Subproject Learning Environments

Strategy for the sub-project Learning Environments

To create flexible and creative learning areas in physical and digital environments

We have identified a growing need for flexibility in our learning environments in order to meet the changing needs and requirements regarding education for individuals and in working life. Our future learning environment will be safe, inclusive, creative, and contribute to successful study for more people. Creation of such learning environments requires extensive commitment and participation from students and employees in the development process.

Reducing the boundaries between formal and informal learning environments

Creative and flexible learning environments involve the design of technical infrastructure, premises and furniture layout in formal learning areas (halls and group rooms) as well as the design of informal learning environments (social spaces such as libraries, corridors and open areas). One way of supporting such development is to eliminate the boundaries between formal and informal learning environments. To the greatest possible extent, these arenas ought to be developed into shared working environments for students, teachers and partners. Both formal and informal learning environments should be perceived by everyone to be safe.

Variation of learning environments

In the case of educational learning environments, research and practical experience from other institutions has identified a need for lecture theatres that are adapted for interactivity and cooperation. As a result, a creative and flexible learning environment requires rooms in a variety of sizes, with flexible layouts and furniture that facilitate interactivity. Our informal learning environments shall also provide a high degree of variation in their design, and contain areas that both stimulate and enable concentrated work, group work and unplanned work. In technical terms, this means the teaching we provide will be increasingly supported by digital technology. Traditional educational thresholds in the form of time and space will be exceeded to a greater extent.

The library as a meeting place and hub of communication

The role of the library has been extended as a result of digitalisation. The role of the library will be reinforced in the physical environment, providing a social, informal learning environment in association with the support and service of formal learning environments. The library increasingly serves as a hub of communication between different information services, students and teachers.