Abstract:

Learning environments within the institutes of higher education are rapidly transforming given the constant introduction of new technologies and changing demographics. Integration of multicultural and multi-generational students within the classroom requires development of appropriate learning environments to facilitate different learning styles of each generation. A 2015 Steelcase report indicated that 90% of learning takes place out of the traditional classroom [1]. Open informal learning environments are one way of addressing this need.

In this paper the authors discuss the importance of the psychological, social, and cultural needs of 21st century students and how the design of informal environments allow for optimal learning experiences across the student population. Using a series of surveys and interviews amongst students and observational case studies of preexisting conditions, these authors were able to more specifically define the needs of students and how currently available spaces were either failing or succeeding in meeting these needs. The results of this study identified how informal learning environments are used by students, how and where their needs are being addressed and missed, and how to design informal learning environments for the changing demographics in higher education.

Keywords:

Open Informal Learning Environment, Informal Learning, Multicultural, Multi-generational, Higher Education, Psychological Needs, Cultural Needs, Social Needs.