Innovative Playscapes can further enhance Learning Environments. This especially true if the playscape has been designed as part of a Innovative Learning Environment. If an outside learning environment doubles as a playscape then learning becomes enjoyable and interactive. The best playscapes are ones that allow students to experiment, explore and interact socially with their peers. These often include water, natural settings and building materials. The use of playscapes is often ignored in Secondary settings and this can be a lost learning opportunity.
There is limited research on the effects of playscape designs in secondary schools, with the primary focus on early years and preschool (e.g. McNaughton, 1996; 1998). However, research in the UK on playgrounds indicates there are positive effects on learning that playtime and informal use of playgrounds provide. Play contributes to physical, social, emotional and intellectual development as it allows students to practice the skills of conflict resolution, co-operation, sharing and problem solving (Steinhagen & Iltus, 2004; Clements 2001).
