tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73477282664619132952024-03-05T13:52:58.348+00:00Learning and Teaching Environment Design.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-84019718877242454552016-01-26T22:53:00.000+00:002016-01-26T22:57:37.290+00:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Aberystwyth University Lecture Room Refurbishments Completed summer 2015 </h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This post s overdue as the project was finished in Sept 2015.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There were 6 rooms to be refurbished 3 in Physical Sciences and 3 in Edward Llwyd.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once again the careful choice of colours was used although as stated in other posts colour is subjective so I used colours that have worked well in the past with some experimentation.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The major addition in these rooms is that 240v twin socket outlets with USB connectivity have been provided wherever it was not prohibitively expensive to do so.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The building work including decoration, lighting and floor coverings were handled by the main contractor. The Audio Visual installation was done by GV Multimedia and the turn and learn seating and lecterns provided by Dalen Top-Tec.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The rooms have been well received by staff and students and have reinvigorated what were very dull and dated lecture rooms. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The seating in all rooms is tiered and one room was fitted with Turn and Learn seating.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some pictures<br />
Ed</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Room 1.16 Turn and Learn configuration</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvb_CDCbEQ7e3ZB0v_Ox-aClECXfiaa2ZispKkjK8aXnyxFLbwTUS555sq2LWCFAkIek4QpwQTOA6j1OyJ2kGMuzhYb5j54rZxtE5gMDvjzFDous3__896LGpd_IzN50bHIIBE7XMi8uG/s1600/IMG_6399+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvb_CDCbEQ7e3ZB0v_Ox-aClECXfiaa2ZispKkjK8aXnyxFLbwTUS555sq2LWCFAkIek4QpwQTOA6j1OyJ2kGMuzhYb5j54rZxtE5gMDvjzFDous3__896LGpd_IzN50bHIIBE7XMi8uG/s320/IMG_6399+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedxQ68HGvm9In3GlcIZ5RQQ5vTnMUxRBLRg-tcBjRXCTkUg4u2QmqQGthDesiUglKi6Uq0BFZc-yfFXNS4mO9DTMgmTqb0Y-iii6B80v9vq1D7GgD11A9NB9ZnuqJlLqAMt2AVlsOLeM6/s1600/P1020748.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedxQ68HGvm9In3GlcIZ5RQQ5vTnMUxRBLRg-tcBjRXCTkUg4u2QmqQGthDesiUglKi6Uq0BFZc-yfFXNS4mO9DTMgmTqb0Y-iii6B80v9vq1D7GgD11A9NB9ZnuqJlLqAMt2AVlsOLeM6/s320/P1020748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Room 0.01 </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeZwX8heqgRxZzCN1m4PgoVYbxVDNRL8hCwSVY_xWDnYeNZZzuDNtSYLPyECBtnYa3K2Hx4mtfEGK7sRQmwA5DV4SGc0I9ikSPgnMM-YOrBxPqfhij4uNa5UIVxrMcl_ZllZVNfrvVMPa/s1600/P1020764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeZwX8heqgRxZzCN1m4PgoVYbxVDNRL8hCwSVY_xWDnYeNZZzuDNtSYLPyECBtnYa3K2Hx4mtfEGK7sRQmwA5DV4SGc0I9ikSPgnMM-YOrBxPqfhij4uNa5UIVxrMcl_ZllZVNfrvVMPa/s320/P1020764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0b4XSCz7-tYM8ak4nXfadmA3gEUWmra4SEkCB76bvpeoUz90nbXRuTD0rvnU5gUglhf2-pO-Ibweyju2Po91sH6Wlpn1kYq9v4N27tPKako_FABothPgseUG6K5vDH5PNCSQOvdBb9k9/s1600/P1020765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0b4XSCz7-tYM8ak4nXfadmA3gEUWmra4SEkCB76bvpeoUz90nbXRuTD0rvnU5gUglhf2-pO-Ibweyju2Po91sH6Wlpn1kYq9v4N27tPKako_FABothPgseUG6K5vDH5PNCSQOvdBb9k9/s320/P1020765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A complete set of photos can be found <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/632y55pr2htiw3m/AAAcqTU7OC6DsR7RFHI2GrgDa?dl=0" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-33955933250205013972015-06-25T15:42:00.000+01:002015-06-25T15:42:09.255+01:00Observations on the use of group study pods <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
I was recently staying at Westminster University's Marylebone Hall which
houses The Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment which houses a
very nice open plan learning space. It was spacious, with loads of natural
light, busy with some quiet spots, and linked to other spaces such as a halls
of residence, library, cafe, lecture theatres and administration offices.
