Learning Environment Factors

In authentic learning environments there exist many factors which can influence learning on a variety of levels. The factors increase dramatically when moving from individual environments to collaborative learning environments due to the needs of learners involved. Understanding the varieties of factors and being aware of them can dramatically increase the effectiveness of learning facilitators as they seek to structure the learning environments they lead in. The list of factors impacting learning environments can be exhaustive so I've chose two factors to focus on here as I see them impacting not only the learning environments I engage in, but also many of the learning environments I seek to impact as a learning facilitator.

The first factor has been around for longer than I have existed however, there is some great evidence of how it is impacting today's learners. Temperature has a significant impact on a wide variety of our lives and especially in areas where we are seeking and exploring learning. According to a study on learning environment design by Cheryan (2014) at the University of Washington, "The optimal temperature range for learning appears to be between 68° and 74°" (p.5). Additional research by Park (2017) from Harvard University about the effects of temperature on taking exams revealed, "Taking an exam on a 90◦F day relative to a 72◦F day results in a reduction in exam performance..." (p.1). Although many learning environments have structures in place to control temperature, it is vitally important to be aware of the effects on learning capabilities. I have found myself personally on a number of occasions distracted from optimal learning as a result of dramatic temperature differences where I am either too cold or too hot to function optimally. 

The second factor seems to be a relatively new obstacle in learning environments and may go unnoticed at first glance. Broadband speeds are quickly becoming an issue in learning environments as learning is increasingly being done online or with access to global networks of resources. According to Bleiberg (2016), "The available data suggests that school internet speeds continue to rise at a rapid rate, but remain below the levels needed to support broad adoption of personalized learning". Personalized learning has become a recent trend in educational learning environments and technology is certainly one of the tools needed to increase personalization options for learners however, when learning inquiries are hindered by connection capabilities, learning can be impacted. I'm sure there are many who can relate with the frustrations of a web page failing to load or access to resources delayed due to low broadband speeds. Slow internet connections seem to be common factor across many public school districts and although they are increasing, they are far from where they need to be. Many learners seek to access resources and learning materials at rates faster than connection speeds allow which results in distractions that impact learning capabilities and outcomes.

As personalized and inquiry-based learning become increased shifts in public education, attention needs to be focused on these two factors of temperature and connection speeds. Although there are some costs involved with each, a significant amount of redesign and expenditures are not absolutely necessary to improve either of these factors and enhance learning environments. Programs for low income families exist to provide internet access at home and depending on the state, measures can be taken to control temperatures by providing choice among learners. Learning institutions can focus on providing increased access to learner agency which will allow for quick and easy resolutions. As learners access increased options to control their learning environments and the decisions guiding learning, these two environmental factors will seemingly become non-existent. 

References:


Are school internet connections fast enough to support personalized .... Retrieved May 28, 2018,

       from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2016/06/15/are-school-internet-

       connections-fast-enough-to-support-personalized-learning/

Designing Classrooms to Maximize Student Achievement - Institute for .... Retrieved May 15, 2018, 

       from http://ilabs.washington.edu/sites/default/files/14Cheryan_etal_Meltzoff_Designing%20

       Classrooms.pdf
Temperature, Test Scores, and Human Capital Production - Jisung Park Harvard University ....

       Retrieved May 20, 2018, from http://scholar.harvard.edu/files/jisungpark/files/temperature_test_

       scores_and_human_capital_production_-_j_park_-_2-26-17.pdf