Global+Learning+Spaces

Global Learning Spaces

When considering learning spaces it is important to remember where educational technology tools were used in the past. Frequently educators and other innovative thinkers take ideas from currently used tools and modify them or build upon them to create better materials. The same thinking can be applied to technology that has been used and what may be used in the future. It is also important to look at these tools and ask, "what learning space does this fit into? Is it current/relevant? How can I improve upon it?"

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Global learning spaces, or learning that takes place outside of a traditional classroom, is typically learning that takes place in convenient/available places and/or at convenient/available times. Some examples may be using a lap top while at a coffee shop, at the park, or sitting in the hallway. A currently very popular example is using an iPhone or internet browsing handheld device. Another example of a global learning space is learning that occurs outside of the traditional eight hour school day and after school homework hours. An example that is easily witnessed in a school during lunch or in the hallways is when a child takes out a smart phone and checks something they just learned about in class. Or grabs a friend and has them put a date in their iCal for next weeks test. Global learning is happening and it’s the job of educators to use this resource to supplement or enhance our current teaching styles.

Another example of global learning spaces would be using virtual learning environments. Many schools are implementing these tools currently or making that shift, it’s going to meet the needs of students that are not physically in a learning space or classroom. Some examples of virtual learning spaces can be viewed in this video clip.

This video clip is from a professor that is discussing the virtual learning environments uses among teachers. These are professors but what they say applies to K-12 settings as well.

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Another example of a global learning space, more specifically, virtual learning environments can be viewed here. This clip deals more with accessibility issues and how VLEs can be modified to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

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Finally, this clip steers away from virtual learning environments but displays a clear reasoning behind connecting classrooms in different locations and the benefits of learning from peers in another location. This global exchange from Singapore to California is a very engaging and interesting learning experience for both students and teachers.

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