LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS: DEFINITION, TYPES AND EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The learning environments are different -sitios, contexts and cultures in which students learn scenarios. Although traditionally this concept has been used as a synonym for the classroom, there are actually diverse learning environments.

This concept goes beyond the mere physical space (organization and arrangement of the space) where the learning activities take place, since it also implies the variables of each participant, the relationship between them, the available resources, the times and the control of the student about their own learning.

Face-to-face learning environment

The type of environment itself will depend on other variables, such as the type of learning that is taking place. For example, if the learning is formal, it will probably take place in different institutions, such as universities or learning centers.

You can also take into account the teaching-learning paradigm behind your lesson planning. For example, if the students themselves are encouraged to build their own knowledge or if they will depend on the teacher for this.

Definition

The term learning environments is often used as a synonym for learning modality, referring to face-to-face, virtual or hybrid modalities. Each type of modality implies a series of values ​​about what is expected of the teacher, the student, their relationship and the learning process, among other areas.

However, other authors disagree and consider that learning environments are more related to the paradigm behind the planning of the lesson than to the modality itself.

In other words, a face-to-face class is usually related to a more directive class and virtual classes to more constructivist elements. However, a virtual class can leave little room for the construction of knowledge itself if the tools used are directives.

For example, a virtual class will not be constructivist if the teacher plans it online with extensive use of exercise and answer tools (multiple choice) that ask the student questions, so that the student gets the answers directly, without allowing a reflection.

Types

Face-to-face learning environments

This is the traditional learning environment that occurs in a classroom. The main characteristic of this type of environment is that there are physical meetings between teachers and students in the same place and at the same time; that is, they are synchronous lessons.

This type of environment is characterized by being directed by the teacher, who is usually the one who will speak the most in class discussions and will lead the lesson, adhering to the already established educational program.

The learning process in this type of environment occurs with the participation of all students, usually without allowing individual study time.

In this type of environment, students may present lower motivation since they may feel the learning process as alien to them.

In face-to-face learning environments it is not a necessity to use communication technologies and the classes are mainly oral.

Online learning environments

Since the technological revolution that emerged in the 20th century, learning environments have ceased to exist exclusively in the physical sphere and have also moved to the virtual sphere thanks to information technologies.

This type of environment is also called e-learning and it is characterized because the interactions are not necessarily synchronous; that is, each person can participate at their own pace.

In this type of environment, students can participate as much as the teacher himself, and there is greater emphasis on individual study of each student.

Since this type of environment is mediated by technologies, these resources are often used more. So, it is common to use databases, web pages, among other tools.

In this type of environment, the teacher is more than an authority who directs the process: he becomes a facilitator who brings the student closer to the information he needs.

Hybrid learning environments

This type of environment is also known as a blended learning environment, blended learning environment, or b-learning.

It is not only a simple mixture of both modalities as a result of the fact that presence is complemented with virtuality and vice versa, but it refers to a true integration between both modes that combines the positive of both.

There are several characteristics for this type of environment. For example, there are events that are synchronous (that happen live for everyone) but there are also activities that the student can do at their own pace.

The use of information technology should also be included and the student-teacher interaction is not limited only to specific moments of the classes, but can be more continuous.

Some authors defend this type of learning environment because they consider that teaching practices can be better, because access to knowledge can be increased and because greater flexibility is allowed, because they consider it balanced in terms of cost and effectiveness.

Examples

Face-to-face environment example

An example of this is a traditional class that occurs in a classroom with chairs, tables (or desks) with a teacher leading from the front or in the center.

In this example the class is masterful, with the teacher leading the entire lesson and with limited use of information technology (perhaps a PowerPoint presentation).

During the class there will be moments of participation or group discussion that will actively involve the participants. The teacher has a limited time for interaction, which will usually be the time they are in the classroom.

Example of online environment

An example of this type of environment is an online class that will usually be structured by modules and will have basic information that is presented through a reading, tutorial-type educational software or a PowerPoint presentation.

From here, the student is provided with information and additional reading. Additionally, you will need to participate in forum discussions and make comments.

Usually these forums are open for a certain time, within which the student can participate whenever he wishes.

Interaction with the teacher is usually continuous, as it will be available through email or other forms of communication.

Hybrid environment example

An example of this type of learning environment includes a face-to-face part; for example, a class in the classroom that is complemented by a virtual part made in a flexible way, adapted to the rhythm of each student.

Additionally, an autonomous work time is promoted in which the student uses their previous knowledge and experiences as an essential part to build knowledge. The important thing is that both the face-to-face part and the online part have the same relevance.

References

1. Acuña Beltrán, LF (2016). Learning environments: spaces, interactions and mediations to build knowledge. Magazín Aula Urbana, 102, pp. 20-22.
2. Dziuban, Graham, Moskal, Norberg and Sicily. (2018). Blended learning: the new normal and emerging technologies. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 15 (3). doi: 10.1186 / s41239-017-0087-5.
3. Graham, CR (2006). Blended learning systems: definition, current trends, and future directions. In Handbook of Blended Learning: Global Perspectives Local Designs. Bonk and CR Graham (Eds.), Pp. 3–21. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer Publishing.
4. Osorio, G. (2011). Interaction in hybrid learning environments: metaphor of the continuum. Barcelona: Editorial UOC.
5. Rodríguez Vite, H. (2014). Learning environments. Huasteca Science, 2 (4).
6. Solak, E. and Cakir, R. (2014). Face to Face or E-Learning in Turkish EFL Context. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 15 (3), pp. 37-49.
7. UNESCO (2018). Learning Environment. Recovered from: unesco.org
8. Van Laer, S. and Elen, J. (2017). In Search of Attributes That Support Self-Regulation in Blended Learning Environments. Education and Information Technologies, 22 (4), pp. 1395-1454.