The New Classroom

Active Learning with Technology (ALT) Classroom from GMU-TV on Vimeo.

This video covers a lot of what we have discussed in this course. It is interesting that this is something that is currently going on at Mason. I have the tendency to think that the actual layout of the classroom is not as significant as the personal commitment and involvement as the individuals in the classroom (students and teachers). While discussed the classroom set up, I agreed that it would have been nice to have the freedom and ability to alter classroom set up. Through observing and learning about Compass Academy, I now understand how deeply the classroom layout affect classroom attitudes and learning. Having and open layout and roundtables truly gives the instructor more of an opportunity to be a mentor rather than a person in charge. This layout also seems to be a large contributor in making students feel that they are guiding their own learning. This video also touched on flipped classrooms. Having students do a large amount of leg work outside of class to then come into class and flesh out their learning. This is something that I think will take a large time to work well. Through our education and technology class, I was able to see how an intentional commitment to change the classroom culture fosters bonds among the students. The physical layout of a classroom also has that tendency.