Overall a very nice space.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
One morning, whilst checking out the furniture and the use thereof more
closely, I noticed that pod like benches were being turned into private office
like spaces for individual use. Now let me be clear, this is an observation not
a criticism as I have no idea what the design brief was but I very much doubt
that this is the type of use envisaged. It may be that this type of use of the furniture
\ space is only tolerated at quiet times. If anyone from Westminster reads this
perhaps they could clarify.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Here are two halves of a pod separated<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE8GO792IRZYcRDLjMeFlaMQbBx6wqsy96azm_wchnvRKSIMx2p7o59g-pFsIcxQNLZdqFydkhlIFG3ho6SMlxBIN4qmvW894_mvs1XzFAqs13Tr_ajVN7gmxzkbRUcYzR6BzKQA89LEa/s1600/20150619_161103_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE8GO792IRZYcRDLjMeFlaMQbBx6wqsy96azm_wchnvRKSIMx2p7o59g-pFsIcxQNLZdqFydkhlIFG3ho6SMlxBIN4qmvW894_mvs1XzFAqs13Tr_ajVN7gmxzkbRUcYzR6BzKQA89LEa/s320/20150619_161103_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are the two halves brought together to make a private
work space usually for one person, at least the three I saw configured like
this only had one person in.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU73g4JmIANfh7LK1FGJMyV_fFQAJgvXfx2AGcSy1k_G5D88PKo4xPDZH3kHmEU2qa1V4zHrJH2ChLoWxHzDOKVH2rSXOVTt1QHD61rqcymh8tbrKv9OSdDTqq1FTVG4RKqbceI_NJeqY/s1600/westminster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU73g4JmIANfh7LK1FGJMyV_fFQAJgvXfx2AGcSy1k_G5D88PKo4xPDZH3kHmEU2qa1V4zHrJH2ChLoWxHzDOKVH2rSXOVTt1QHD61rqcymh8tbrKv9OSdDTqq1FTVG4RKqbceI_NJeqY/s320/westminster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whilst writing this post it has occurred to me that the fire
officer may not be over the moon about this configuration i.e a room without a door.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My point is that when designing pod like areas, probably
with group work in mind, be mindful that it is likely that they will be used in
a way that was not envisaged and sometimes undesirable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a comparison here is a pod that I installed in 2014 using
Space Oasis furniture. It is not mobile and is used by lone occupants and
groups. Groups tend to request lone occupants if they can use the space if no
other appropriate spaces are available. In effect self-policed by the students
making best use of available space. That is another topic i.e. ownership. Which
of course is exactly what the students at Westminster feel confident about.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdzSDAQgjGAoRZO1Ef0jPelmrB8fOXJh_WeNBm0CgYeGkm_Dpx3u-pweQuOwljSca5L96Td7jmcbU9QIwGE7afd3F_BbqYttJDaATc8_iKIocxzqQgZiMhtitEsBVjfmFUQNEfbeZmOHB/s1600/think_tank-IMG_3331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdzSDAQgjGAoRZO1Ef0jPelmrB8fOXJh_WeNBm0CgYeGkm_Dpx3u-pweQuOwljSca5L96Td7jmcbU9QIwGE7afd3F_BbqYttJDaATc8_iKIocxzqQgZiMhtitEsBVjfmFUQNEfbeZmOHB/s320/think_tank-IMG_3331.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE8GO792IRZYcRDLjMeFlaMQbBx6wqsy96azm_wchnvRKSIMx2p7o59g-pFsIcxQNLZdqFydkhlIFG3ho6SMlxBIN4qmvW894_mvs1XzFAqs13Tr_ajVN7gmxzkbRUcYzR6BzKQA89LEa/s1600/20150619_161103_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Any other examples people would like to add please feel
free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cannot leave this post without mentioning this furniture. Sorry Westminster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcmwMuws3_MsP2TMhZU7CVjYJas9E7AFwPKbxf5z45hyQPTYs_gNNTvsCqu7UL2kAJq0Q4jBvW8nbt3o-KHi5863fetnItM2b_S6LeWtuIBOepsbstKjpYkZFrUIGgNOWLOgPXqkeazZh/s1600/20150619_163332_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcmwMuws3_MsP2TMhZU7CVjYJas9E7AFwPKbxf5z45hyQPTYs_gNNTvsCqu7UL2kAJq0Q4jBvW8nbt3o-KHi5863fetnItM2b_S6LeWtuIBOepsbstKjpYkZFrUIGgNOWLOgPXqkeazZh/s320/20150619_163332_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first impressions was that it is modern, attractive and functional
after further observation and reflection I think that the intention of a four
seat desk space, two people either side, will not be fulfilled once one occupant takes up residence. The
