Revitalizing Teaching and Learning through an Active Learning Classroom Implementation

Submitted by: Eric V LePage, Executive Director - Teaching & Technology Center at Bridgewater State University

Contact Info:
Email: elepage@bridgew.edu
Phone: 5089511387

What role would you like to play in organizing this workshop? I’m interested in organizing a workshop on this topic.

Intended Audience: Classroom Design Specialists, Instructional Designers, Media Specialists, other IT professionals, Teaching and Learning Center specialists

Proposal:

The presentation will be structured to unfold in a linear timeline sequence from the idea inception all the way to lessons learned and next steps following classroom adoption of the space. A draft agenda includes:
1. Introductions
2. Poll - What would audience members want to see in an active learning/innovative classroom?
3. Idea inception; seeking campus partners
4. Project development and proposal
5. Project approval and budget
6. Project charter development
7. Technology and furniture selection process and conclusion
8. The classroom build process
9. The Active Learning Institute for faculty
10. Pre-semester training for faculty
11. Classroom use during the fall 2023 semester
12. Faculty support
13. Review Faculty and student survey results
14. Challenges and Success
15. Lessons Learned and Next Steps

The audience will gain insights into the technologies and furniture chosen for the Active Learning Classroom and the reasoning behind these selections. The discussion will extend to the course scheduling process, shedding light on how the university integrated the new learning environment into its academic programs.
Through our research, we discovered that most innovative classroom spaces are focused on the technologies and the furniture, but not necessarily the pedagogical approaches. They function more as “sandbox” spaces for experimentation, rather than being designed for a specific pedagogical approach. We feel our proposal is unique in that it combines an overview of the technological and furniture components of an innovative classroom space with an overview of active learning pedagogical approaches.

We will review training and support mechanisms, detailing how Bridgewater State University equipped faculty members through the Active Learning Institute and technology training sessions to effectively leverage the Active Learning Classroom. Key findings and points presented during the session will include insights into the successful implementation of an Active Learning Classroom, the factors contributing to its success, and the lessons learned from challenges encountered through budget constraints, room selection, technology implementation, the classroom build process, room scheduling, and more. The evidence supporting the content will be drawn from the project's timeline and faculty and student survey feedback.

In summary, this session offers a unique and valuable perspective on the practical implementation of an Active Learning Classroom in higher education, with a focus on the technological, logistical, and pedagogical considerations. The audience can expect to gain actionable insights into creating similar initiatives at their institutions, making it a compelling and relevant presentation for higher education IT professionals.

Learning Objectives:
1. Discover the key elements behind Bridgewater State University's successful Active Learning Classroom initiative, including project goals, timeline, and technology and furniture choices for practical insights into creating engaging learning spaces. Ideal for institutions seeking effective strategies for implementing their own active learning classroom environments.
2. Delve into Bridgewater State University's Faculty Summer Institute, a cornerstone in implementing their Active Learning Classroom. Gain insights into the training and support strategies employed, empowering faculty to effectively leverage the new learning environment. This takeaway offers practical approaches for institutions aiming to cultivate a faculty-focused foundation for successful educational innovation.
3. Discover how Bridgewater State University addressed project challenges and gathered feedback from faculty and students, including exploration of the survey instruments used. Explore the anticipated influence on future classroom design, providing valuable insights for attendees looking to navigate challenges and plan for sustained success in their own institutions.

Event Type: Webinar/virtual

Track: Teaching & Learning (2024-25)

Related Documents: {:13}

Presenters:

Preferred Date and Location: February 2025, March 2025, April 2025, May 2025, June 2025

Additional Comments:
We may be building a second Active Learning Classroom next Dec./Jan. based on our experience with the first implementation, as well as performing some upgrades to the existing classroom this summer, so a webinar in 2025 might be best.