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Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until September 01, 2025

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Examining the Design of a Collaborative Learning Space: Case Study of Ohio University's CoLab

Komey, Audrey N.K.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8995-4219
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1659644183012085

Abstract Details

2022, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Instructional Technology (Education).
Learning spaces in recent times are seeing a shift from traditional classrooms that are instructor led to innovative spaces that are student-centered. This paradigm shift is also seeing the emergence of informal learning spaces that are unstructured and allow for student collaboration. Using the universal design for learning (UDL) as a theoretical framework, this qualitative study examined the design of a collaborative learning space and how the space support or promotes student learning. Data collection techniques used for the study were semi-structured interviews with nine participants recruited as key informants, secondary data, and site observation. To analyze the data collected, Creswell’s (2014) three step approach was employed. The first step involved organizing and preparing the data and this was done by downloading the auto generated transcripts and checking it against the recorded interview videos. It also involved removing filler words from the transcripts. Generating broad themes was done as the second step in the analysis process and a total of nine broad themes were generated. For the final step, the transcribed document was imported into Nvivo and codes or sub-themes were created for each broad themes and to address the two research questions. Findings from this study revealed that design decisions made 4 were intentional in promoting collaboration among students. The findings also showed that the flexible setup and multi-purpose use of the spaces appeal to diverse users and supports the principles of UDL. In terms of learning theories, constructionism and constructivism were presented and encouraged. An area of concern identified was limited staffing in running the space and was further worsened by layoffs of full-time staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. The concluding part of the study discussed the implications of the study and direction for future research.
Jesse Strycker (Advisor)
Edna Wangui (Committee Member)
Yuchun Zhou (Committee Member)
Greg Kessler (Committee Member)
165 p.
Education; Educational Technology; Higher Education; Instructional Design
Learning spaces; Informal learning space; Collaborative learning; Makerspace; Constructivism; Constructionism; Universal design for learning

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Komey, A. N.K. (2022). Examining the Design of a Collaborative Learning Space: Case Study of Ohio University's CoLab [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1659644183012085

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Komey, Audrey. Examining the Design of a Collaborative Learning Space: Case Study of Ohio University's CoLab. 2022. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1659644183012085.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Komey, Audrey. "Examining the Design of a Collaborative Learning Space: Case Study of Ohio University's CoLab." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1659644183012085

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1659644183012085
© 2022, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.