EDUCAUSE is the association for higher education computing. The EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) is ". . .  a community of higher education institutions and organizations committed to the advancement of learning through the innovative application of technology."

ELI's "7 Things About. . ." series ". . . provides concise information on emerging learning technologies. Each brief focuses on a single technology and describes what it is, where it is going, and why it matters to teaching and learning. Use these briefs for a no-jargon, quick overview of a topic and share them with time-pressed colleagues." 

The latest "7 Things About. . ." is 

"7 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COLLABORATIVE LEARNING SPACES"

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Contributions by: Robert J. Beichner (North Carolina State University), Joseph Cevetello (University of Southern California)

Alternative classroom designs have emerged that support collaborative learning and shift the focus away from lecture-based formats. Collaborative learning spaces generally involve new construction or the wholesale renovation of existing rooms, and they typically feature the ability to reconfigure seating to accommodate a variety of teaching methods. Such spaces enable alternative pedagogies that allow for more inquiry and investigative work, and they empower students to explore course content and ideas in an environment that has multiple points from which learning may emerge.