Cornell Designs 21st Century Classrooms
Cornell University has created two new
technology-enhanced classrooms to support active learning methods, such as
group projects and flipped classrooms, as well as traditional lectures.
Cornell design and environmental analysis students designed the classrooms
in collaboration with professional architects and college administrators. The
classrooms feature ergonomic, mobile furniture, plentiful power outlets, wired
whiteboards and other writable surfaces. The new classrooms are located in the
west wing of Martha Van Rensselaer Hall.
"Designed with feedback from students, professors and administrators,
these new spaces can shift the classroom dynamic and help students to think
critically and direct their own learning," said Margaret Frey, associate dean
of undergraduate affairs for the College of Human Ecology, in a prepared
statement.
The College of Human Ecology and Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) hosted
a one-day workshop to help faculty make effective use of these new classrooms.
They gave the faculty members a tour of the classrooms. The faculty members
then worked in small groups to discuss the classrooms and their instructional
needs for the future. The day concluded with an interactive workshop on
teaching methods such as case-based learning, reflective writing and impromptu
quizzes.
"Having physical spaces like this frees an instructor to do more
inventive, varied and innovative things that keep the learning alive and
flowing between members of the class and throughout the time period of the
course," said A.T. Miller, associate vice provost for academic diversity and
senior lecturer in the Department of English, and a workshop attendee.
About the Author
Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].