I received a document on Friday detailing the acceptable equipment Federal Programs would provide for creating 21st Century classrooms. Brian Williams also submitted this information of creating a new teaching environment for classrooms. In this example, it was for History. The layout for the below idea would not copy to the blog. The idea is a 4 or 5 smart tables in the room instead of desks. The instructor would have a smartboard at the teacher station. The students could work in a team environment. Create way to start using PLCs in the classroom.
Attached is a floor plan for a new model 21st Century Classroom. This model would not be placed in every classroom at the beginning nor necessarily ever. The model creates a new computer lab concept that is more appropriately described as the Interactive Media Accessibility Construct lab or IMAC for short.
In the initial stages, one IMAC lab would be created for each academic area. Teachers would rotate usage of the lab established for their department. IMAC’s would be customized for each academic area.
This lab concept is dependant on each student having already been assigned one laptop each to be utilized in all of their classes. All necessary data, including textbooks, would be stored on the laptops. All classes must have no more than 30 students enrolled.
When students enter the lab, they would either plug their laptops into portals or access data via wireless connection. Once in the lab, students would receive instruction through the interconnected Teacher Smartboard and the Interactive Smart tables. This connection would be made utilizing software such as Visions. After instruction, students would be capable of conducting peer-to-peer activities as well as individual instructional tasks. By utilizing Smart tables, students could easily collaborate on assignments while having appropriate joint visual accessibility.
Teachers utilizing this classroom would have access to all forms of technology equipment available for instruction to include but not limited to: Smartboards, Interactive slates, document cameras, scanners, and student response systems. The flatscreen television mounted to the wall would allow for outside news and cable broadcasts to be displayed thereby changing the physical viewpoint of the students. This change would assist in keeping an ever-changing format for student instruction.
Granted, the cost of creating these labs would be high. The Smart tables could cost as much as $8,000 each. However, new technology is constantly being developed. A new concept of Smart tables already exists such as that from the company TouchMagix (see attached brochure or visit their website at Http://www.touchmagix.com for an impressive video demonstration). The TouchMagix concept could alone change the entire concept of classroom instruction especially the IMAC classroom layout.
The attached layout is designed around History courses. Note that each Smart table would require its own computer system. If developed appropriately all desktop computer stations could be housed in a central location such as the teacher’s work station for ease of access during troubleshooting.
Each student will have 1 laptop assigned to use in all of their classes.
The laptops will be able to connect to a port/wireless device in each class/station to upload necessary items.
The Interactive tables will be synced to the teacher Smartboard using Visions or some other software so that students can watch and interact with the lessons and activities.
The Interactive tables will be capable of independent/stand-alone use for group activities/projects/ and exploratory.
Teacher station will be equipped with Document camera, scanner, slate, and student response system (capable of responding to text and short answer polling) and classroom printer.