Learning can take place in both physical and virtual environments. In physical environments there are multiple design considerations that are often treated separately: architecture, interior design, lighting, acoustics, electricity or other power sources, safety, ventilation, furnishings, technology, site lines, and access. Virtual learning spaces also contain many elements that must be considered in their design: technical architecture (e.g. CMS, Web page, etc.), functional tools (e.g. chat, discussion, ftp, etc.), entry (e.g., Web page, portal, etc.), accessibility, user control, access, etc.

Participants will explore the principles of both physical and to a lesser extent virtual space design as they relate to applications of learning. Participants will analyze existing spaces, make recommendations for changes, and design new spaces.

What are different behavioral types that influence space design?
What types of physical environment designs relate to different types of learning?
How can technology be best utilized in different types of spaces?
What space related elements should be included in a virtual learning environments to support learning?

Students are expected to be above reproach in scholastic activities. Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and dismissal from the University. "Scholastic dishonesty includes,but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion; the submission for credit any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an exam for another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student; or the attempt to commit such acts"(Regent's Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, subsection 3.2, subdivision 3.22). Since scholastic dishonesty harms  the individual,all students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. See Student Code of Conduct. 

Students must submit all work, either in print or in electronic format, with no typographical or grammatical errors.  Be sure to proofread carefully.  When citing sources of information, in a reference page or within the body of text, use APA style.  Failure to follow APA conventions may result in a lower grade.When citing sources of information, APA style should be used. When submitting work via e-mail, be sure that all word processing documents end in 'doc.' APA Guide to Internet Citations. A Guide for Writing Research Papers has answers to frequently asked questions about APA. APA Style Guide 2000 actually shows you examples of APA style. All work must be word-processed 1 1/2 spacing (if submitted in print) using a 12 font size.  Margins should be one inch.

• evaluate utsa and other learning spaces
• report findings to sponsoring agency
• design a physical learning space appropriate for specific function(s)
• design a virtual learning space appropriate for specific function(s)
• take quizzes

You are encouraged to discuss concerns about the course with the instructor at any time. Informal course evaluations will be conducted periodically and may result in revisions of class activities or calendar.  A formal university evaluation will be conducted at the conclusion of the semester. Points will be assigned for each assignment for a total of 100 points. Using the point scale and the folowing criteria, student evaluation will be determined.

A. Student completes all tasks and activities with, corrected or corrected, negligible errors; attends class and participates regularly and appropriately in discussions; supports peer learning; completes a final product that meets criteria provided without changes, directly relates to course learning, and is relevant to an educational setting.

B. Student completes all tasks and activities with, corrected or corrected, minimal errors; attends class and participates regularly and appropriately in discussions; supports peer learning; completes a final product that meets criteria provided with minor changes, directly relates to course learning, and is relevant to an educational setting.

C. Student completes all tasks and activities with, corrected or corrected, errors that detract from quality; misses some classes but participates in discussions; completes a final product that meets criteria provided but requires significant changes, directly relates to course learning,and is relevant to an educational setting.

D. Student does not complete all tasks and activities; submits assignments; uncorrected or corrected, which contain errors which detract from quality; misses some classes and/or does not participate regularly in discussions; completes a final product that does not meet criteria provided and/or does not directly relate to course learning, and, is not, without substantial changes, relevant to an educational setting.

F. Student does not complete all tasks and activities; submits assignments, uncorrected or corrected, which contain substantial errors;misses some classes and/or does not participate regularly or appropriately in discussions; does not completes a final product that reflects criteria or which is relevant to an educational setting.