first person in ‘owns’ the space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again it could
be that because the space is quiet at this time of year the students are more
spread out. There seems to be an awful lot of real estate on the desks
difficult to use from a seated position but please bear in mind that this is an
architectural faculty so space may be required for models and large drawings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I guess this post is emphasising the need for a clear brief (a recurring theme in this blog) describing the type of use you want to use the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>furniture for but even then it may not be used
as designed or envisaged and that can result in inappropriate use of space and
even undesirable health and safety issues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
As usual all comments welcomed.<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-19728969106905517952015-05-14T15:48:00.001+01:002015-05-14T15:51:41.041+01:00Refurbishment starts on lecture theatres<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here are some pictures of the rooms we have strated to refurbish at Aberystwyth Univerity. Expected finish date early September. Completed pictures posted in September.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xXA86A-SVXhJvdnagR7KY-5RcBAd4EKm41brRBfrQSee6Kvkc472PvW38jHMVwVB0tadW0fh8zFhshZbXVxLzPMuXO_wur2KWeur_oVNT5bBJ0_YJCbnWu4ntRBOX5NcEeO00ghnHPcX/s1600/20150414_092316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xXA86A-SVXhJvdnagR7KY-5RcBAd4EKm41brRBfrQSee6Kvkc472PvW38jHMVwVB0tadW0fh8zFhshZbXVxLzPMuXO_wur2KWeur_oVNT5bBJ0_YJCbnWu4ntRBOX5NcEeO00ghnHPcX/s320/20150414_092316.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu87_69wxW0CC_EHKQ5zIUc-wGPtlT4y9QSqKgoGATctnbrtARPz5OqeZ3iwRci_6oNfgWu48watbi_DkAPOo38QYRkt3d5javmUeqLKnMqb8X40mf5HGEo7Ppe6YwFYRuV7QG2o0kq68/s1600/20150414_092206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu87_69wxW0CC_EHKQ5zIUc-wGPtlT4y9QSqKgoGATctnbrtARPz5OqeZ3iwRci_6oNfgWu48watbi_DkAPOo38QYRkt3d5javmUeqLKnMqb8X40mf5HGEo7Ppe6YwFYRuV7QG2o0kq68/s320/20150414_092206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0VRwp_TyPDw0ESg9psT1f7AKD_c41z9xRbQ97QJV8PSlvyGenuWNQLU8fVlWJBUjaZJoGy4v61cLgbaOysAbx1g029tEaoK3hj_nKTroFdyiqmqJVM_fLIDsQZDLlovg04b_zs3sFuMP/s1600/20150414_091948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0VRwp_TyPDw0ESg9psT1f7AKD_c41z9xRbQ97QJV8PSlvyGenuWNQLU8fVlWJBUjaZJoGy4v61cLgbaOysAbx1g029tEaoK3hj_nKTroFdyiqmqJVM_fLIDsQZDLlovg04b_zs3sFuMP/s320/20150414_091948.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaakIMp3ZKtBZGqaSc2dmUQ9o4a8dOvQNVn4Hhsn0TubP9bIc-kEtuhGUXouMhGxcIqrN4LridvrlF-Tg0CvBlpahtIevk72rRP51D14dzbg7iCZvh-FtZGKbf2SIn0jJPB2T9fymNHYZ/s1600/20150414_091606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaakIMp3ZKtBZGqaSc2dmUQ9o4a8dOvQNVn4Hhsn0TubP9bIc-kEtuhGUXouMhGxcIqrN4LridvrlF-Tg0CvBlpahtIevk72rRP51D14dzbg7iCZvh-FtZGKbf2SIn0jJPB2T9fymNHYZ/s320/20150414_091606.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_uzL3EJmhnJkDdDak9OtsRsBCMclrM6Yn52jO4n02VfdLcq-Q2nH4Q0odLkxnIxl7FRh0tjVWJiGI6iTcVJEPG94Bucbw-AnkV39D3Pp8jdSOuMZUIFz9KizUzYsLhrWf1OJ9S4Fu_NZ/s1600/20150414_091530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_uzL3EJmhnJkDdDak9OtsRsBCMclrM6Yn52jO4n02VfdLcq-Q2nH4Q0odLkxnIxl7FRh0tjVWJiGI6iTcVJEPG94Bucbw-AnkV39D3Pp8jdSOuMZUIFz9KizUzYsLhrWf1OJ9S4Fu_NZ/s320/20150414_091530.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySPCENmgtKI-zAr_wOMx1vu8e98QfvBkpUv4Gl78j2mJcEIHXY1-EMayTWVH4DeWqVQPZWCcKOXKxc7wJsHlvkO2kmmzlRWhIP9cppOt9CFhA_PVUYi8sS6aOlClkXKbrZ0CL2qGzYY4C/s1600/0.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySPCENmgtKI-zAr_wOMx1vu8e98QfvBkpUv4Gl78j2mJcEIHXY1-EMayTWVH4DeWqVQPZWCcKOXKxc7wJsHlvkO2kmmzlRWhIP9cppOt9CFhA_PVUYi8sS6aOlClkXKbrZ0CL2qGzYY4C/s320/0.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-46380723076171119872015-03-27T16:36:00.001+00:002015-03-28T08:34:56.045+00:00Power provision at seats in lecture theatres <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have designed 6 lecture theatres I am refurbishing this summer with one twin power outlet with USB between each pair of seats. This is in response to the growth of mobile devices now being used by students and the positive response I had to similar proviaion I made last year in an IT lab see <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7Z-XnNBdIpqBhSQcA49nYmuXw6DP4VBCmhPE2DoxL7Bi1z4odRx-8JqZ5Ugq-BazCcrrxOnpo8A0AljNlet-ewuQQSg0szv2nYc-hes8a8juB1s60NH1qGbD6_rWhGj2wmR07JAn20_c/s1600/b23+desks+down.jpg">here </a><br />
