Innovative Technology-Enhanced Learning Spaces: A Mixed-Methods Investigation

• Christopher Brooks, Research Fellow, University of Minnesota
• JD Walker, Manager, Research and Evaluation Services, University of Minnesota

Overall research question, to what extent, if any, do formal and informal learning environments shape the way that students interact with the learning material, with each other, etc?

Pilot research, 2007-2008 - one of the interesting outcomes was that round tables were much more effective than theater-style seating.  Encouraged collaboration and interaction.  Also (from pictures they showed) better suited to laptop-use.  A photo of a bio-science course showed 4 or 5 large round tables (looked like they sat 9 comfortably) with power and data ports.  Lighting, color, external noise, etc were considered as factors.

Their course research teams included faculty member, a research professional, and an undergraduate student.  Controls included time, approach to instruction, material covered, assignments, and characteristics of students.

Really need to check the slide deck for this one... too many graphics and too much data that I'm just not able to capture while still absorbing what they're saying. Observed that there were more laptops that were brought in to the enhanced classroom environments - because they were more conducive to technology and collaboration.  People don't really like to keep laptops on their laps.

Their research should help to provide empirical justification for changes and for funding.