The 21st century classroom is a studio

My Boss asked me a while ago, what should the 21st century classroom look like. My first reaction is that it does not look like a room at all. It would have no walls…our kids learning would take place anywhere, all the time…yet I knew that in the end it would still be a classroom with wireless. It would look an aweful lot like classrooms of 30 years ago:
A clear front end defined by a board (In this case a smart board bolted to the wall with a cieling mounted, and not very easily movable, LCD projector)
Kids sitting in rows or perhaps pods, but more or less facing the “front”
It bugs me that this technology would actually turn us backwards in creating compelling learning environments…

…and then I hear the word about Learning Studios. Listening to the University of British Columbia’s podcast on Future Trends and Implications for Physical Learning Environments given by William J. Flynn
I hear a term I had not heard before, but has always been there. What’s more there is research that he sites. Notice anything in this picture  from Estrella Mountain College?

Let me give you a couple of hints:
Everything moves
Ergonomics people, ergonomics
Flexible spacing
1:1 computing
where are the wires?

The idea brings to life what Designshare is illustrating below:

No not a new design, but new techonology does not have to lock us into place…

Space, whether physical or virtual, can have a significant impact on
learning. If you are interested in better understanding the
relationship between space design and learning, Learning Spaces,
an EDUCAUSE e-book, provides a great place to start. It focuses on how
learner expectations influence the development and use of space, the
principles and activities that facilitate learning, and the role of
technology from the perspective of those who create learning
environments: faculty, learning technologists, librarians, and
administrators. It represents an ongoing exploration as we bring
together space, technology, and pedagogy to ensure learner success.

In addition to the e-book’s core chapters on learning space design principles (chapters 1–13), the Learning Spaces
Web site also offers case studies illustrating those principles
(chapters 15–43), including links to examples of innovative learning
spaces. Source: Educase

If you do ONE thing this week, listen to this podcast. His ideas about space are only the start. And just because he is talking about universities does not mean it does not apply to schools. Click to view William J. Flynn’s PowerPoint presentation.

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