ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the broader issues confronting higher education systems by looking towards the future on the basis of an analysis of current trends. It provides an overview of the emerging new environments for learning and goes on to reflect on the consequences of those environments by considering their impact on learners. The chapter examines the model of support developed at Sheffield Hallam University to encourage innovation and improvements in students’ learning demanded both by the broader policy agenda, new more diverse and local paying students and by lecturers themselves engaged in improving student learning. It describes how the Learning Centre at Sheffield Hallam University is involved in the development and implementation of wide-ranging institutional strategies and how research and development carried out in the Department help staff to understand the drivers and barriers to innovation and change. A key component of the action research process involves continued reflection and reappraisal of activities and feedback.
