(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Aligning learning space design for academic institutions with new technology advances was the topic of a lecture at Qatar University (QU) by Dr Jonas Nordquist of Karolinska Instituet as part of the College of Medicine (CMED)'s efforts to build a portfolio of academic and research collaboration with experts from Qatar, the region and beyond.
The lecture, "New university buildings: Reflecting old ideas of learning: Global insights", was chaired by CMED associate dean for academic affairs Dr Anne Pitkaranta, and was one of a series of forums organised by the college on diverse topics relating to medical education with the aim of capturing insights from local, regional and international perspectives.
Dr Nordquist touched on what he called "a networked learning landscape" that includes new curriculum approaches such as new technology, "blended" and "flipped" classrooms, active and interactive learning, peer-to-peer learning and learner-centred and problem-oriented strategies.
He stressed the need for a re-consideration of learning environments that move away from monologue-centric - faculty in front of a classroom delivering information - to one that fosters dialogue, reaction and interaction, student to student and students to faculty.
Space design is important in curriculum preparation, Dr Nordquist said, adding that the physical learning environment ("hardware") must be compatible with the technology ("software"), which students the world over use in their learning within and outside the classroom.
The classroom is no longer as it used to be many years ago, he said, noting that today's students have the advantage of connectivity, therefore learning can be done in cafés, student lounges and in a variety of spaces outside the classroom.
In terms of medical education and hospital design, Dr Nordquist pointed to on-the-ward/off-the ward learning spaces whereby practical education on the ward is followed up in an adjunct student/teacher precinct within the hospital environment for follow-up discussion and interaction between the students and the faculty.
In this way, students no longer have to leave the practical setting to go back to a classroom off-site, he explained.
Dr Nordquist also highlighted the classroom environment as the core of a networked landscape and its connection to the city via the physical buildings and the campus.
"With the college preparing to admit students and inaugurate its building in September, the lecture provided a timely dialogue on physical facilities to provide learning spaces that are effective and aligned with technology advances and new teaching methodologies," said Dr Pitkaranta.
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