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Definition Learning environments are typically constructivist in nature, engaging learners in "sense-making" or reasoning about extensive resource sets. Learning environments typically include four components: an enabling context, resources, a set of tools, and scaffolds (Hannafin, Land, & Oliver, 1999). Authentic or realistic contexts are provided to motivate learners, and typically take the form of complex, full-scale problems representative of real-world tasks. To help students understand their complex problems, extensive resources can be provided. A truly open-ended learning environment would involve students in independent research to find and select their own relevant resources (e.g., in the campus library, on the internet). In some learning environments, however, selected resource sets are provided to learners. A full set of tools should be provided to help learners process information, manipulate data, and discuss the data. Scaffolds should also be present to bolster student problem solving as needed. These can take many forms from tools to teachers to student peers. Download annotated Powerpoint slides describing the learning environments model (PDF File). |
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Relevant Examples If you have created course materials at Virginia Tech that are representative of this teaching model, we would like to showcase your work here. Please contact us with a description of your project so other faculty may learn from your efforts. |
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Design and Development Tips Learning
environments take many different forms. Researchers have designed and
developed extensive computerized learning environments. The WISE tool
at Berkeley provides resources, tools, and a problem-solving template
to help young students adopt a scientific problem solving process. The
Hi-Ce group
at the University of Michigan has developed a series of software programs
to similarly guide students through realistic scientific inquiries.
Beyond these extensive programs, individual researchers can develop their own learning environments for the classroom. To create a learning environment, it is perhaps less important to focus on developing extensive materials, and more important to provide your students with appropriate tools and resources to conduct their own inquiries. Compiling a relevant database of resources for your students may be the most complicated task, facilitated by authoring programs to create CD-roms, or web page editors to create web sites. Remember, however, instructors are not required to provide all resources to students, unless serious time constraints are present. Engaging students in research and finding relevant resources on their own is a valuable learning task in many learning environments. |
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