Learning Environments: Definition, Types and Main Examples

The learning environments they are the various scenarios -sites, contexts and cultures- in which students learn. Although traditionally this concept has been used as a synonym of classroom, there are really different learning environments.

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

Classroom 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 learning is formal, it will probably occur in different institutions, such as universities or learning centers.

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

Definition

The term learning environments is often used as a synonym for learning modality, making reference 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 after class planning than to the modality itself.

That is, usually a classroom class is related to a more directive class and virtual classes with more constructivist elements. However, a virtual class can leave little space 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 a great use of tools of exercises and answers (type test) that ask questions to the student, so that this will get the answers directly, without allowing a reflection

Types

Learning environments face to face

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 synchronic lessons.

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

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

In this type of environment students may present a 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.

Learning environments online

Since the technological revolution that emerged in the twentieth century, learning environments have ceased to occur exclusively in the physical sphere and have also moved to the virtual field 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 same teacher, and there is greater emphasis on the individual study of each student.

Given that this type of environment is mediated by technologies, these resources are usually made more widely used. Then, it is common to use data banks, web pages, among other tools.

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

Hybrid learning environments

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

It is not just a simple mixture of both modalities as a result of which the 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 (which occur live for everyone) but there are also activities that the student can do at their own pace.

It should also include the use of information technologies and the student-teacher interaction is not limited to specific moments of the classes, but it can be more continuous.

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

Examples

Example of face-to-face environment

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

In this example the class is masterful, with the teacher directing the whole lesson and with a limited use of information technologies (maybe 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 he / she is 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, educational software type tutorial or a PowerPoint presentation.

From here the student is provided with information and complementary readings. In addition, you must participate in discussions in forums and make comments.

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

The interaction with the teacher is usually continuous, since it will be available through email or other forms of communication.

Example of hybrid environment

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 his knowledge and previous experiences as an essential part to build knowledge. The important thing is that both the face-to-face and the online part have the same relevance.

References

1. Acuña Beltrán, L.F. (2016). Learning environments: spaces, interactions and mediations to build knowledge. Urban Classroom Magazine , 102, pp. 20-22.
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3. Graham, C. R. (2006). Blended learning systems: definition, current trends, and future directions. In Handbook of Blended Learning: Global Perspectives Local Designs. Bonk and C. R. Graham (Eds.), Pp. 3-21. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer Publishing.
4. Osorio, G. (2011 ). Interaction in hybrid learning environments: metaphor of the continuum. Barcelona: UOC Editorial.
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7. UNESCO (2018). Learning Environment . Retrieved 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.