The Learning Grid is a development occupying a space of about 1350 square metres on 2 floors in University House, with capacity for approximately 300 students. It is managed by the Library and is open 24x7 only closing on Christmas Day.

The facility provides an exciting, innovative, integrated, flexible space that supports students by facilitating independent learning in new and changing ways. It, for instance, supports individual study, group problem-solving activities, team working and presentation work, including an emphasis on facilitating the development and delivery of student presentations and supporting students in the use of digital multi-media for their assignments. It provides a wireless network, capacity for up to 10,000 reference use student texts, and careers resources. A wide range of equipment is also provided, including scanners and document visualisers through to electronic whiteboards, video-editing facilities, networked PCs, video cameras with playback capability, etc. These facilities are located within study environments ranging from rooms for formal presentations to soft seating.

The service model for the facility is informed by a dual strategy of supporting students through a mix of primarily web-based resources and personal interactions. The latter is provided by permanent staff working with, and alongside, student advisors (as well as, of course, by fellow users of the facility). There is an emphasis on informality of approach, which is reflected in tolerance with mobile phone use and limited eating and drinking within the facility.

The Learning Grid also brings together services and support even where these are managed via different departments within the University. It was developed with active support and input from the Students’ Union, IT Services (including e-Lab and Audio Visual services), the Centre for Academic Practice, Warwick Skills Certificate staff and Careers. Other parties across the University e.g. CELTE (the Centre for English Language Teacher Education) and the International Office were also involved in discussions about the new facility prior to its opening.

The facility supports various elements of the institutional mission, including;

1. to equip our graduates with the necessary education and skills to make a significant contribution to the economy and society as a whole”
2. “to recruit students and staff with outstanding potential and to provide the best support and facilities to foster teaching, learning and research of the highest quality”

Aim of The Learning Grid:

To provide students at the University of Warwick with a facility that actively supports the development of study, transferable and professional skills.