• Learning Space Taxonomy

    The Learning Space Toolkit project developed a taxonomy to aid in the description and organization of learning space and neighborhood profiles. While this is not a totally comprehensive descriptive framework for learning spaces, we have found it to be a useful tool for analyzing existing learning spaces. This taxonomy can be utilized to describe existing and future learning spaces in a more systematic way in order to ensure that the various facets of learning spaces are explicitly considered.

    Activities

    Focus

    Listening
    Meditating
    Reading
    Studying
    Viewing
    etc.

    Create

    Building
    Designing
    Editing
    Filming
    Producing
    Sketching
    Writing
    etc.

    Collaborate

    Brainstorming
    Demonstrating
    Discussing
    Meeting
    Presenting
    Performing
    Video Conferencing
    Visualizing
    etc.

    Share

    Assisting
    Teaching
    Tutoring
    Advising
    etc.

    Socialize

    Eating and Drinking
    Gaming
    Networking
    etc.

    Components

    Display

    Projector, fixed
    Projector, mobile
    Projection screen, fixed
    Projection screen, mobile
    Monitor (e.g. LCD, LED)
    Smartboard
    Tack board

    Seating

    Mobile ergonomic chair
    Fixed ergonomic chair
    Tablet-arm chair
    Lounge seating
    Cafe seating (lighter weight)
    Bar stools
    Booth

    Work Surface

    Table
    Workstation
    Tablet-arm chair
    Booth table (fixed)

    Writing Surface

    Mobile whiteboard
    Fixed whiteboard
    Blackboard
    Smartboard

    Production

    Paper printer
    Copier
    Plotter
    3D printer

    Technology

    Basic – access to power, wireless connectivity and general purpose computing; self service
    Enhanced – large-screen or multiple displays, specialized software, production tools; access to general staff assistance
    Advanced – immersive displays; specialized hardware and facilities; access to expert staff assistance
    Experimental – prototyping emerging technologies or spaces; dedicated specialized staff

    Attributes

    Ownership

    Individual institution
    Shared between organizational units

    Access

    Open
    Bookable
    Dedicated
    Mediated

    Flexibility

    None (fixed)
    Low (slight layout changes)
    Moderate (moveable furniture)
    High (low switching cost)

    Enclosure

    Enclosed
    Partially enclosed
    Open

    Group size

    Individual
    Two people
    Small (3-6 people)
    Medium (7-10 people)
    Large (11+people)

    Support services

    High-touch
    Medium
    Low
    None

    Atmosphere

    Formal – conventional setting configured for research or work
    Informal – accommodate for casual settings for research, work, and social activities
    Versatile – setting can be used for both formal and informal activities depending on configuration and user requirements
    Cyclical – ambiance can change with time of day, activity protocols, lighting, etc.

    Audience

    Undergraduate
    Graduate
    Faculty
    External/public
    Mixed

    Learning Space Taxonomy

    Learning Space Taxonomy

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