Welcome to the 21st Century: Models of Interesting Learning Environments

Several models of learning environments socio-constructivists are gaining popularity at 21^e century and their efficiency is increased by the use of technology. Here is a quick overview of a few of them.

Future Classroom Lab

This European educational model comes to revisit the pedagogy, the use of technologies and the design of the classes. The learning spaces have indeed been redesigned, converting themselves into inspiring pedagogical support tools.

Divided into six distinct spaces that the students visit according to their progress, the environment allows first of all to develop knowledge since the students carry out by themselves online research and concrete activities, in particular through the serious game. Digital interaction tools then allow them to interact with their peers or their teacher and thus obtain feedback, which is an important part of learning. In addition, technologies are used by students when they present the results of their activities.

The model of the Future Classroom Lab, in addition to giving an important place to digital, encompasses three fundamental elements of learning: the acquisition of knowledge, the verbalization of knowledge and peer feedback.

Altschool

The educational model of Altschool is also based on the use of technologies, in the perspective that they allow families, teachers and students to all be connected on the same platform.

All these actors then access the resources and knowledge of other users. Teachers also have the opportunity to collect information conducive to the creation of a personalized learning environment focused on the development of each child.

By becoming agents of their own learning, the pupils see at the same time their creativity and their will to influence the modern world stimulated. Indeed, the Altschool model promotes the construction of knowledge based on their interests. Students are also encouraged to present this new knowledge to others in order to promote their understanding.

There are obviously other models of learning environment favoring technologies and socio-constructivism that deserve to be explored.

To find out more about the Future Classroom Lab, the Altschool as well as several other models such as that of Protic andDistant networked school, do not hesitate to consult the document published by the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (UQAC) entitled " Innovative schools and classrooms: 12 models for a 21st century learning environment ".