Designing the Learning Environment, Volume 3

Designing the Learning Environment discusses how effective learning spaces are developed, with an emphasis on understanding the needs of the major stakeholders of these spaces which are the students. Designing learning spaces and, in particular, designing school libraries as learning spaces, is presented as an approach to understanding learning needs. Specifically, planning must be learning-driven, human-centered, and flexible. Designing the Learning Environment looks at research and learning theories and uses these as the foundation for planning. Various aspects of school library design are considered and discussed: types of spaces (from large group to individual, workroom spaces, reading spaces), ICT requirements, the impact of factors such as lighting and acoustics, and the aesthetics of the finished design. (The Learning in a Changing World series by ACER Press addresses how the process of learning is evolving, including the array of resources available in the digital age, the changing curriculum, and the different teaching strategies needed in order to use new media and technologies. The series presents core areas for teachers, librarians, and school leaders to consider for 21st century learning which are: the digital world, virtual worlds, curriculum integration, resourcing, and the physical environment. All are essential elements to enable and empower students to be lifelong learners and active participants in society.)