Digital Learning Spaces

Hello all,

This post we are talking about digital learning spaces. Digital learning spaces are designated zones that are equipped with educational technology that allows teachers to break up the monotony of  full classroom instruction. Classroom instruction is not a bad thing. It is necessary to drive certain core information. However, application of that information and demonstration of skills and learning can take place in multiple ways. Digital learning spaces are powerhouses for this kind of expression and application.

In the video "Not Old School" 3 schools in New Hampshire were renovated to have learning spaces dotted throughout them. While watching the video I found myself thinking, "I wish I went to that school as a kid." I then thought of how cool it would be to teach at a place like that. The teachers and students alike had a very positive look on the schools' improvements. Interestingly, many of the learning spaces didn't have actual technology such as computers or smart boards. Rather, there were secluded nooks where the students could work on projects together while supervised. It was a hands-off approach to teaching that really intrigues me. The teachers convey the information needed and help the students if they need it, but otherwise it appeared to be very student driven.

In my school we have to use a bit of perspective. I substitute teach in a juvenile correctional facility. There are technological resources that are at our disposal, however, due to staffing and the, albeit warranted, high level of security, I have a lot of difficulty using that technology. Thankfully, many of the teachers have found ways of creating learning spaces by grouping the students within the classroom to work on projects or activities. Like the schools in New Hampshire our learning spaces may not all be kitted out with a lot of technology, but that certainly doesn't keep them from being learning spaces.


Comments