Learning Spaces for the 21st Century Learner- Week 9

 

 

 

Learning Spaces for the 21st Century Learner

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being  a student in so much technological change can lead one to except more in the classroom as well. Today's students want a more hands on and engaging classroom environment than the traditional classroom set-up can provide. So it is our job as educators to make a positive change in physical space of the classroom to better fit the needs of our students.

 

 

"The days of the single desk and chair are gone, according to Herskowitz. He said he envisions a time when all K-12 classrooms are developed around the concept of collaboration--between student and teacher and among the students themselves." -Bridget McCrea

Creating learning spaces for our students allows us to think beyond the straight rows in stationary desks. Many students find group work a bother because of how difficult it is to rearrange the desks to be able to have group work. But if we were able to provide the students with desks that are light and ones with wheels for easy maneuverability then the students might be more willing to do these sorts of activities. Learning spaces are made to encourage collaboration among the student. It helps with providing an ease to transition from one activity to another.  In these learning spaces, we need to challenge the assumption of all students learn the same way. Learning spaces allow students to figure out what works for their special needs. Learning spaces also help the students figure out way they want to do their school work and projects.

 

Another way to encourage collaboration in the classroom is to use Google Apps for Education (GAFE). These should be integrated in to the layout of the room through having certain sections of the room for certain things for the children to do. GAFE are great for teacher who want their students to have a document in which they can all contribute to and feel as though they all have a voice in the classroom, for just one example.

 

 

 

The University of Akron does provide some informal learning spaces for their students to use in places like the library, and the Student Union. At these places they have furniture where students have the ability have study groups and where students can work together. These fit my needs because some days I need to find a space where I can get away and be by myself. And these spaces are perfect because there are so many and they are spread out enough that makes it nice to be able to have your own place to do work for school.