Tour- Evaluation of the Learning Space
The 'swamp' is situated in a public primary school library in South West Brisbane, Australia. The 'swamp' is a digital media room that is attached to the side of the library and is accessible through two doors. The school has 607 students from prep to year 6 as well as 32 teaching staff whom all have access to the digital media room. This learning space is situated in a middle to high socio economic area and all 7 year levels and teachers frequent this space using a booking system through the library.
I have set out on my journey to tour my 'swamp' and as I wade through the mud I have completed a VAST heuristic analyses of the space.
|
Markgraf-Ave, (n.d.). Girl, Camera, Old, Retro, Travel, Retrieved from http://bit.ly/1GOqjQx
|
VAST Heuristic
V- Values
Walking into this learning space an immediate sense of confinement is felt. The stark white walls and no natural light promotes an oppressive feel. Moving to a computer and sitting down facing a wall it is hard to see anyone else or feel connected to the rest of the group within the room. All computers face a wall around the edge of the room and when sitting up one end of the room it feels disconnected from the other end of the room.
A- Activities
The room is frequented by classes and individual teachers using the space for work during non contact time. The space has limited furniture however does have two storage laptop trolleys positioned in the middle of the room. With all tables and desktops connected along the perimeter of the room a large gap up the centre is created and the teacher roams this space throughout lessons. Whiteboards and bulletin boards are positioned on the walls but are not utilised or have small signs that can not be seen from far way.
S- Sites/Systems
The learning space situated on the side of the newly built library is accessible through two doors at the back of the library. The opposite wall has four sets of windows however the blinds of the windows remain closed and create a sea of white as it blends in with the white walls it is encased in. The bulletin boards are the only splash of colour on the walls however they contain no material and therefore are easily passed over. Opening the blinds I can see green trees with flecks of blue sky peaking through the leaves.
T- Technology
The learning space has tables positioned around all sides of the room. On these tables are desk top computers. All power outlets and data points are positioned behind these tables. One rectangular table is positioned in the room but is used as a storage spot for the teacher using the space with his/her class. The two large storage laptop trolleys fill a void in the room across from the entry where no desktops are positioned. A projector and screen are positioned up one end of the room but are inaccessible as it has a table with computers in front of it. The room is airconditioned and has separate controls for temperature than the rest of the library.
Summary of Findings
After completing the VAST: design heuristic I have identified the need to redesign the digital media room. The starkness of the colour palate and the closed off windows will be redesigned. Also the use of furniture in the room needs to be changed to provide a collaborative and accommodating space for learning. Repositioning furniture and utilising different furniture will be evaluated to see what meets the needs of the learners and the learning space.