classroom

The ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•S) and Performance Indicators for Students 1. Creativity and Innovation - The presentation station/performance space includes risers for students to sit on for presentations and multiple viewing screens facilitate easy sharing of projects. 2. Communication and Collaboration – Students work at small group stations. Students use Moodle for individual readers’ responses and collaborative book talks. Small areas around room (rugs, benches, between cupboards, etc.) for breakout groups 3. Research and Information Fluency – Students have access to online information with mobile devices. 4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making – Storage units and display spaces facilitate working independently and responsibly with materials and projects. Co-ownership with students facilitated by durable usable window covers as screen or tackable or writable space. 5. Digital Citizenship – Small group stations promote cooperative use of technology. 6. Technology Operations and Concepts – Mobile devices are used fluidly throughout the learning day.

www.gliffy.com/gliffy/#d=2168338&t=21stCentury_Classroom media type="custom" key="6509917" We are retrofitting a traditional classroom. Features:
 * lots of natural light - durable window shades for controlling light
 * window shades that double as projection screens/display space; tackable
 * moveable sound absorbent zones to facilitate small group work; sound focusing technology; cost prohibitive?
 * seating that promotes physical activity
 * moveable computer stand tables that are height-adjustable
 * performance area including a stage that rises out of the floor
 * adjustable-height work tables on wheels with locks; very durable (IDEO); idea painted desk surfaces
 * strong wi-fi signal throughout, mobile devices
 * flexible wall storage units which could also be used as display centers; kid gallery
 * ample space that promotes various configurations of people and furniture
 * administration station
 * presentation/teaching station
 * wet station

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Part 2 --> initial 'story' concepts for each space (with only a hint of a 'drawing') 1. Classroom for elementary school aged learners -->
 * lots of natural light w/ durable window screens that double as projection space/surface; emphasis on 'durable' for student usage (up/down).
 * moveable sound absorbent configurations/materials: 'sound blocks' that would allow large groups in one space but quieter areas; acoustic zones
 * height-adjustable + moveable/lockable (movement) tables with various 'size' surfaces; wheeled chairs; letting kids move
 * performance area in the classroom (rises and lowers) --> adjustable for various sizes and activities/presentations
 * wifi-enabled, set for variety of mobile devices
 * storage units that double as display centers
 * 'ample' space --> for a variety of learning/working arrangements --> breakouts
 * stations: 1) presentation/speaking w/ projector + 2) administrative space (vs. 'teacher' desk)
 * water/wet station --> sink, cooler, etc

Emerging trends and observations Classroom:
 * Natural light: previous century classrooms traditionally meant to be grand spaces w/ long tall windows. Love idea of window screens for projection. Tackable a la big post-it paper? Everything in space is co-owned by students. Build so multiple people can use every element.
 * Sound quality is thoughtful consideration. Love the idea, but may be cost prohibitive. This is a question mark for expense.
 * Height adjustable/moveable: Steelcase has designed new chair that works/thinks along these lines. David Jakes: IdeaPaint turns painted surface into writeable whiteboard. How can surfaces (tables/desks) provide multiple experiences? Fielding/Nair have designed MN schools where every student has own workstation.
 * Wifi enabled: 100% agree. Has to be...ground-zero.
 * Performance area: Instead of stage, flip so that audience is on risers. Stage eats up too much square footage. Risers alter eye contact.
 * Storage: Wall display space can be eaten up by expired content. Consider adult vs. kid height when posting wall displays. Ample is a lovely word. Says "just enough." Think boat-building, tight spaces and elegant solutions/uses.
 * Stations: unlock the teacher desk. Wet station could be in the hallway to be shared by multiple classrooms. Messy zone.
 * Ample, multi-use, performance, adjustable, durable, agile.
 * Questions: May need to argue for windows. Sound blocks are a harder case. Multi-use surfaces okay. Moveable furniture may be harder sell than you'd think---see Mayo example. Storage: push back to determine bare minimums, avoid reflexive reaction to always want more storage space.