Collaborative Teaching Space

Project: AV Installation

Brief: Dr. Emilee Simmons, Director of Learning Enhancement who specialises in creating innovative teaching methods and spaces, put together a pedagogy context of how this space would promote active and experiential learning that was more student-centred, as part of the 5-year enhancement strategy for teaching.

The new learning suite would enable lectures to be more interactive and collaborative, encouraging group work, and allow the students to lead their own educational experience. They will be leading projects and choosing how to complete tasks, which would then need to be shared with the lecturer for instant feedback.

The room needed to accommodate 100 students at a time and be fitted out with technology and furniture that would allow for team-based learning. The room would also require two height adjustable stations in line with the Equality Act.

The space would be designed to encourage the lecturer to walk around and engage with students as opposed to staying by a designated desk.

The Solution: The technology within each desk space is the first of its kind at the university and enables students to cast different devices to the screen through the integrated connectivity options within the worktop and the mast.

Each desk mast features an integrated screen bracket for the screen with a shroud which is branded with a vinyl print of the Business School’s identity band. Each table features a camera fixed to the top of the screen to capture lectures or video content when required, as well as a control panel housing for the control panel where the users can select a group’s screen to share/cast to all other tables. The tables have power data modules containing x2 USB ports and x2 sockets in the worktop.

Two of the tables have a height adjustable module at the end of the table to allow for wheelchair access and is Equality Act compliant.

A central lectern was installed in the centre of the room so that the lecturer is accessible to all students, allowing greater flexibility and more interaction. The lectern provides the lecturer access to each table and the ability to easily switch between traditional teaching to collaborative activities at the push of a button.

The internal rack space houses a PC and features desktop machining for a wireless microphone, power and data modules. The lectern also features control panel housing and an articulated monitor arm for the lectern monitor, as well as additional storage for a keyboard and mouse.

Outcome

“The addition of this space in the Business School has created a wow factor. The room has been admired by many other staff in the University and is being used as an example to create further learning spaces in new buildings. The students enjoy using the space and it creates a new dynamic for learning. We have recently opened up the room for students to use it for group work this will give them additional much needed shared space.

We want to remain world class and this was an opportunity to enhance our learning space.”

Facilities Manager - Leeds University Business School