Deakin University – Immersive Learning Environment: an evaluation
This presentation reports upon a current PhD research project being undertaken by Jo Dane. The research project incorporates the evaluation of four New Generation Learning Environments, that is, four classroom learning environments that have been developed in response to a change in pedagogy, to become more aligned with a student-centred approach to teaching and learning. One of the case study environments, the Deakin Immersive Learning Environment, is located at the Burwood campus of Deakin University, and forms the basis of this presentation. A series of stakeholder interviews and user participant observations were conducted and analysed to determine if the classroom is being used as envisioned during the design process. Key features and attributes of the classroom will be presented in the context of how they support collaborative learning.
This presentation will outline post occupancy evaluation methods and share key findings of the research project. The P-S-T Learning Place rubric is inherent, with ‘pedagogy’ [P] being the key driver of the design process for every New Generation Learning Environment. Evaluation of a learning ‘space’ [S] must relate the intended use of the space to its actual use by students and teachers. ‘Technology’ [T] is considered a tool that has the potential to enhance teaching and learning but must be defined during the project brief and cohesively integrated in the design process, rather than treated as an add-on feature post design.
One of the key topics for discussion in this presentation (and beyond) will be measurements of successful learning environments: on what basis do we determine whether or not a new learning environment meets the needs of the end users? How can an authentic response be established? What are the threats associated with post occupancy evaluations that contribute to its infrequency of implementation? How can they be overcome? These questions and others will be opened to the audience for wider discussion.