Learning Spaces

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Learning Spaces the New TechnologiesLearning
and Teaching for Tomorrow-Today!

• NASTECH April 27, 2006

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Working w/Mental Models

• The key to change often is clearly seeing and
  understanding our current mental models in order
  to design real, meaningful change.

Human beings . . . are creatures of
interpretation. Our behavior and our attitudes
are shaped by the images, assumptions, and
stories that we carry in our minds of ourselves,
other people, institutions, and every aspect of
the world. (STL, p. 67)
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Mental Models

• Why we need to deeply review our mental models

. . . mental models are usually tacit, existing
below the level of awareness, . . . are often
untested and unexamined. In any new experience,
most people are drawn to take in and remember
only the information that reinforces their
existing mental models. (STL, p. 67)
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Usual Mental Models of Learning Spaces

• Traditional Formal Learning Spaces
• The classroom
• The faculty office
• Semi-Formal Learning Spaces
• Libraries
• Other quasi-semiformal learning spaces
• Informal Learning Spaces
• Dorm room, home learning space, cafeteria, etc.

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Traditional Management/Control Presence
vis-à-vis Learning
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The Challenge

• Defining/Identifying New Learning Spaces
• Extending Formal and Semi-Formal Instruction into
  New Learning Spaces

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Emerging /Converging Technologies

• Rapidly emerging ubiquitous access to information
  at any time, in any place, and with almost anyone
• Emerging tools to interact with information while
  on the move laptops, handhelds, iPods, mp3
  players, smarter smarter cell phones, GPS
  devices, digital cameras
• Universal wireless

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Information vs. Knowledge

• Information is not necessarily knowledge
• Access to information doesnt necessarily mean a
  learner has the skills to use information to
  create knowledge
• A learning system is designed to mentor the
  conversion of information into knowledge

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Enter the Millennial Learners, Who

• are using emerging technologies that changes how
  and when and where these learners access
  information
• have a growing recognition of the mental
  Interrupt between classroom-centric only
  information and real-worlds anywhere, anytime
  information model
• are willing to find/do learning in multiple
  spaces, physical and virtual

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Challenge for Teachers

• Move more learning management and teacher
  presence out to semi-formal and informal
  learning spaces
• Deal with concepts of shifting time and place for
  deep learning (creating knowledge) with emerging
  set(s) of information-centric learners (not just
  digital natives anymore as more non-natives join
  the culture)
• Understand and learn to use the tools that help
  meet these challenges

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Filling the Teaching Tool Chest

• So I bought a laptop (iPod, etc.), now what?
• I cant re-tool myself and teach at the same
  time.
• The System doesnt reward those who take the
  time to learn how to use the new tools.

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Teachers on Learners

• They really only want traditional teaching
  situations Im doing great in my classrooms.
• Im a fountain of knowledge. Like ancient
  oracles, they will come to me when they need me.
• Everyone tells me how much work it is to use
  technologies and the students dont even
  appreciate it.

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Multiple Modalities of Learning

• Independent study
• Peer tutoring
• Team collaborative work in small and mid-size
  groups (2-6 students)
• One-on-one learning with the teacher
• Lecture format with the teacher at center stage
• Project-based learning
• Technology based learning with mobile computers
• Distance learning
• Research via the Internet with wireless
  networking
• Presentation
• Performance-based learning
• Seminar-style instruction
• Hands on project based learning
• Naturalist learning
• Social/emotional learning
• Art-based learning
• Storytelling (floor seating)
• Team teaching

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Why I May WANT To Change

• My students more and more are using technology in
  and around my class sessions.
• I really have a lot more content I could
  deliver if I had more time and more means.
• My students are a collection of individuals with
  different knowledge sets and skills.
• I want more impact on what happens to my learners
  beyond the classroom.

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What Could I Change?

• Differentiating my vast content and knowledge
  among my students
• Conferencing/mentoring students
• Shifting my time and places for creating and
  delivering in learning spaces and non-traditional
  environments
• Meeting my desire to deliver learning to learners
  at moments of desired learning

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Crossing Over

• Im actually tired of so much traditional
  classroom contact, are there options?
• I am a good teacher, I just want to teach more
  broadly, differently.
• I actually like technology TV, iPods, computers
  I want to use them in my courses.

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Links

• http//www.designshare.com/