Translating Physical Learning spaces to virtual

ones

By Alba Rangel León

Taking into account that Physical learning spaces are, for instance:

¨ Residences¨ Libraries¨ Hallways ¨ Restaurants ¨ Schools ¨ Home

And that there are two main Physical learning spaces Formal learning space: Classroom

Traditional Modern

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnh9q_cQcUE&feature=related

Informal physical learning space:Anywhere

Modern learning spaces are:

Blended or hybrid learning

Virtual learning communities

Online classes

Virtual learning spaces

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TTjY8i4w8o&feature=related

Virtual social communities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT2E2F0DmyE&feature=PlayList&p=B702FAFA4402E4FC&index=20&playnext=2&playnext_from=PL

So, Virtual learning spaces could be:

Social and learning communities such as

My space

Skype

WiZiQ

E-mail.

Face book

Twitter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq1WF-2EY7M

Both are learning environments which could include:

The physical space and furniture

The ICT available and in use

The teaching practice undertaken

Both learning spaces support:

Active and interactive participation

Collaborative project work

Personalized learning

information retrieval and sharing

discussion and presentation

teacher and student-led activities

connection with community experts,

local and global networks.

Forums

Collaborative glossaries

Chats

Wikis

Online conversations

Among others

Virtual By using tools such as

Flexibility: in order to provide the opportunity for multiple

users and uses

Collaboration: to foster and allow the cooperative learning

and teamwork

Creativity: developing ways of participation of every one

of community member

So, Virtual learning spaces include:

References Online images. Google. Retrieved on March 7, 2010 from http://muse.tau.ac.il/maslool/boidem/monitor.jpg; http://www.parconline.biz/photoart/images/20060527233957_collage1.jpg; http://api.ning.com/files/EhdD3rmPMSXD8FAk-*XsJWcZkPGaUz1mflODZdMTQ86n0RexT7Dm1V3YrIfVTOK*/ModernClassroom.jpg

Oblinger, D., & Oblinger, J. (Eds.) (2006). Learning Spaces. Educause. Retrieved  on March 6, 2009 from http://www.educause.edu/learningspaces Chapters 4 and 5. Palloff, Rena and Pratt, Keith (2007). Building Online Learning Communities, Wiley, Chapter 2.