technology-based 21st century classroom

Technology-Based 21st Century Classroom Design

Jami Anderson, Rachelle Bayers, Lorraine Cadena, & Nicole Smith

AET 531Professor Lynn Moksvold

June 2, 2014

IntroductionTeam A designed a classroom setting that is functional, comfortable and technology-rich to allow the instructor opportunity to utilize tools that will enrich and enhance the learner’s experience. The learners will be given opportunity to witness the benefit and understand the value of how technology can impact their learning success.

By allowing students to have more freedom and liberty to establish comfort in their own work space, Team A designed a classroom that provides students the opportunity to sit in small focus group, hands-on and collaborative group areas with other students. These specialized areas encourages discussion, dialogue and collaboration as a means to develop peer relationships, but also provides avenues to gain information, guidance and perspective from one another to enhance learning.

Preferred Tech ToolsOur classroom design incorporates a number of different technology tools such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth wireless tablets, desktops, projectors and screen, a plasma TV, clickers, speakers and microphones; however, four types of technology equipment that would best benefit adult students during course instruction include:

•The Instructor PC•Interactive Whiteboard•LCD Big Screen TV•Clickers

The instructor’s PC will be for instructor use only but will be the key link to utilizing other technology within the classroom such as the interactive whiteboard, projector and storage of all classroom assignments, grades, curriculum course instruction. The PC will allow the instructor to access the use of Web 2.0, Prezi, Piktochart, SlideShare, Popplet, Twitter and other internet aids.

Instructor PC

Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) The interactive whiteboard is a unique tool that we anticipate to increase in popularity over the years. The IWB is a large display board, mounted to the wall that will connect to the instructor’s PC. This tool is ideal for professional and work group type classrooms as it captures topics written, has hand writing recognition, capability to display animation, visuals and save any notes used. The IWB allows the instructor to sit and give instruction as opposed to standing in front of the class like a traditional white board with his/her back to the students.

LCD Big Screen TV It is anticipated that our classroom will be watching different videos, movies or Skyping with alternative global institutions. For clarity and better visual, the LCD will be of great benefit to the classroom. LCD’s offer less glare when light hits the screen.

Clickers

• Clickers actively engage students during the entire class period.• Clickers gauge the students level of understanding of the material

being presented.• Clickers provide prompt feedback to student questions.

The anonymity of responding with a clicker guarantees near or total participation. Clickers help students to actively engage in the learning process, which helps the student to develop a more solid, integrated and useful understanding of concepts and their interrelationships and applicability (Martyn, 2007).

Collaborative Work Environment

Hands-on Work Environment

Focused Work EnvironmentFocused Work Environment

Roll Around Cart with Projector and Interactive Whiteboard Equipment

Instructor’s PC

Wall One

Wall Two

Interactive Whiteboard Projector Screen

Wall Three

Course Calendar of Events

60 inch LCD TV- wall mounted

Wall Four

Summary and Purpose for Design Different seating options are available such as roll-about chairs and yoga balls for students and instructors to utilize. The instructor does not have a formal office, nor a designated work space.

The purpose of this is to make sure that the instructor works his/her way around the room, interacting with students, observing their learning and providing feedback and additional instruction upon necessity. Ideally, this creates an environment that eliminates division from the learner and instructor.

Using technology as an enhancer is the best way to help students reach their highest potential. The combination of old methods and new methods in teaching and learning can only allow for educational experiences to grow, and allow teachers to provide the best services possible to their students.

References

• Martyn, M. (2007). Clickers in the classroom: An active learning approach. Retrieved June 1, 2014 from http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/clickers-classroom-active-learning-approach