4. Discussion
In an effort to simulate real-world classroom built environ- ments, this study investigated the impact of a composite environ- ment consisting of temperature, lighting, and sound levels within the comfort zone or just outside of the comfort zone and learning modality on student comprehension, mood, and attributions of the environment on performance. One novel aspect of this work with respect to the built environment effects on learning is the use of multiple learning modalities of reading and listening to test built environment effects. While there have been a few studies (e.g. Hygge et al., 2002) that have examined multiple modalities, to best of our knowledge none of the studies have examined the envi- ronment as a whole in conjunction with multiple learning modalities.