Wednesday, September 10, 2014

#NerdySpaces Reflections #EdChat #LearningSpaces

I'm constantly thinking about my learning environment right now. Every time I'm in my room, it's what I focus on. I moved my desks around after Back to School Night to a new formation and I'm not sure if I am sold on this. The students had mixed reviews, so more changes might be on the way. One student said it seemed too much like a conference set up. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. I do not like the fact the students have their back to the front of the room, but I'm trying to move away from the idea of a "front of the room". It really has me conflicted as I push myself away from the traditional classroom arrangement and more towards an open floor plan. This allows me to have an open space to move and I have a mobile lectern coming shortly that will allow me to have my devices with me as I move around the room from table to table.

IDK.

I'm sure there will be more adjustments. 


I do want to give a shout out to VS for sending me the stool below. It is called Hokki and it is part of their Shift + line of furniture. It allows me to move freely without falling over. Students love it and other teachers have tried it out and have loved it. I am a fan and am seriously thinking about getting more for my room. VS also has other great furniture to check out if you are looking for some new additions to your classroom. 


VS also has a great book they put together with the help of OWP/P Architects and Bruce Mau Design called the The Third Teacher. The book is about learning spaces and how important they are to education. There are so many great examples and innovative ideas in the book. It has helped me rethink they way I look at my room. Take a look and see how it might help you. 

That is it for now, but stay tuned for more updates and check out my #NerdyCast on YouTube for weekly updates/reflections on my week teaching. 

2 comments:

  1. Good evening! I forgot to mention this in the last comment I left on your blog, but like I said I'm a student at the University of South Alabama. I am currently enrolled in a class called EDM310. In this class we are learning about how technology can not only be an effective tool in our classroom, but in our career as well by creating a network of fellow teachers and other experts. I will be summarizing the post I have commented on and my own comments on my blog Emily Rodrick's EDM 310 Class Blog. If you would like more information, check out the class blog at EDM 310 Class Bog. I enjoyed reading your take on the classroom setup. As a student, the feel of the classroom can come from the way it is set up. It's always interesting to walk into a classroom that isn't set up in the traditional row of desk. it can be frustrating as a student to have your back turned away from the board, but I like how you are trying to get rid of "the front of the room." There is limited space in a classroom, and I don't believe you can please every student.

    The chair you received as a gift looks awesome. It looks like a normal stool but after visiting the website I have to say I'm going to need one in my classroom. Not only does it have a funky, fun design, but it is also functional. Looking forward to your #Nerdycast on youtube and future blog posts!

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  2. Nick, my 3 hokki stools from @donorschoose came in just this week and my students love them!!! thinking about getting 3 more for a 2nd project. I know its hard trying to move away from a "front of the room" teaching concept but this year we have lots of new curriculum adoptions and using the screen is a must for our iPads so that kiddos can see what I am reflecting! The room looks fabulous though!! I'm still moving things around and its been 4 weeks. Keep at it

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