It is co-incidental that a collegaue of mine at Birmingham University, James Rutherford initiated a discussion on the SCHOMS forum www.SCHOMS.ac.uk. about this very provision.<br />
<br />
In particular James asked about the provision of power below the work surface in a traditional lecture theatre.<br />
My opinion is that that this is a bad idea for several reasons. I am intersesetd to learn how others are dealing with this surge in demand in lecture theatres in particular?<br />
<br />
My reply to James is below.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Interestingly, I am installing some this year but have
decided that they should be mounted on the tops. The space they take up is
minimal and one twin 240v and usb unit can be shared by two seats.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I did some very basis research and discovered that the ones under the desk are not well
used compared to ones easily accessible, this was confirmed by or furniture
supplier. In my opinion having a socket and mains leads under desks where
people are continually plugging and unplugging is not desirable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I installed some last year on the Top Tech Venus desks in
an IT lab and they were so well received that I am installing them in 6 lecture
theatres this summer. I have gone for a pattress similar to this <a href="http://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/68115-2-gang-pedestal-box-2-lugs-with-earth-terminal-sold-in-1-s">http://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/68115-2-gang-pedestal-box-2-lugs-with-earth-terminal-sold-in-1-s</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
One thing to beware of is that you do not want knockout
on the sides or back, just the underside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-85205913664793702242015-02-14T10:37:00.001+00:002015-02-14T10:37:45.462+00:00Project for Summer 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This summer I will be refurbishing 6 lecture theatres.<br />
They are currently all traditional raked spaces with capacities ranging from 176 to 49.<br />
5 will stay the same configuration as timetabling require the capacity. One of the spaces will change from 49 traditional to 40 seat Turn and Learn.<br />
I will introduce dual projection in the largest 176 seat theatre and the usual changes to lighting and technology to bring them all up to the current standard.<br />
<br />
I will post some before and after pics later </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-20474733051375276622014-11-08T00:26:00.003+00:002014-11-08T00:28:34.666+00:00Latest Wordle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is the latest Wordle of my blog. I thought an update was due.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ClJqc2cmwjOuK7Rf5ZSj96TIdlO-T9hRWpOSwSTvXPf2HvGSh1gxhr-fDhbowMbh_9Tjf-OTK1fdC3D8QpQeiy5G0iZ4_DwAkglupL0Ewt6Pj1gR2zVCOd9FnCEEstkDt-04eTBLfXeg/s1600/wordle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ClJqc2cmwjOuK7Rf5ZSj96TIdlO-T9hRWpOSwSTvXPf2HvGSh1gxhr-fDhbowMbh_9Tjf-OTK1fdC3D8QpQeiy5G0iZ4_DwAkglupL0Ewt6Pj1gR2zVCOd9FnCEEstkDt-04eTBLfXeg/s400/wordle.JPG" height="256" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-36793953437527928522014-11-08T00:07:00.000+00:002014-11-08T00:07:04.650+00:00Writing Surfaces in Lecture Theatres. A Contentious Matter.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em><strong>First off I want to make it clear that I am not opposed to writing surfaces. I am opposed to writing surfaces that do not meet their primary objective i.e. that ALL the audience can see what has been written.</strong></em><br />
<br />
The topic of writing surfaces and their usefulness in mid size and large lecture theatres raises its head on a regular basis. I often see this crop up on the SCHOMS forum <a href="http://www.schoms.ac.uk/">www.schoms.ac.uk</a> and on the lecture theatre managers forum <a href="http://www.ltsmg.org.uk/">http://www.ltsmg.org.uk/</a><br />
