Collaborative learning spaces: challenges and opportunities

Traditional method of learning and teaching (L&T) in universities that uses lectures and tutorials are proving to be less effective in engaging today’s students. One of the strategies to improve student engagement and student learning is to replace the lectures and tutorials spaces with collaborative learning spaces (CLS). Students can use these spaces to collaborate and work on assigned tasks. This paper presents the use of the CLS in a core civil engineering subject (unit) at Western Sydney University (WSU). L&T materials were developed to take advantage of the technology driven learning space. The experience of the facilitator in the development of the L&T material and use of the space are outlined. Student experiences are also discussed. The opportunities to improve student engagement and the challenges faced by both the facilitator and the students are highlighted