructors are more likely to use alternative types of teaching/learning when the classrooms are conducive to this.

In addition to improved learning and health of the students, campuses can also reap economical benefits through a reduction in energy needs and pollution related to man-made light, and higher employee productivity/sales/learning related to better health and attitude of the workers/learners.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

Contact information/affiliation:
Lauren E Rudd, Ed.D.
lrudd@mtsu.edu
Human Sciences
MTSU, Box 86
#2089

Sharon S Coleman M.S.
scoleman@mtsu.edu
Human Sciences
MTSU, Box 86
#2094

Equipment: Projected PowerPoint capability and Internet access

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