<br />
The most contentious question is can all the students see what is being written?<br />
Well today I entered a lecture theatre to find a lot of maths on a board left there by a previous lecturer, (I will come back to that) the dry wipe whiteboard is wide and can be raised so there are no obstructions. As the 172 capacity theatre filled, from the back as they usually do, I decided to ask who could read what was on the board easily, in my opinion if there is any eyestrain it is not working, all students in the back four rows said they had difficulty reading what was written.<br />
<br />
<br />
Prior to the technological revolution in teaching spaces there were few, if any, alternatives, this is no longer the case. We have interactive monitors, document cameras, even mobile devices that can be written on and the writing projected onto a large screen, using these methods the material can be recorded if a suitable system is in use.<br />
<br />
So why do some lecturers continue to use this method of teaching in larger rooms which is detrimental to some students, in this case about 20% of the class, and why do the students not complain?<br />
<br />
It is possible to install cameras focusing onto the whiteboards to capture what is being written and relay that to the projection screen but I have other issues around this.<br />
When writing on the board the lecturer has his or her back to the class, if they are talking and have decided not to use the microphone what is being said may not be heard, when they are writing what is being written is obscured by the lecturer. Now I know and accept that this was how it was done previously but we can now do it much better in the knowledge that all can see and hear the material, and it can be saved.<br />
<br />
Writing surfaces in smaller rooms do not suffer from the same problems and have a more legitimate case to be installed, in fact for group work several could be required.<br />
<br />
I know I am not the only learning space designer frustrated by this resistance to use the better methods available to us but why can we not persuade the hard core academic community to change their methods for the benefit of the students and themselves.<br />
<br />
I have never had a satisfactory answer from an academic when debating this matter and the one reply that gets my blood boiling is "it was good enough for me".<br />
<br />
Mathematicians are notorious for wanting to retain walls full of chalk boards and white boards but I am working with a mathematician who teaches by walking around the lecture theatre using a Samsung tablet connected to the AV system wirelessly via a dongle and uses this as his writing surface so I know things can change if only people give it a go.<br />
<br />
Oh and going back to the writing I came across, why can't people clean the boards prior to leaving? It's the polite thing to do!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-10961173325126269932014-11-04T22:12:00.000+00:002014-11-06T18:37:41.310+00:00The Think Tank \ Melin Drafod video walkthrough<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A video walk through of the newly refurbished Think Tank \ Melin Drafod at
Aberystwyth University<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsX8A6BFf3w&feature=youtu.be&a">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsX8A6BFf3w&feature=youtu.be&a</a><br />
<br />
The most gratifying observation about this project is that it is being used just as envisaged and the Synergy desks are being used intuitively with no instructions for connectivity required by the students. Staff are a different matter!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-31722292868968219852014-10-17T22:12:00.003+01:002014-10-17T22:26:47.913+01:00Confirmation of beliefs by 3rd year students<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I visited one of the rooms I recently refurbished with the Turn and Learn design I mention earlier in the blog. <br />
The class was full of 3rd year physics students who knew the room pre-refurb. I asked for feedback and was told that the important things for them were comfortable chairs, good leg room and adequate writing space. <br />
