Category Archives: Pedagogy

Active Learning Classrooms

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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

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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

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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.

AirBear In The Classroom

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Every classroom should have wireless coverage, but as students bring more devices, and faculty come to rely on wi-fi … capacity and reliability issues may arise.

It is very important for users to report wi-fi problems to the Help Desk (710-HELP).

Even after hours, leave a recording with your NAME, LOCATION, TIME and the TYPES of devices involved. These data points will help determine solutions and prioritize improvements.  #squeakywheel

Let’s discuss the use of classroom wi-fi in the comments below … a more pedagogical discussion. (Please still send problem reports to the HelpDesk.) 

Two Screens – Different Content?

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dualscreen-c2Any need to display two screens (with different content) in classrooms?

Rarely do students need two screens to see the same content … would faculty use dual screens to display independent sources? For example, the main content plus secondary content such as white-board notes (via document camera), web-sites to support lecture notes, polling or back-channel comments or Q&A feed, associated video, or video chat.

In particular, we are wondering about the expected renovation of Draper 152, but the question has value for any classroom.