ETT 570 PYE 4 Dr.

Cowan Ideal Classroom Narrative October 4th 2012 Budget Free: The Ideal Classroom The following diagram represents the 21st Century Learning Lab suitable for integrating technology rich experiences into classroom instruction. High School students and their teachers are the intended audience for the Learning Lab, which is designed for all content areas including Specials. The designers of the following diagram chose the High School setting because of their shared experience working with content in the upper grades. In addition, the designers believe that the layout, hardware, and software described for use in the Learning Lab create the opportunity for co-teaching and collaboration amongst different departments in a High School setting. Designers of the Learning Lab utilized pre-planned technology set-ups in their decision making process. First, ISTE*NETS standard (2) Communication & Collaboration and (5) Digital Citizenship were considered to ensure that High School teachers could plan lessons that enabled positive talk, peer teaching, safe and legal technology practices (iste.org/standards). Next, the designers compared personal experiences in technology settings, personal documents created, and scholarly publications to decide on the Ushaped classroom model. This model is supported by Userfuls MultiSeat Toolkit for technology classroom layouts, specifically

because the U-shape prevents clutter, provides safe space for cables and adds additional space for break-out groups and/or mobility devices (www.userful.com). To further meet the needs of the digital age, designers compared hardware and software backed by educational reviewers to include in the 21st Collaborative Learning Labe. The purpose for specific cutting edge equipment and a description of their key features are listed below in Diagram 1.1. Additional advantages of the Learning Labs design include adjustable overhead lighting to compliment the mode of teaching, slim Chromebooks to promote freedom to work without lag, surround sound speakers mounted overhead to provide optimal clarity, special walls that absorb excess noise, and Toggling at the end of each Pod for the instructor to throw any one screen onto the Instructors screen. Further research into cutting edge technology for High School students led the designers of the Learning Lab to the American Library Associations website to review the 2010- 2012 winners of the annual Office of Information Technologys Cutting Edge Technology award (www.ala.org). After considering the possible learning outcomes of the media/software described, the designers bookmarked resources that would compliment the Chromebooks; Media 21, Google Apps, The Web Design Project, Wet Paint Wikis, Resource Commons, Snap & Go guides, and Participating Platforms for Learning (www.districtdispatch.org).

Diagram 1.1

Equipment

Description of Key Features

Projection Screen with ceiling mounted projector (part of ELMO Bundle) ability to display any of the Pod Screens content connects to the ELMO connects to adapters for tablets connects to SYMPODIUM provides a larger shared view for increased student view/participation Instructors Station SYMPODIUM interactive monitor with SMART software to capture screen content, model and view content ELMO Document Camera to display student work, artifacts, modeling, etc. Mic that connects to SPEAKERS mounted in surround style Learner Pods 3 CHROMEBOOKS on each side that have the ability to project their content onto the Vizio LED Screens Computers are staggered to allow view across the Pod and provide workspace between learners Grouping possibilities at each Pod could be one group of (6), two groups of (3), or three groups of (2) Chromebooks provide a continuously new technology feel, low initial costs compared to other OS hardware, and little to no IT support needed for upkeep Free Google App Integration for accessibility of documents anywhere on any device

Pod VIZIO LED Screens Can be used for Whole Group, Small Group, Individual Peer Teaching, Sharing, etc. Two Exits located on either side of the room for safety and flow

DIAGRAM 1.2 IDEAL 21ST CENTURY COLLABORATIVE LEARNING LAB