This just confirmed my belief that comfort and space are the basis of getting a design right. The technology comes after this but once the basics are right the rest follows.<br />
<br />
See my post <a href="http://learningteachingspaces.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2013-10-08T22:55:00%2B01:00&max-results=3&start=3&by-date=false">The Capacity Question</a> <br />
<br />
They also confirmed my position on chalk boards and white boards in large lecture theatres. They do not work. Students struggle to see the writing, especially when the lecturer is stood in front of what he or she is writing and have difficulty hearing on what is being said when the lecturer faces away from the audience and is not wearing a microphone.<br />
I know that years ago there was no alternative but there are now and therefore there is no excuse. I get especially annoyed when I hear 'well it was good enough in my day'<br />
<br />
We went onto discuss lecture capture and they thought it was a great addition to their materials but wondered, as do I, why some lecturers use it and others do not!<br />
It was a very illuminating and reaffirming 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
For clarification, the above applies to all HE institutes according to national and international forums I am a member of.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-37192937973581398052014-09-30T09:06:00.000+01:002014-09-30T09:11:46.741+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 align="center">
Pictures of Summer Refurbishment of Teaching Spaces at Aberytswyth University</h2>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="left">
As promissed in my previous post below are some pictures of rooms refurbished this summer.</div>
<div align="left">
Feedback has been positive for all types of rooms. The trick is for the allocation of the room to match the type of teaching. This is not always possible due to the demand on rooms but the 'matching up' is improving.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="center">
102 seat computer room with fold away screens</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsAvlXMq2HUkh9TcvOcm16VILD0PVSIdxwcigazsM3Zk69Lki7_o42XFF6xq3A6DTxnoEZ_cTlNM6yZ9CiLT3JuwXQqsPtXmwNbXYoHfCtlsfyIEeaatwKsOu4SRDlVgKwgQFm52E1StK/s1600/P1020013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhnG_LZqEg6xSq5ynxPIEc1daGI28g8DYDo_ODKPWqdd3xgLt_lEDdLAmBpKBoenhx2TG4cbz0gQglOnizKav589RKmW12hxP3yQDXR9EFZrVlk_ilOz8i01q_o50rg4XBqMCFSy5M-_R/s1600/P1020014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhnG_LZqEg6xSq5ynxPIEc1daGI28g8DYDo_ODKPWqdd3xgLt_lEDdLAmBpKBoenhx2TG4cbz0gQglOnizKav589RKmW12hxP3yQDXR9EFZrVlk_ilOz8i01q_o50rg4XBqMCFSy5M-_R/s1600/P1020014.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCWPe3eQm5dg2zWvlFJjxmjnZ1nA20BLeZ22o-5B4O_Pp2ooyR7savyvLqTP76DE1oThZYvHRUGJkS-vCugvXWefgHmQPCYBKhRnEgpA0c9zk8UmceWZfspjLbpgmBFnGROfyLxsBqdsb/s1600/P1020015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCWPe3eQm5dg2zWvlFJjxmjnZ1nA20BLeZ22o-5B4O_Pp2ooyR7savyvLqTP76DE1oThZYvHRUGJkS-vCugvXWefgHmQPCYBKhRnEgpA0c9zk8UmceWZfspjLbpgmBFnGROfyLxsBqdsb/s1600/P1020015.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nn28lzVKq4u1NrIw-AFtsDsu5rZPD3l_A9fTL00OFmmiRzCyNQVSfDpayFkr1DsOIEOYo9i_kurAnZO2bX_BNcNH3w2hMhHwvOcmrIt2rrqdapImm9pcDFG6rN0PXSf-xvWEYjjggpk2/s1600/P1020019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nn28lzVKq4u1NrIw-AFtsDsu5rZPD3l_A9fTL00OFmmiRzCyNQVSfDpayFkr1DsOIEOYo9i_kurAnZO2bX_BNcNH3w2hMhHwvOcmrIt2rrqdapImm9pcDFG6rN0PXSf-xvWEYjjggpk2/s1600/P1020019.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the screens folded down</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7Z-XnNBdIpqBhSQcA49nYmuXw6DP4VBCmhPE2DoxL7Bi1z4odRx-8JqZ5Ugq-BazCcrrxOnpo8A0AljNlet-ewuQQSg0szv2nYc-hes8a8juB1s60NH1qGbD6_rWhGj2wmR07JAn20_c/s1600/b23+desks+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7Z-XnNBdIpqBhSQcA49nYmuXw6DP4VBCmhPE2DoxL7Bi1z4odRx-8JqZ5Ugq-BazCcrrxOnpo8A0AljNlet-ewuQQSg0szv2nYc-hes8a8juB1s60NH1qGbD6_rWhGj2wmR07JAn20_c/s1600/b23+desks+down.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
