There have been some big changes taking place in Education spaces over the last few years. In an article by University Business Magazine Catherine Gall, Vice President Education Business at Steelcase highlights that technology is driving the way institutions are developing their educational landscape.
One of the fastest growing trends throughout education is the increasing use of mobile devices in the classroom. Devices such as laptops and tablets are fast replacing traditional resources. However being “technology rich” does not automatically mean that students will be sharing and interacting any more than they would using pen and paper. Furniture that integrates, facilitates and promotes the collaborative technology is pivotal to the experience. The TOP-TEC Collaborative Furniture Range can help you create flexible and versatile education spaces for students to work in. The collaborative furniture allows students to connect their devices to the furniture, therefore making collaborative learning easy.
It is important to provide students with fresh and modern tools for learning. This can be hard to achieve with a student population that has technology and instant access to information. With this in mind, educators are adapting the way they teach. Methods involve motivating students, facilitating problem-solving, information gathering, and promoting self-driven learning rather than spoon-feeding them knowledge.
Creating Blended Education Spaces
Many universities have already been adapting their existing spaces. Some have been creating new ones specifically for collaborative/blended learning and moving on from traditional individual classrooms and lecture theatres. We have worked on a project for Newcastle University who were keen to move away from traditional pedagogies. Newcastle were looking to develop an innovative learning space that encouraged collaborative activities for students in small groups to work on a variety of tasks. These tasks included, problem solving and preparation of presentations, all of which could be facilitated by ICT.
A number of departments had to combine in order to transform the first floor into an innovative, collaborative learning space, the ‘Herschel Learning Lab’. The lab had a capacity of 120 students and was fitted with TOP-TEC SYNERGY Plectrum and Folding shaped tables. The SYNERGY tables support a variety of teaching spaces and methodologies and provide greater flexibility than standard lecture spaces. The tables integrate AV/IT equipment and power connectivity options for different and multiple devices. As a result, creating an immersive and interactive way of teaching that increases academic engagement and enhances the student experience.
If you are interested in creating a more engaging learning space that facilitates the use of technology, get in touch with us today. You can call 0121 783 3838 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team, or email sales@top-tec.co.uk. We are one of the country’s leading manufacturers of collaborative furniture and Audio Visual furniture – including AV lecterns.
You may also be interested in our previous blog post on blended learning Collaboration and Technology Improve students’ learning experience.
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