Common Learning Spaces

lecturing in a Common Learning SpaceAcross the University campuses, there are many centrally-bookable teaching spaces, ranging from classrooms catering for small groups to large lecture theatres accommodating hundreds at a time.

These can spaces include a wide variety of presenting technologies to enable you to get the best out of your teaching requirements: data projectors, video and DVD projection, PC, laptop projection, overhead projectors, Visualizers, sympodiums, lighting and sound controls, induction loops, 35mm slide projection, video conferencing and so on. (you can see a list of the rooms and what's in each room, )

The Common Learning Spaces are maintained and developed by iSolutions (ISS), and booked for use through the Central Timetabling Unit.

Room Types

There are lecture theatres, lecture/seminar rooms, teaching rooms, and laboratories. In terms of technology, there are essentially three types of room:

  • Lectern Bench rooms, where a variety of presentation technology is controlled directly from the bench;
  • Smartboard rooms that contain interactive Smartboards
  • Legacy rooms that have only recently become Common Learning Spaces, and contain their own legacy equipment. These rooms have become part of an ongoing rolling program of refurbishment, and in due course will become either a Lectern Bench or Smartboard room.

Maintenance and development

During the normal teaching times of the academic year, iSolutions inspects each Common Learning Space once per day. This is to ensure that the room is clean, laid out appropriately, equipped with pens, chalk, etc. where appropriate, and that equipment is in working order. The equipment in the rooms is maintained and regularly reviewed to ensure that it is fit for purpose and where possible it is of a standard type and standard interface across the University. Where areas have flexible layouts (non-fixed seating), the default desired room layout is displayed on a notice board in the room. An indication of the facilities within the space is also displayed, along with any relevant health and safety notices.

Help, Support and Guidance

A wide program of help and support for these rooms is available, including userguides, coaching and training and fast-response fault reporting and resolution ( more information on help and support ).

Special needs users can request for a laptop for teaching purposes, which will be delivered and collected by our technician. Users can requested this service through Serviceline.

Reporting a Problem

In most Common Learning Space rooms there are phones (either on the lectern bench or nearby) where you can phone the ServiceLine on 25656 to report a problem. If the problem cannot be rectified by a ServiceLine operative, a technician will aim to attend within 15 minutes of your call.

ServiceLine is available between 0830 and 1800 Monday to Friday; if you experience a problem outside this time, you should register this with the ServiceLine at the next available opportunity. further information

How You Can Help Us

  • Make safe use of the services made available to you and observe University regulations
  • Do not consume food and drink within the Common Learning Space
  • Familiarise yourself before you start the session with the Fire Evacuation route poster displayed
  • Familiarise yourself with the equipment in advance of its use
  • Return the layout of tables and chairs to that of the Room Layout poster before you leave
  • Report damaged or faulty equipment to the ServiceLine so that it can be identified and rectified