Ed Tech Blog
I originally posted this on rAVe [Publications]...
I recently wrote an article for EdTech Digest called “Keys to Engagement: Connectivity Challenges in a Technology-Rich Classroom.” In it, I outlined some challenges and solutions common to modern learning spaces, but which are often not at the top of mind when designing or installing room equipment.
One of the ideas I brought up was that “aside from aesthetics, cable management and connectivity can determine if the technology in a classroom is intuitive and easy to use or cumbersome and not being used at all.” While true, this is not the only factor that detracts from the use of classroom technology. There are a number of reasons teachers and professors may not use the well designed and helpful equipment.
Lack of training
Of course this is the most obvious. It can take months to complete a room integration project. But once the installation is complete and the technicians are gone, the project is not done. The users have to be trained on the new equipment. Even if you (as a techie) know how to use it, doesn’t mean the end users do. Simply- if they don’t know how to use it, they won’t use it. Take the time to train.
Unintuitive controls
All the training in the world is not going to save a system that just doesn’t make sense to the users. If something is unintuitive, it will take too long to figure out. If it takes too long to figure out, it won’t be used in a classroom. Neither children nor adults have the patience for this. Overly complicated controls fall into this category as well.
Poor Placement
I touched on this in my previous blog, “Keeping Active Learning Spaces Active.” Remember- any type of barrier, whether intentional or not,
Read more: Breaking Down Barriers: Making Sure Classroom Technology is Used
This is my son’s first year in High School (yes, I just admitted that). Last week I attended the “curriculum night,” which is a full evening of meeting his teachers by studying his schedule and trying to traverse the very full of parents hallways of the high school before the bell rings and you are late to the ten minute course overview. The night offered so many distracting flashbacks that I actually cut out of 5th period, went to the diner and never went back. Just don’t tell my son.
One difference, however, between his high school experience and mine is that every one of his classrooms has interactive board technology in it. I was thrilled to see the district understand the importance of using technology to enhance learning through collaboration, stimulation, activity and creativity. Allowing students to coordinate activities with the teachers is a powerful tool. Taking a closer look I realized something was strange about the set up. In three of the five rooms I sat in, there was either a desk or a lab table IN FRONT OF the board. Making it quite difficult for students to walk up to the board and use it.
Are...
Why Collaborate?
Collaborative spaces in education trickled down from corporate “flex/open workspaces.” They were designed based on the understanding that interactivity and collaboration in small groups produces stronger solutions that would have not been reached individually and encourages sharing of research for enhanced learning. Further, it encourages trust building, communication, practical learning/ application, acceptance and enhances problem solving skills.
These rooms are relatively inexpensive, usually not exceeding $6,000-$10,000 for the entire space.
Collaborative Learning: Support for the Expanding Trend
Collaboration affects personality: increases openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, trust, interactivity and stability
Teamwork strengthens community bonds, socialization and communication
Collaboration increases measures of achievement in educational settings (assessments)
Where is the Collaboration Space going?
Educational clients are moving toward pre-packed, expandable, scalable and future-proof systems. The more flexible with regard to space, users, time to access and connectivity, the more useful, efficient and effective the space will be.
Aside from education, the huddle space began in flexible office spaces in corporate environments- for the same reason explained above and will continue to grow in this market. The definition of a huddle space seems less defined in this market because individuals are using them for smaller meetings and video-conferencing collaboration as well-
Read more: Get in the Huddle: Summarizing Small Group Work Space
Collaboration and active learning aren’t just buzz words to educators. They are clearly the keys to successful student engagement. In fact a study published on pnas.org indicates that “failure rates under traditional lecturing increase by 55% over the rates observed under active learning.” This is impressive evidence that investing in active learning pedagogy and supporting technologies can affect student performance. Beyond that, collaboration strengthens community bonds, socialization, communication and trust among team members. Unfortunately, one of the biggest obstacles to the expansion of collaboration and small group work spaces in K-12 is budget. Creating an outline of the type of collaborative learning space needed for the environment will help manage precious time and eliminate costly errors due to overbuying or buying inappropriate equipment.
1) Portable or fixed installation- Do you have allocated space in the library, oversized classroom, computer lab? What are the intended uses for the space? Will the space be occupied by modular flex desks or fixed tables?
2) Durability- No questions here- you need durable equipment that will stand up to high use and the inquisitiveness of children. Put the sleek, sexy equipment down, it probably isn’t right for your school.
3) Reliability and network- This...
Read more: 6 Points to Consider When Designing Group Work/Collaboration Spaces in K-12
Collaborative learning technologies are enhancing the way students absorb, retain, interact with and relate to information. Designed specifically for educational environments in mind, FSR's HuddleVU and HuddleVU Flex collaborative learning systems are flexible packaged spaces that are intuitive to use, built to last in high use student centered areas, and that don't require software downloads or wireless access.
The HuddleVU family offers economical, durable, and flexible collaborative learning systems to supplement new technology instruction and strategies in the ever-changing world of education. Check out some of the HuddleVu options here.
