Launched in September 2023, the Physical Teaching Spaces project aims to create shared standards for inclusive, technology-enabled teaching spaces across the University. The project is funded by the Digital Transformation Programme, and aligns with the Digital Education Strategy 2023-27.
Good quality physical teaching spaces are a fundamental need, meeting this basic is the foundation for innovation. The Physical Teaching Spaces project has set out to establish common inclusive standards to ensure that all teaching environments support both innovative pedagogy and the diverse needs of students and staff across the University with equity.
Prof Helen Christian, Physical Teaching Spaces Project Sponsor
Since summer 2024, the project has piloted a matrix of standards through teaching space audits carried out in volunteer departments. These audits have drawn on both Audio Visual (AV) IT and pedagogical perspectives to build a clear picture of current needs and opportunities for spatial improvements in line with innovative and inclusive teaching and learning.
Pilot outcomes
Over the course of the pilot, more than 100 audits were completed across 75 University spaces. This work has helped to establish a University-wide matrix of standards, gather actionable insights from staff and students, and build strong support for the initiative.
The proposed standards were reviewed and approved by the Education Committee and further endorsed through student focus group activity in December 2024.
Next steps
In a final project phase, the Physical Spaces team will embed the audit process as an ongoing business as usual (BAU) service, delivered in partnership with the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), AV IT, and Estates Services. In addition, four departments will take part in practical trial upgrades, providing real-world demonstrations of the standards in action. An investment map is in development to document available funding pathways for upgrades, identify current barriers to securing funds and highlight outstanding questions.
Interested in getting involved?
If you are interested in participating in an audit and receiving recommendations aligned with digital accessibility and innovative teaching and learning, the Physical Spaces team would be eager to work with you!
To get involved, please contact physicalspaces@it.ox.ac.uk
Project benefits
Process improvement
Standardising the requirements and support for technology-enabled inclusive teaching spaces will make it quicker and easier to develop and implement plans for teaching space renewal.
Student and staff satisfaction
Shared standards for technology-enabled inclusive teaching spaces, application in practical trials and access to BAU audits will enhance the staff and student experience by ensuring greater equity.
Cost Reduction
Ongoing BAU audits will provide departments with sustainable guidance and tools to upgrade teaching spaces strategically, reducing unnecessary estate-wide expenditure on ad hoc spatial upgrades and non-standard technologies requiring bespoke installation and support.
Better staff and student experience
Shared standards for technology-enabled inclusive teaching spaces, application in practical trials, and access to BAU audits will enhance pedagogical practice and enable innovation in teaching spaces across the University. Shared standards and ongoing audit activity can foster improved communication and collaboration between local AV support and users of the space.
Timeline
- September 2023: the Physical Teaching Spaces project launches.
- Autumn 2023 – November 2024: The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), in collaboration with AV experts, conducts over 100 audits across the University, covering 75 teaching spaces.
- September 2024: audit findings are used to inform a set of standards for teaching environments and AV equipment.
- Autumn – Winter 2024: the proposed standards are reviewed and validated through consultation with University committees and student focus groups comprised of postgraduates and undergraduates representing all divisions.
- Spring – Summer 2025: plans are in place for upgrades in four teaching spaces, serving as a pilot application of the new standards. Work also begins to transition the project to BAU by November 2025. An investment map is underway to document available funding pathways and identify current barriers.
Outcome aims
- A central form of assessment to resolve local pedagogy and AV/IT issues across the Oxford University estate
- The projects aims are in line with the Oxford University Estates Strategy 2024-29
- Clearer routes to support teaching space standardisation through local investment in spaces
