Learning Resources

Abstract: The built environment directly affects human health and sustainability coordinators and campus planners are uniquely positioned to advocate for healthier buildings for their students, faculty, and staff. Smith College is a prime example of how a higher education institution can inspire market transformation. The Neilson Library renovation went above and beyond Smith College’s campus sustainability policy by implementing a sustainability charter, prioritizing health and wellness, and advocating for positive change. In this session, you will learn how material transparency and optimization can act as an avenue to address health and wellness in your institution's built environment.

Abstract: Recently, education researchers have emphasized the redesign of learning spaces to better accommodate pedagogical change. In particular, studies have found evidence of the relationship between the built environment and learning outcomes—however, no current studies have deliberately focused on the “minority majority” feature of America’s future student composition.

This pilot study was conducted to evaluate how space contributes to the learning outcomes of a demographically diverse class of students at Morgan State University, a Historically Black Institution. Based on the neurobiological literature on environmental enrichment, the authors hypothesized that an enriched learning environment will correlate with increased student activity (directed movement) and engagement (with other students, with room features) and result in significantly improved learning outcomes for an ethnically diverse student group.

Abstract: Today’s college students believe that learning technologies are necessary tools that should be integrated into their course work. However, faculty have not yet responded to these expectations. This qualitative study engaged approximately 100 faculty and undergraduate students at the University of Washington in focus groups to explore this discrepancy between students’ desires to utilize technology and actual faculty integration of technology. Universities and colleges can resolve this digital disconnect by assisting in planning curricula to meet student and teacher needs, aligning support and services to technology adoption to overcome present barriers, and informing the design and development of educational technology.