Challenges for Design: Seeing Learners as Knowledge Workers Acting in Physical – Virtual Environments

Traditionally, behaviouristic models have been used for the design of many interactive learning environments. In contrast, we propose a pedagogical model based on social constructivism and phenomenography, which we believe is more adequate when, for instance, information seeking and the use of the WWW are natural components in the learning situation. To see learners as persons who continuously alter their conceptions and ideas by working with data, information and knowledge, i.e. to see learners as knowledge workers, corresponds well with social constructivism and phenomenography. Frequently, the design of interactive learning systems focuses exclusively on computers and the virtual environments they provide, excluding the physical environment. We believe that the design of learning environments based on a combination of physical and virtual artefacts will enhance the learning experience. In this paper we present our efforts in exploring the implication of two learning theories, phenomenography and social constructivism, for the design of learning environments that combine physical and virtual (computer-based) media.