EdTech Scotland’s Post

Thank you to all of those who attended our Learning Places Scotland One-Day Conference yesterday. Diarmaid Lawlor gave us his reflections on the event: For him, “Three things came out: 1. To make more of what we have, we need structures and frameworks to be intentional. 2. If we analyse how we’re actually behaving in spaces and link that with insights and challenges, we can actually make a lot more of what we have and create an opportunity. 3. The real power of reflection and research on what we’ve already done. There’s been a huge power of investment across Scotland in very different ways but to go back in and understand the student experience, the teacher experience, the designer experience, and then not just capture it but reflect on it, review it, get underneath it - ask the questions so we can improve the briefing and the performance. It’s really important to come together, to challenge together and I think today did all of those so really looking forward to the event in November.” The conversation continues at Learning Places Scotland in Glasgow on 19 -20 November 2024. Register your interest for the Learning Places Scotland Conference, Exhibition and Awards at www.learningplaces.scot The Learning Places Scotland One-Day Conference took place today at the EICC, in collaboration with The Scottish Government. The theme for the Learning Places Scotland One-Day Conference 2024 was: “Maximising Opportunities across the Learning Estate". This year’s one-day conference began to explore this topic, which will be showcased further at the Learning Places Scotland Conference 2024 in Glasgow on 19-20 November. It is a forum to share your views on how we can create inspiring spaces and places that maximise these opportunities for all. Find out more on our website: www.learningplaces.scot Sponsor partners: Kier Group | HLM Architects #LearningPlacesScotland #education #construction #architect #stepconnect2 #schools #colleges #universities #networking #events #network #educationevents #architecture #design #learning #learningestate #teacher #consultant #OneDayConference #conference2024 #EICC

Mark your calendars!! Karen, Adam and the RAD team will be exhibiting at Education Estates 2024 on 15th & 16th October at Manchester Central. You can visit our stand (414) and hear about how we’re integrating sustainability, technology and flexible spaces to meet the needs of 21st century students. We’ll give you examples of how we’ve helped schools create learning environments that are innovative, adaptable, and built for the future. Plus, you can hear from our Managing Director, Karen Sanderson, who will be speaking at this year’s conference on the critical topic of sustainable classroom design. As schools and educational institutions face increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals, our approach puts the environment at the heart of creating inspiring, functional, and future-proof classrooms. Karen will explain why going green in classroom design doesn’t limit design, it enhances it! It improves student well-being, boosts academic performance, and reduces operational costs for schools, making it better for the earth, better for students, better for budgets…and definitely better for design. See you there!! #RAD #EducationEstates #ClassroomDesign #SustainabilityinDesign #Sustainablefurniture 

🌍 But Are They Learning? 🌍 Are billions spent on school buildings truly enhancing learning? More than two decades ago, Prakash Nair raised this critical question, and it remains more relevant than ever, not just in America but globally. Every year, countries worldwide invest billions in building and renovating schools. In our push for educational reform and accountability, we must ask ourselves: Are these investments genuinely improving learning outcomes? While we all agree that school buildings impact learning, how often do we see new designs that truly make a difference? Historically, many school buildings have merely warehoused children. Modern schools might be more comfortable, but without a shift in design philosophy, creativity and innovation are stifled. Instead of using new schools as opportunities to pioneer revolutionary teaching methods, there’s a tendency to stick to outdated norms. It's time to rethink these investments. We need to create environments that inspire and transform learning—spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. 🚀 Thinking of constructing a new school or renovating your old one? Get in touch with us at Education Design International and we'll help you improve learning by creating the right environments for our children. Read the full article by Prakash Nair here: https://lnkd.in/gfTXpdPE #EducationReform #InnovativeDesign #LearningEnvironments #GlobalEducation #FutureOfLearning

Curious how energy efficient building initiatives could affect educational design? Check out this presentation at A4LE LearningSCAPES

