814-865-1818 tlt@psu.edu

Learning Spaces:
We are reimagining learning experiences one space at a time

Learning Spaces at Penn State are as diverse as our students, and different kinds of experiences require different kinds of spaces. With that in mind, we’re challenging age-old assumptions by reimagining learning spaces and asking lots of questions.

Do we need a seat for every enrolled student? Do we need seats at all?

Can online and resident students be enrolled in the same course section?

What kinds of spaces can we design to best support making and inventing?

If active learning is a good thing for students, what kinds of spaces are optimal for facilitating it?

Do all learning spaces need to require tight scheduling? What difference would it make if we had “occasional” spaces?

How can students’ generative thinking be shared with classmates in real time?

What kinds of spaces are required as immersive environments are increasingly leveraged to support teaching and learning?

How does a space accommodate a room full of students wearing headsets that essentially render them blindfolded?

How can we support faculty who want to challenge old assumptions, too?

New spaces continually emerge as we keep exploring, experimenting, collecting feedback, and conducting research. From design strategy to immersive experiences to active learning to making, we are creating spaces built for experimentation, research, and enriched learning. The result is a growing portfolio of learning spaces that support and facilitate an array of learning experiences; each of which challenges our faculty and our students to teach, learn, and think in new ways.

The Dreamery, located on the ground level of Shields Building, opened in December 2016 and serves as the de facto headquarters of TLT’s mission. In this one space students, faculty, and staff can use multiple new and emerging technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, rapid prototyping with simple robotics, artificial intelligence and more.

The Dreamery is also a versatile space where virtually every piece of furniture is mobile. Chairs, tables, whiteboards, and monitors can all be arranged in configurations that showcase how learning spaces can be more active and collaborative.

Specialized Learning Spaces

Media Commons space with student shooting video using an iPad Pro

Media Commons

This initiative enriches the teaching and learning experience through multimedia technology, including video, audio, web, print and more and operates at all of Penn State’s locations.

Student cutting paper graphics in Maker Commons

Maker Commons

Another university-wide initiative that builds off the Media Commons model but focuses on 3D printing and rapid prototyping through robotics, paper craft, textiles, and more.

Student views a 3D scan they created using a VR headset at IMEX Lab

IMEX Lab

The Immersive Experiences (IMEX) Lab is designed specifically for 360° video, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augumented Reality (AR) viewing, experimentation and creation.

Experimental Classrooms

C-PAD active learning space from the back of the room

C-PAD Teaching Lab

Located in Borland 113, this is a flexible, technology-rich space where dynamic learning in arts and design happens and is researched.

Althouse 101 classroom, the "Bluebox" in 2024

Bluebox

An experimental research classroom in Althouse 101. TLT and faculty who teach in the Bluebox engage in iterative cycles of teaching, reflection, adjustment and more teaching.

Shared Experience conversational seating

Shared Experiences Lab

A space with furniture and technology that supports blended learning, video conferencing, active learning, and collaboration.

wide shot of A S I 110 learning space

ASI 110

Examining how flexible writing surfaces and digital technology impact teaching and learning.

Across the Commonwealth

Active learning spaces encouraging student engagement and pedagogy are being implemented at Commonwealth Campuses throughout Pennsylvania.

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A student-centered classroom approach that engages learners by having them do things and by thinking about what they are doing.

The wide range of learning spaces across Penn State creates unique circumstances for implementing active learning strategies. To meet that challenge and support our faculty, we have developed a suite of active learning resources. These include a two-hour workshop on Active Learning Basics, instructional case studies, cohort-based Faculty Learning Communities and peer activities, and an Active Learning Institute.

Active Learning activity with students creating materials with textiles and the heat press

What’s Next?

We are actively looking to reimagine and redesign learning spaces across the University. We welcome challenges to typical classroom and lab design, and work to create innovative and engaging spaces. Design ideas with a specific academic need in mind, or ones that look to create a discipline agnostic space are all welcomed. Let us know what you have in mind.

Start with a Concept, Identify the Need

Keeping pedagogical needs the focus of design is paramount whether the project entails renovating an existing space or building new. Throughout the design and build process, stakeholders are involved in the development and roll out of a new space. New materials, furniture, and classroom technology are sought out to meet the needs of those using the space.

Assistance for Commonwealth Campuses

Faculty that are located at one of the Commonwealth Campuses can reach out to Tim Linden of the Learning Spaces group for assistance in the request for funding. There is an annual request for proposals and allocation process established to help fund learning spaces across the state. Contact Tim to find out more about the process, discuss your space and how to apply.