First meeting today for the group of practitioners / artists we have selected to work with staff and students at Accrington Academy on the next leg of our Schools of Creativity Journey. Living Spaces has emerged from our ongoing interest in technology and learning, and also how to make the most of the pretty uninspiring new build of The Academy. We are going to look at making the best use of existing technology, and knowledge within school, to explore the interface between technology and physical space as learning environment. Thoughts / ideas which emerged so far:

Why is previous research / learning on constructing learning spaces NOT being shared or used – especially it would seem by the people building schools?

None of the staff or students of the Academy were consulted about the design of learning spaces – Why?

Explore HOW students like to learn, and likewise how staff like to teach – Where do we learn best?

Students use technology as a regular daily part of their lives. What separates school and home use – what makes it different – What stops students using (appropriate / relevant) technology within school

How do school spaces make students FEEL? How do we make this different?

Flashmobs and interventions within spaces in the school – short and snappy

Hi and Lo tech approaches enabling sustanability for staff and students

The next steps are a day of taster / workshop / consultation exercises bringing together staff students and practitioners, from which we’ll select a small mixed group to carry forward one or more projects, starting in early January 2011