Learning Space Toolkit

Three professional associations have joined forces to produce a landmark publication on learning spaces. The UK Higher Education Learning Space Toolkit: a SCHOMS, AUDE and UCISA collaboration provides guidance for Audiovisual, IT and Estates teams, and demonstrates why the provision of excellent learning spaces should be a strategic, institution-wide concern.

Constructed from interviews from eleven experienced professionals, the Toolkit explores pedagogical principles and their place in learning space design, and gives an honest insight in to the realities of cross-professional working in universities and colleges.

The Toolkit includes advice on: managing a learning space project, working with professional advisors, considerations for particular types of learning space, using learning technologies, the evaluation of learning spaces and changing working practices.

Caroline Pepper, Learning Environments Manager, Loughborough University and SCHOMS Exec member, said, “We are delighted with the creation of this valuable resource. The Toolkit helps a wide range of stakeholders to effectively support pedagogy, and enhance the student experience. The Toolkit raises awareness of innovation and best practice throughout the sector, and helps encourage institutions to consider a collaborative approach in the development of learning spaces.”

“The Learning Space Toolkit brings together a wealth of information on designing and managing learning spaces. I strongly recommend the document as an excellent, holistic resource whether you are involved in your first learning space or you are an experienced practitioner. The Toolkit guides
you through the process, starting with the pedagogy then helps you build the team and then provides resources for every stage covering both the technical and people aspects,” added Eleanor Magennis, AUDE, Head of Space Planning, University of Glasgow.

Anna Mathews, UCISA Head of Policy and Projects, commented, “We hope that the Toolkit will provide inspiration to those involved with creating or managing learning spaces within higher education. We have been overwhelmed with the support we have received from colleagues across the sector in the drafting process – publishing the Toolkit truly has been a community effort.”

The UK Higher Education Learning Space Toolkit is available at www.ucisa.ac.uk/learningspace

Toolkit steering group:

Caroline Pepper, Learning Environments Manager, Loughborough University (SCHOMS)

Simon Birkett, IT and Learning Manager, University of Staffordshire (SCHOMS)

Eleanor Magennis, Head of Space Planning, University of Glasgow (for AUDE)

Anna Mathews, Head of Policy and Projects (UCISA)

Lead author: 

Dr. Gill Ferrell, Lead Consultant, Aspire (Management and Innovation Consultancy for Education).

Our Vision: To provide strategic direction in the development and support of learning environments, systems, associated technologies, and professionals.
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