We learn differently

"Group spaces for the future should be adequately sized and flexible enough to accommodate a wider range of users and various ways of learning."

Schools for the future. DfES. (2002)

Users differ both in physical terms, learning style, as well as in the way they use various technologies. Physical differences are clear. Children grow, some are more robust, have longer legs, some wear glasses... The furniture should be either adjustable within certain limits, or different sizes of furniture should be put in place. The theory of multiple intelligences (Howard Gardner) identifies a number of different learning styles.

By understanding the unique differences in the way students learn, instructors can facilitate learning by speaking to the talents of each individual. Incorporate various means of communication and multi-disciplinary exercises in to lessons. Also interesting are the differences among users of modern technology and particularly the internet. The literature knows different formats, but the division into the categories Hanging Out - Messing around - Geeking out, is notable. It is important in this format that one person can always fall in all the three categories. Depending on what you do. Someone who is very active in photography, and uploads photos on flickr, writes comments on other photos... is certainly "geeking out", while someone who at the same time reads some messages on facebook is "hanging out". This description perfectly fits the same person, at another moment or in a different role. Depending on what you want to achieve, or what your interests are, as a user you take on a different role which can vary over time. Understanding these differences among users is very important when you develop services for users on the internet (or elsewhere). Different users expect to be approached and treated in different ways. A platform that seeks the cooperation of users should therefore be able to integrate the work on different levels.

SOURCE - NWol (New World Of Learning)