a 21st century education

Tiffane Davis

THE 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOM

Why change what’s not broken?In all honesty, the learning style of today hasn’t

evolved much since the late 1800’s. I’m not saying we haven’t made advances. Women are allowed to attend school now and we aren’t all huddled up in a 12 by 12 shed being taught reading, writing, and arithmetic. However, the lecture style classroom setting is a little dated. Kids enjoy hands on learning and communicating with each other, as well as the occasional lecture. My proposition is a new way to set up the classroom to incorporate all three styles of learning.

Let’s start with some new elements to begin the move into the 21st century educational experience.

SIX CHANGES TO MAKE TO THE CLASSROOM

McCrea, Bridget. "Classroom Design." 6 Ingredients for the 21st Century Classroom n.pag. Campus Technology. Web. 11

Jan 2012. <http://campustechnology.com/articles/2012/01/11/6-ingredients-for-the-21st-century-classroom.asp&xgt;.

Makeover!University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering

has already successfully moved on to this new layout. An exposed room with tall ceilings, an elevated floor, better lighting, and more advanced controls gives the students and teachers more freedom to move around the room and work with each other. Brian Vidic, director of technology stated, “When you start with the shell and then move to the student and instructor casework, technology itself becomes secondary. The end result is a space that can flex and accommodate different types of instruction.”

McCrea, Bridget. "Classroom Design." 6 Ingredients for the 21st Century Classroom n.pag. Campus Technology. Web. 11 Jan 2012. <http://campustechnology.com/articles/2012/01/11/6-

ingredients-for-the-21st-century-classroom.asp&xgt;.

Let there be light. We’re getting rid of the blackboard and making room for

many types of displays. Smart boards and projectors being two prime examples. “When designing the spaces, we look for any dark spots or shadows and try to eliminate them while giving instructors the power and control they need to be able to adjust the lighting accordingly.” says director of technology Brian Vidic.

McCrea, Bridget. "Classroom Design." 6 Ingredients for the 21st Century Classroom n.pag. Campus Technology. Web. 11 Jan 2012. <http://campustechnology.com/articles/2012/01/11/6-ingredients-for-the-

21st-century-classroom.asp&xgt;.

Musical chairs?Students sitting lonely behind their desks sticking their

noses into their work has long been in the past. The furniture and casework has to provide for the collaborative opportunities college classrooms are swarming with. Furniture flexible enough to be used for testing and that has the ability to be used for group work is ideal along with crescent shaped casework that accommodates as many as 6 students. “Look for casework and/or desks that can help meet the students’ computing and traditional needs,” Vidic suggests. “This helps keep costs down and allows classrooms to be used for a variety of functions.”

McCrea, Bridget. "Classroom Design." 6 Ingredients for the 21st Century Classroom n.pag. Campus

Technology. Web. 11 Jan 2012. <http://campustechnology.com/articles/2012/01/11/6-ingredients-for-the-21st-century-classroom.asp&xgt;.

Faculty InvolvementSusan Colaric, assistant vice president for instructional

technology at the new Donald R. Tapia School of Business at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, FL, stated, “The most important ingredient for any 21st century classroom is the faculty. When you identify their desires, needs, and concerns and take them seriously, you can create a top-notch facility.” The 12-million dollar facility contains a 60 seat executive lecture hall, six classrooms equipped with 70 inch, HD LCD multi touch displays, and two computer labs.



Take a chargeAlthough textbooks and notebooks don’t require outlets

or USB ports, laptops, tablets, and interactive displays do. It’s expensive and disruptive to add outlets after a building is already constructed so take this into consideration and be sure to have plenty of power sources. All the student desks in the Donald R. Tapia School of Business are mobile and come with a power cord. Not to mention the teacher podium is equipped with 5 USB slots. “That’s a convenience that frees up more time for class activities. Students always have their laptops, but not always charged and ready to use”, says Vidic.



The Student-Instructor Dynamic“Don’t sacrifice the learning component in favor of new

tools and applications,” says Vidic. Don’t fill your classrooms with “the next best thing for higher education.” “Instead,” Vidic states, “look for technology that enhances and supports the student-teacher dynamic.” Computers, monitors, and keyboards should be versatile to lecture or 21st century education. “As you design the room,” Vidic continues, “make sure you’re delivering a suitable classroom teaching environment. Then start laying the technology on top of that foundation.”



Not all kids learn the same way, so let’s look at the three different…

LEARNING STYLES

Let’s have a talk.As a student myself, I understand the importance of

communication in the classroom. Without students being able to talk to each other and collaborate, they tend to have a more difficult time understanding and grasping the concepts being taught. It’s understandable that in a history class you’re going to have to write a lot of notes and remember a lot of information. However, in a math class, you’re not just learning facts, you’re learning skills. The best way to make sure you understand is to talk to someone else in the class who has a good idea of what’s going on as well.

How else do we learn, but to ask questions?

Do do this at home kidsHands on is, in my opinion, a very tactful way of

learning. You can’t just keep doing equations in chemistry or physics and know what you’re talking about. You have to safely make reactions and build model bridges to know if they’re going to work out. Hands on work gives students the experience and the feel of how whatever their doing is going to work. Nowadays having the knowledge isn’t going to get you much. You must have the practice to back it up.

Nothing like the originalGiven all the information you’ve seen so far,

sometimes students just need to be talked to. A lecture is still a great way to give out information. Students should do their part, like taking notes, paying attention, and studying, as well as the teacher giving a good lesson.

As we come to the close of this presentation let’s take a look at the options and…

DESIGN, DESIGN, DESIGN

***IGNORE ANY NAME BRAND ITEMS LISTED***

Compare and Contrast

• This gives the teacher all the power. The students have no control or ability to communicate effectively with each other.• Students are confined to one

area and have limited resources.• Most schools are already set

up this way so it is less costly.

• While giving the teacher the ability to travel and keep control, it also gives students the chance to learn to work together, communicate effectively, and be responsible for themselves.• Students are able to move

about and gain access to all available resources.• Requires larger classrooms,

more technology, and a variety of seating.

The Original The New

In conclusion, the 21st century classroom won’t be an easy or

cheap build. However, it’s worth it to better our students and the

education they deserve.

Thank You!

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