JOSEFINA QUINTERO JIMร NEZ New Learning Environments Master in English language teaching-autonomous learning environments Universidad de la Sabana, Bogotรก, Colombia
Using their own laptops while interacting in class, allow the students to search additional information on the Web (Loman, C. & Oblinger, D., 2006).
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Students can find plenty of gathering places for studying, collaborating, and socializing as the university is equipped with ubiquitous wireless access to the Internet.
Teacher-centered Lecturer Competition Low-order-thinking Fixed spaces
Student-centered Facilitator Collaboration High-order-thinking Mobile spaces
• A proposition is made: • BLENDED COURSES/CLASSES
Teaching is evolving from the old to the new learning environments.
The teacher became a facilitator. Students are actively engaged. The Internet has created a high-powered learning platform (Pallof & Pratt, 2007). Synchronous and asychronous communication(Loman, C. & Oblinger, D., 2006).
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Text messaging, twitter, facebook. Various tools to communicate throught the Internet.
Technology seen as an enabler of learning…and of creating connections (Siemens, 2003)
The academic community is rapidly changing from strictly physical settings to a dual approach using digital technology.
A community seen as a group of people with similar purposes and goals. Interaction, collaboration, and understanding of each other lead to learning. Information flows in two-ways. (Bickford, D & Wright, D., 2006)
Technology as a supplement Interaction and collaboration (guided)
Working independently
Virtual environments
Lessen pressure
Own pace
Increase engagement
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Students communicate, publish and exchange ideas in social networks. Formal and Informal learning environments are more effective (Reynard, R., 2009).
Technology fosters community and information exchange (Bickford & Wright, 2006)
REFERENCES
Brown, M. (2005) Learning Spaces. In Educating the Net Generation, Educause. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/ pdf/pub7101b.pdf [Available as EResource] Oblinger, D., & Oblinger, J. (Eds.) (2006). Learning Spaces. Educause. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/learningspa ces Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. [Available as E-Resource] Palloff, Rena and Pratt, Keith (2007). Building Online Learning Communities, Wiley, Chapter 2. Reynard, R. (2009) Designing Learning Spaces for Instruction, not Control. CampusTechnology. Retrieved from http://www.campustechnology.com/A rticles/2009/04/29/DesigningLearning-Spacesfor Instruction-notControl.aspx [Available as E-Resource] Siemens G., (2003). Learning Ecology, Communities, and Networks: Extending the Classroom. elearnspace. Retrieved on September 1, 2006, from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/l earning_communities.htm [Available as EResource]