Flowers

21st Century Classroom

The easy option

I have worked out with very little effort and money my current classroom could have sound booths added, still cater to 30 students and be a far more flexible e-learning space.

The sounds booths could be arranged along the windows on either side of the classroom and provide independent learning areas with some sound dampening facilities for making videos or podcasts.

But in looking at 21st century learning spaces, what do we really want?

All Areas

Tinted windows or windows which do not face the sun.

Solar heating panels/ renewable energy sources

Sound proofing and sound dampening of rooms

Multimedia metal wall plates/boards plastic vitrifies.

Fire retardant materials

Plants

Good air flow

Climate control

Plenty of power points

Recycling bins

Good use of natural light and heat

Storage space.

Instruction areas

Whiteboard

Data projector

Reliable wireless access/wired back up

Clear sound system

Acoustically sound rooms

Central teaching space

Sound dampened

Blinds/curtains/black out facilities

Niche accommodation for independent learning

Pin boards and display areas

Niche accommodation for sound recording

Open Learning Spaces

Permanently located teachers

Teacher help

Electronic white board

Data projector

Sound system

Multimedia wall plates/ boards

Weather and energy feedback screens

Plants

Niche spaces

Table clusters

Wet area

Good use of natural light and resources

Access to bulletins/ weekly events/ timetables

Highly desirable

Slide presentations and videos which are just interesting and well composed and can be played as inspiration.

Screens with energy and weather feedback

Touch screen for students to access timetables, daily notices, current important information, news

Video access to student services.

Easy access to online wellbeing support

We do not need learning barns

Open plan was a disaster in the 70s

Technology barns could get everyone off track even better no matter how beautiful the view.

In the wrong hands learning barns would offer opportunities for online mayhem and onsite vandalism

Larger learning areas need to be carefully thought out so the spaces are well utilised and supervised

Photo courtesy PDPhoto.org

Technology won't make teachers great

Good teachers need good tools

Good teachers have taught with slate boards, ink wells, blackboards, text books, pens and paper.

Good teachers will teach with technology

Good teachers need to be constantly encouraged

Good teachers need support networks

Good teachers need to be inspired

Good teachers need to be heard

Bad teachers cannot teach

Photo courtesy pics4learning .com Jeff Ingraham

Online safety

No students should be engaging with anyone online who has not been vetted in accordance with the regulations pertaining to face to face contact with students in schools.

CyberSmart

Engaging with others

There is a real chance with technology to use the wider community to encourage and foster learning.

Employers can be more visible online and share their needs and knowledge.

Community groups can take advantage of this generation's desire to make a difference and espouse causes.

Higher education institutions can create courses to to enthuse and develop higher level learning.

Students can be part of online groups and activities which have sound learning outcomes but also will provide some choices for individual interests and learning styles.

Qualified and suitable older people can be online mentors for students. Students can actually engage with online mentors who take a genuine interest in their work.

So what do we need?

Constant technology inservice at an appropriate level

Good technical back up

Clean air

Good teachers

Reliable technology

Solid internet connection

Flexible spaces