Expanding the boundaries through the use of technology in informal learning spaces

Abstract

Through the use of emerging technologies the University of Washington is promoting learning and teaching in informal learning spaces. There are several types of learning spaces that are available to students, faculty, and staff such as the Learning Technologies Labs Service, General Access Labs, and Emerging Technology Studios. These spaces maintained and operated by Catalyst, a department on campus, and have roughly 65,000 logins a week.Another way Catalyst is expanding boundaries is the way these spaces are operated and maintained which is through the use of a student staff. They handle the installation, technical support, and operation of these spaces and are managed by a small full-time staff.