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Wanna Improve Education? Demolish the Classrooms

Wanna Improve Education? Demolish the Classrooms
"Education is experience, and the essence of experience is self-reliance." —T.H. White, The Once and Future King Who removed the classrooms? 3XN, an architectural firm based in Copenhagen, responded to the government's vision by creating a radically different learning environment for Ørestad College. 3XN's design for Ørestad College is a novel interpretation of agility and openness where the architecture complies with the pedagogy of individualized and interdisciplinary learning. In designing for teaching and learning, I am continually asking myself the following questions: 1. Well, I've found the answer—Ørestad College. For more of our coverage of 3XN's work, click here. For more images of the school, check out Dezeen. [All images © Adam Mørk / 3XN]

Colorful and Appealing Student Library in Melbourne by dKO Architecture As part of the Australian Federal Government’s Building Education Revolution, dKO Architecture was commissioned to design the student library and associated facilities at St Joseph’s Primary School in Collingwood, Melbourne. Here is the official project description we received: “Today’s libraries are repositories and access points for vast quantities of print, audio and visual materials in numerous formats. With projects of this nature the opportunity for architects is to create spaces that meet the challenges brought about by ever-changing technology as well as providing for a dynamic and diverse age group within the primary school learning spectrum. Quality of light and an intelligent use of space are paramount. Recommended For You The art of concealment: Melbourne’s Trojan House Modern Barrow House in Melbourne, Australia Victorian Residence in Melbourne Displaying Vibrant Colors Throughout Modern Home in Fitzroy, Melbourne We're on a mission to spread inspiring content far and wide.

Learning commons Learning commons, also known as scholars' commons, information commons or digital commons, are educational spaces, similar to libraries and classrooms that share space for information technology, remote or online education, tutoring, collaboration, content creation, meetings and reading or study.[1][2] Learning commons are increasingly popular in academic and research libraries, and some public and school libraries have now adopted the model.[3] Architecture, furnishings and physical organization are particularly important the character of a learning commons, as spaces are often designed to be rearranged by users according to their needs. Learning commons may also have tools, equipment, makerspaces, and/or publishing services available for borrowing or use. Along with the so-called "bookstore model," which is focused on customer service, bookless or digital libraries, the learning commons or digital commons is frequently cited as a model for the "library of the future."[4]

Whitchurch Primary School: 'Outstanding'…Ofsted September | 2011 | kingsquadrangle It’s been a wonderfully fascinating three days observing you all here at the Strand Campus of King’s College London. You are a terribly interesting bunch.As our 3 days of intensive on site research draws to a close we’d like to open some discussion on the blog about some of the learning trends we’ve noticed. The campus seems to have an extremely social atmosphere and we’ve seen a great deal of students studying and socialising at the same time. Jenny It’s been a good first day in the Kings Building foyer (above a photo of my location) – we’ve had some excellent feed back and insights so far and some truly fascinating insights from freshers too. Antonio p.s we had a lot of people yesterday reluctant to take part as it was only their first week. A learning commons is a student centered flexible learning space located on campus. The Nomad team will be on site on the 27th, 28th and 29th of September. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts Nomad Team Thanks for helping out

American Teachers Launch Cross-Country Tour To Build The Perfect School What makes a school ‘successful?’ High test scores, happy teachers, involved parents? Is it a private school, a charter school, a public school? In a rural or urban area? What makes a ‘successful’ teacher? These questions are challenging–if not impossible–to answer without a combative debate. Will the new school in Brooklyn be ‘the perfect school,’ a model for how to create the best learning environment for American students? Tell us a little about the inspiration behind The Odyssey Initiative. A few years ago, I started a consortium of progressive educators in NYC. Why the focus on teachers learning from other teachers? Employees in new industries typically participate in some form of apprenticeship and/or mentorship experience. How will you measure common best practices? Why visit all 50 states? How will teachers (and the general public) you don’t visit on your trip benefit from The Odyssey Initiative? First, we’re documenting everything. What is the future of education? Thanks Todd!

Learning Spaces Space, whether physical or virtual, can have a significant impact on learning. Learning Spaces focuses on how learner expectations influence such spaces, the principles and activities that facilitate learning, and the role of technology from the perspective of those who create learning environments: faculty, learning technologists, librarians, and administrators. Information technology has brought unique capabilities to learning spaces, whether stimulating greater interaction through the use of collaborative tools, videoconferencing with international experts, or opening virtual worlds for exploration. This e-book represents an ongoing exploration as we bring together space, technology, and pedagogy to ensure learner success. Please note: In addition to the e-book's core chapters on learning space design principles (chapters 1-13) , this site also offers case studies illustrating those principles (chapters 14-43), including links to examples of innovative learning spaces. Diana G.

Princeton University Julian Street Library by Joel Sanders New York architect Joel Sanders has overhauled a library at Princeton University by installing interactive technology and colour-coded study areas (+ slideshow). The Julian Street Library is in a 1960's building on the campus and was originally a reading room with study spaces for solitary readers. The architects removed an existing brick wall and placed a ramp between the library and entrance area, creating a new space where students can relax and socialise. Maple panelling clads the floor, walls and ceiling on one side of the library to create a quiet study area with upright seating and communal tables. On the other side, the study lounge contains blue bookcases and banquettes for more relaxed working. There's also an interactive media table, displayed via a concealed projector, which allows students to exchange information and search the book collection. The project recently won an IIDA Library Interior Design Award. Photography is by Peter Aaron/OTTO. See all our stories about libraries »

How Are Open Office Designs Encouraging Collaboration? [Future of Work] How can the design of an office foster better collaboration between employees? The physical workplaces of today are undergoing radical change. The once ubiquitous cubicle farms, meant to keep workers separated and focused on their individual tasks, are being swapped for open, sometimes playful spaces that are intended to break down the barriers that exist between employees. These open layouts improve communication and promote greater collaboration. Jobs was especially adamant that Pixar’s great atrium- seen by some as a waste of space -serve as a central hub where all employees, regardless of role or seniority, could gather and fall into ‘unplanned collaborations.’ With this thinking as the backdrop, we’ve highlighted several other innovative offices that are designed to spur collaboration. Company HQ Features Large Café Outfitted To Foster Collaboration Lego’s Denmark Office Promotes Collaboration With Playful Office Design How does your own workplace stack up in comparison?

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