gail dyer

A place and space.

In most of our experiences it is a school, a classroom, a library for some a playing field. 

In today’s interconnected and technology-driven world it can be virtual, online, remote; in short, it doesn’t have to be a place at all.

Another way of looking at it is as support systems which serve to organize the condition in which humans learn best:

• providing for  the unique learning needs of every learner;
• promoting the positive human relationships necessary for effective learning.

Where learning is

• tailored to the needs and wants of the individual
• occurs anytime and anyplace when and where the learner desires
•  in a context of relevance
• “just in time,” rather than “just in case.”
• offering “just what I need”

–        the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills using learning strategies that are personalized

–        adapted to the learner‟s own learning styles and preferences.

An environment

• where the children know each other and know their teachers, not just academically but as people.
• where friendliness, openness, and accessibility promote cooperation and interaction.

What goes for students, goes for teachers, too.

Educators need tools and spaces that enable collaborative planning and information sharing.

An interesting read on this topic is the white paper out of the USA 21st Century Learning Environments at last someone in America is understanding what learning needs to look, sound and feel like.