Session 6 Activity 2- Reflection of modern learning environment

From the photos of the different learning environments in Sydney shown in Vuvox, the learning behaviours of the students are expected to be different from those in the conventional classrooms in many ways. First of all, students are free to post their ideas, write or draw on walls and floor of the rooms. These walls and floors act as areas for students to collaborate which is different from in conventional classroom in which students draw or write on pieces of paper. As a result, the collaboration of students are facilitated. Besides, since the tables and chairs can be moved away, a large area can be formed and students can have activities with different grouping. Furthermore, students are expected to scatter in the large area to have activities and at the same time they can view the large projector screen. Such behaviour is different from those in traditional classroom where students need to sit in a classroom facing to the front.

Meanwhile, since the furniture is movable and together with the installation of IT equipment such as projectors and screens, teachers can carry out activities with students which cannot be conducted in a conventional classroom. Group activities, collaboration, and projects can be implemented with the facilitation of such environments. Therefore, teachers will no longer be the centers of the class but the facilitators of students’ learning.

Learning activities of students in these learning environments will also be changed dramatically when compare with those in traditional schools. The learning becomes student-centered. More collaborative works among students can be done. Project based learning can also be facilitated. Since learning activities become student-centered, the knowledge source will no longer be teachers alone but peers and experts from outside of school. These knowledge sources can be in various forms such as articles, video clips, audio clips, blogs, instant messaging, etc. As a result, the use of digital media and mobile devices will subsequently be supported.


References
Corbeil, J. R. and Valdes-Corbeil, M. E. (2007). Are You Ready for Mobile Learning?
EDUCAUSE Quarterly Magazine, 30, 2, 2007. Retrieved 10 November, 2011 from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/AreYouReadyforMobileLearning/157455