40 seat traditional room with foldable desks and twin projection</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0NiL2HIO40CUhsTjFGdOzl6-LEOVpQwiHfZBj2CKTfQlgK3-AgiIdPkjhxMseYdVlkjG27-5MAej2gT9HGNxKMxKP08CdleNJDKQPRMzMTNAEx3-UpL19cCA5Djx6ZOHz4rTO9vMZjGU/s1600/P1020016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0NiL2HIO40CUhsTjFGdOzl6-LEOVpQwiHfZBj2CKTfQlgK3-AgiIdPkjhxMseYdVlkjG27-5MAej2gT9HGNxKMxKP08CdleNJDKQPRMzMTNAEx3-UpL19cCA5Djx6ZOHz4rTO9vMZjGU/s1600/P1020016.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZYQygDl_3iEiMLSphDYzJfcnjBWzRPQOKKfRq5NUbOMtJj0w5uOHMsEJeFePSbyhLMB8RC2Lwev_U-TVOxADUP5T7yyLAYJAPds6AqbhYWSbNba8Cez7ysHZfZPFSMWxZAJvGs07f0CV/s1600/P1020017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZYQygDl_3iEiMLSphDYzJfcnjBWzRPQOKKfRq5NUbOMtJj0w5uOHMsEJeFePSbyhLMB8RC2Lwev_U-TVOxADUP5T7yyLAYJAPds6AqbhYWSbNba8Cez7ysHZfZPFSMWxZAJvGs07f0CV/s1600/P1020017.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Another 40 seat traditional room with foldable desks and twin projection</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wq0i6WCmTQPrBWMtwIDbvGL71_npayncLxx-G7PJjcVs-35FDt8v-D2gA_HU4NuS4_2M1E7ezuchN6xsIZx-b6ri76IcVZFSibj7Ca1AUCFRKRXnxb3XeiYUp1BYS4jZvrY1FVIBvqCc/s1600/P1020018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wq0i6WCmTQPrBWMtwIDbvGL71_npayncLxx-G7PJjcVs-35FDt8v-D2gA_HU4NuS4_2M1E7ezuchN6xsIZx-b6ri76IcVZFSibj7Ca1AUCFRKRXnxb3XeiYUp1BYS4jZvrY1FVIBvqCc/s1600/P1020018.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nn28lzVKq4u1NrIw-AFtsDsu5rZPD3l_A9fTL00OFmmiRzCyNQVSfDpayFkr1DsOIEOYo9i_kurAnZO2bX_BNcNH3w2hMhHwvOcmrIt2rrqdapImm9pcDFG6rN0PXSf-xvWEYjjggpk2/s1600/P1020019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A 5 Reuleux Triangle table, 30 seqt collaborative room</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp95VxFmMxbJWVbMnhMTWpeYQtI9Yt9-37RFy-zBde8JSyF_wLt4Z0gFhKxTHOK3JlIys8vqNsUBKDoT-mvBGBSIuSBvLENzrqwtQwp8dImITJU8PiIcwZ99qsX_YY5E80fo_VhOLOYal2/s1600/P1020020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp95VxFmMxbJWVbMnhMTWpeYQtI9Yt9-37RFy-zBde8JSyF_wLt4Z0gFhKxTHOK3JlIys8vqNsUBKDoT-mvBGBSIuSBvLENzrqwtQwp8dImITJU8PiIcwZ99qsX_YY5E80fo_VhOLOYal2/s1600/P1020020.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQ4MiAZtC3b9gaHO_ZHKF1FsCnKaUwRqua4xnjNWA_lCk4HCZpXKYRQk1ByUycGnUFGmeJTruUFhWCWCdk_5iW6Jr31EKIjidByDDtHlMyhIYHktFFsCxZNNgIOg8tfnzCwqTiDoMNlz8/s1600/P1020021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQ4MiAZtC3b9gaHO_ZHKF1FsCnKaUwRqua4xnjNWA_lCk4HCZpXKYRQk1ByUycGnUFGmeJTruUFhWCWCdk_5iW6Jr31EKIjidByDDtHlMyhIYHktFFsCxZNNgIOg8tfnzCwqTiDoMNlz8/s1600/P1020021.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A 42 seat raked Turn and Learn lecture room</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXyyRvc4CekfSznXA1bYGyFlF6A__My1Nlg12GswwGPO20gT4rn1RroxiGXokHSc3Sp1MY8m_CgYhEfbYurPCQ98SRwnUqLtTdsIv-Ovz7tPxzUWbD9eMgKFR9DfJF5SSxGwr3P25sfwk/s1600/P1020022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXyyRvc4CekfSznXA1bYGyFlF6A__My1Nlg12GswwGPO20gT4rn1RroxiGXokHSc3Sp1MY8m_CgYhEfbYurPCQ98SRwnUqLtTdsIv-Ovz7tPxzUWbD9eMgKFR9DfJF5SSxGwr3P25sfwk/s1600/P1020022.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATujd2lReQRDMY0KhzB-XEM5qJtn058lZ1G5LIWLrDaeQtID0JHBBU6HTMc0_o8-iIJq_df3aSli8rH0q9oXQM9BTyr5t_17BJYeu-U7wrI87aq84-sLIUJ5hsNmkfpl4J3fsFO_VuFIE/s1600/P1020023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATujd2lReQRDMY0KhzB-XEM5qJtn058lZ1G5LIWLrDaeQtID0JHBBU6HTMc0_o8-iIJq_df3aSli8rH0q9oXQM9BTyr5t_17BJYeu-U7wrI87aq84-sLIUJ5hsNmkfpl4J3fsFO_VuFIE/s1600/P1020023.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A 22 seat stabndard seminar room</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdww7Jtbd2XhCNyNSVBQCiiwCrYXUnaBLIlF24TbbX-gxAP6xAI_Fb5KLnJDoGannOuAqungQB87Qv19kehRSn6-MniDAj72ObTMffc8fU36-FK-Fxtoc7I_ClsubzKNO9pFudi9glWSiZ/s1600/P1020024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdww7Jtbd2XhCNyNSVBQCiiwCrYXUnaBLIlF24TbbX-gxAP6xAI_Fb5KLnJDoGannOuAqungQB87Qv19kehRSn6-MniDAj72ObTMffc8fU36-FK-Fxtoc7I_ClsubzKNO9pFudi9glWSiZ/s1600/P1020024.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New lectern in a 347 seat lecture theatre </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyv-pth5eb9PSN8-c_R_pFUoFvZiWvqVRFQHQrdGNuxh2fLmCQvIN8QvCHFLihhw6V9Mw6n4i93HClr40QhUpdOTumgk9SHXsWEkMnp_ObAlFJbdP7i03m1iSPDjhD__mupBvTkMI6gPG9/s1600/P1020030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyv-pth5eb9PSN8-c_R_pFUoFvZiWvqVRFQHQrdGNuxh2fLmCQvIN8QvCHFLihhw6V9Mw6n4i93HClr40QhUpdOTumgk9SHXsWEkMnp_ObAlFJbdP7i03m1iSPDjhD__mupBvTkMI6gPG9/s1600/P1020030.