Active Learning Classrooms

Moody 104 launched this year as a 56 seat capacity “Active Learning Space” and is available by reservation. Do we need others?

On Sept 13th, the Provost Classroom Planning Committee will initiate a discussion on the demand for collaborative classrooms – please comment here to discuss ideas or email me (wes_e_johnson) to represent your ideas to this group. Potentially, a few rooms could be developed next summer.

Should we be converting rows of desks to something more collaborative?
What does this look like for you?
Which rooms might be converted? 
(They will lose capacity; maybe 50%)

Ellis Hall; Queens University; licensed under CC 3.0 non-modified; click image link for original

Moody 104 Active Learning Lab

Each term, a few faculty ask for a collaborative, “Active Learning” space; now, the Moody Library has one. Available Fall 2018, this space is by reservation and the designers will consider a few regular classes for upcoming terms.

A floor plan follows and shows 56 seats with tech displays at each table and on room walls. Read more at the Moody 104 web page – the room reservation link is at the bottom of the page. 

(click to enlarge)

Moody 104 is to the left of the main Circulation Desk.

Presentation Ratio

PowerPoint files, and other presentation files, historically used a “Standard 4:3” proportion. University screens use a “Widescreen 16:9” ratio and “Standard” presentations will not use all the screen.Visualize the 4:3 image on top of the 16:9 screen – you will have empty side bars.

Existing files may be changed … in PowerPoint … click the Design tab, then the Slide size button. This may distort your images so they should be saved first and re-inserted, but it is worth the effort to present in full screen.

When creating from scratch, choose widescreen.

Of course, ratio is only one element of good design, other important concepts are font size, readability, creative graphics, very-limited text, et cetera – some folks are pretty good at this and some need help … ask if you need help.

MMSCI GL60

When MMSCI was renovated (summer 2013), we received mixed comments on the need for a dedicated computer classroom. Now, four years later, it is time to plan the computer replacements and we would love user input: what works well, what needs improvement, how might we best meet your need along with many other users (Anthropology, Aviation, BIC, Education, FDM, Journalism, Sociology, Statistics, etc.)

Please comment and discuss; if you prefer, email me and I will post your comments and suggestions anonymously. Thanks!

Update 2/27/17: The presentation computer and AV displays will remain.  Comments indicate a 1-1 ratio of computers to students may not be needed, or is it?

Update 3/16/17: The 30 computers are needed by several users and are being replaced this summer (2017)!