Diarmaid Lawlor gave us his reflections on today’s event: For him, “Three things came out: 1. To make more of what we have, we need structures and frameworks to be intentional. 2. If we analyse how we’re actually behaving in spaces and link that with insights and challenges, we can actually make a lot more of what we have and create an opportunity. 3. The real power of reflection and research on what we’ve already done. There’s been a huge power of investment across Scotland in very different ways but to go back in and understand the student experience, the teacher experience, the designer experience, and then not just capture it but reflect on it, review it, get underneath it - ask the questions so we can improve the briefing and the performance. It’s really important to come together, to challenge together and I think today did all of those so really looking forward to the event in November.” Register your interest for the Learning Places Scotland Conference, Exhibition and Awards at www.learningplaces.scot The Learning Places Scotland One-Day Conference took place today at the EICC, in collaboration with The Scottish Government. The theme for the Learning Places Scotland One-Day Conference 2024 was: “Maximising Opportunities across the Learning Estate". This year’s one-day conference began to explore this topic, which will be showcased further at the Learning Places Scotland Conference 2024 in Glasgow on 19-20 November. It is a forum to share your views on how we can create inspiring spaces and places that maximise these opportunities for all. Find out more on our website: www.learningplaces.scot Sponsor partners: Kier Group | HLM Architects #LearningPlacesScotland #education #construction #architect #stepconnect2 #schools #colleges #universities #networking #events #network #educationevents #architecture #design #learning #learningestate #teacher #consultant #OneDayConference #conference2024 #EICC

Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) North-Central Recap: A Week of Inspiration and Insights! Another successful SCUP event is in the books, and this year's North-Central gathering delivered some exciting ideas and standout moments. Here are a few "hot takes" that left a lasting impression: 🔹 United Tribes Technical College – A master plan built around their unique culture, led by President Leander McDonald and developed in partnership with Heidi Neumueller, AIA, LEED AP. The standout for me? Their comprehensive support for single-parent families, including daycare options, housing, and even an on-site elementary school! Talk about meeting students where they are! #MeetStudentsWhereTheyAre 🔹 The Ohio State University – A fascinating deep dive into unlocking the potential of their waterfront, led by Jessica Leonard and Courtney Wolff (Ayers Saint Gross), and Rebekah Gayley (OSU). A timeline spanning from the early 1900s to today, this project highlights the evolving vision of seeing the river as a feature and a driver of economic and ecological goals. A masterclass in long-term campus planning! 🔹 University of Wisconsin-Stout – I was inspired by how Cathy O'Hara Weiss, Justin Utpadel, and the SmithGroup team (Douglas Kozma and Lana Zoet, AIA) showcased the power of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and GIS integration. It's incredible to see how technology is transforming space analysis across typologies and departments to create more efficient and effective environments. One key theme that resonated from the keynote to the panels: Unscheduled Space – open labs, social areas, study spaces... How do we quantify it? If you're looking for scalable, affordable solutions, I might have something to show you 😉 Thanks to everyone I connected with at SCUP! It's always a pleasure to be part of such a collaborative and forward-thinking community. #CampusPlanning #HigherEd #SCUP #FacilityManagement #StudentSuccess

CMTA partners with #colleges and #universities to develop innovative and adaptable learning and living spaces. With extensive data and current research, we design experiences that empower students and support educators, including the first #WELL certified university laboratory. Read more about our #HighEducation design experience: https://bit.ly/4659ak6 #EngineeringExcellence #HighPerformance #Sustainability #HealthandWellness

The Call for Presentations for the annual gathering for the education sector in Wales are now OPEN! Education Buildings Wales is the only event of its kind dedicated to educational buildings in Wales. The conference programme will focus on key themes such as: ✏️Sustainability ✏️Achieving Net Zero ✏️Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Provision ✏️Health & Wellbeing ✏️Designing Inspiring Learning Spaces And more... Submissions are invited to align with these themes and should incorporate theoretical insights, best practice case studies, and inspirational, thought-provoking analysis from leading experts in the field. The deadline for submission is Friday 28 February 2025 Submit your Presentation: https://lnkd.in/etyRkGXn Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eAaX8bgz #education #welshgovernment #register #speakers #conference #awards #educationbuildings #educationbuildingswales #wales #architect #contractor #ebw #learningspaces #educationprojects #education #construction #conference #sponsorship #networking

Discover our latest blog post: "Designing the School of the Future." Explore how modern schools are evolving with flexible learning environments, advanced technology, sustainable designs, collaborative spaces, and inclusivity at their core. Dive into the key elements shaping tomorrow’s educational spaces and see how these concepts are becoming a reality today. Read now: https://lnkd.in/dmd9DCFr #CUUB #CUUBstudio

Request for student participation! My student survey - linked here - already has responses from students at 61 campuses, primarily in the US, Canada and UK. Preliminary insights related to virtual/ hybrid/ in-person learning are surprising, mainly from the POV of how students are receiving this learning and how it shapes their campus experience. Please share this survey so we can learn from a wider group of students! And comment below if you'd like to receive inferences from my ongoing design research. https://lnkd.in/gpUSgDax #futureofcampus #designresearch #architecturematters