The Design of Distributed Learning Spaces

Abstract

This chapter contributes to the anthology on learning space design in higher education by describing and analysing a case study of the design of aprogramme taught in a 'distributed learning space'. I define learning space as: 'those sites across which formal learning is organised and distributed'. For the purposes of my analysis I define three types of distributed learning spaces: 1) online learning spaces, 2) face-to-face learning spaces (on campus), and 3) learning spaces in the form of clinical placement sites. Consequently, this chapter provides empirical design considerations for programme development in three types of distributed learning spaces. I illustrate these design considerations through a case study drawn from experiences in an innovative Pharmacy programme at the University of New England in Armidale, NSW, Australia. Importantly, this programme is the only higher education institution in Australia offering an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy in a distributed learning space and one of only few such programmes worldwide.