Places and Processes in Learning Environments

Abstract

The chapter describes ways to create a variety of learning environments. It suggests that good practices require both the definition of places of learning as well as clear definition of processes to be followed within such learning places. Different processes are often needed for different places. The paper then describes a metamodel for defining different environments and a system that implements the metamodel. The environments described include classroom teaching, group support, distance moderation and monitoring of groups. The chapter then describes a system, called LiveNet, which can be used to configure a variety of learning environments in terms of the metamodel, and describes experiences in its use. The experiences in particular indicate the need to clearly define processes to be followed and that the process changes depending on the learning environment and the support tools to facilitate the process with ensuing benefits to both teachers and students.