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From the back. The seat rows are straight so I used a panoranic shot to capture the width but you get the idea.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/editor/static_files/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBbx3FTt-ASDNpR4IZ3sPb-ueLkf18ttPQiHrtZ4ttnhFVFojD44CtMn7M0Kv1EhwoJ41w3KWFYhhI3JXBbWKBl8eG1GZ9-cmLljkNXsQAM4CkMmhzIlO5rwdpke9j09RqIcY9VKNlfrC/s1600/P1020029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBbx3FTt-ASDNpR4IZ3sPb-ueLkf18ttPQiHrtZ4ttnhFVFojD44CtMn7M0Kv1EhwoJ41w3KWFYhhI3JXBbWKBl8eG1GZ9-cmLljkNXsQAM4CkMmhzIlO5rwdpke9j09RqIcY9VKNlfrC/s1600/P1020029.JPG" height="102" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
New dual screen setup in a 168 seat lecture theatre with two very keen students.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELFcN4q2Q06IGylyd6KdCjPC6k__uvHCbWB4aCxwJ5Sgo2HPqIcZOAbHO4XPe_bKvi_0qeD6W6am6-IJLclNjvMC4xpgRVQ-XFf7-_BL6rqVh-du2m0R_VCQh0KzXaTQemduSUrmZG8EB/s1600/P1020032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELFcN4q2Q06IGylyd6KdCjPC6k__uvHCbWB4aCxwJ5Sgo2HPqIcZOAbHO4XPe_bKvi_0qeD6W6am6-IJLclNjvMC4xpgRVQ-XFf7-_BL6rqVh-du2m0R_VCQh0KzXaTQemduSUrmZG8EB/s1600/P1020032.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and from the front in a room formerly known as 'The Dungeon' </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4LmarS2I0KH93XqaIMzkhAzPGUfopP0crtJeDkhgkox0n6IVWlmo_zfLzarjyjvIRk1QbrGSAZgjU0rhi-AZ9oI_9talbKtKhQ5qtKHonNjN3pUxu5UifUiDpuoN-qOu2QKwY7JHXKyj/s1600/P1020033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4LmarS2I0KH93XqaIMzkhAzPGUfopP0crtJeDkhgkox0n6IVWlmo_zfLzarjyjvIRk1QbrGSAZgjU0rhi-AZ9oI_9talbKtKhQ5qtKHonNjN3pUxu5UifUiDpuoN-qOu2QKwY7JHXKyj/s1600/P1020033.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-88804238579190327572014-09-13T17:54:00.002+01:002014-09-13T19:28:11.587+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 align="center">
Summer teaching refurbishments nearly finished.</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This summer I have been busy refurbishing 10 teaching rooms ranging from a 24 seat collaborative space to a 335 seat lecture theatre at Aberystwyth University <a href="http://www.aber.ac.uk/">www.aber.ac.uk</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This link gives more information</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/is/news/rooms/">http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/is/news/rooms/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The project has brought unexpected challenges especially with asbestos and damp issues to overcome but we are nearly there.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I will be posting some pictures in the next week or two but the type of rooms I have refurbished are:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5 rooms up to 40 capacity with flip top tables and all new AV.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A 100 seat computer lab where the computer monitors can be folded away allowing for dual use of the room.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A room with 4 x 6seat Reuleaux triangle tables and multiple screens. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ReuleauxTriangle.svg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" data-file-height="200" data-file-width="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/ReuleauxTriangle.svg/200px-ReuleauxTriangle.svg.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A 335 seat lecture theatre</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A 220 seat lecture theatre</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A 42 seat 'Turn and Learn teaching space</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A common space lobby provided with open access collaborative desks and study pods.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am very excited about the rooms and hope they deliver what the objective was i.e. modern looking, technologically advanced learning environments, that enhance the staff-student experience and enable different types of teaching and learning methodologies.<br />
As I said I will post some pictures when completed in about 2 weeks</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-43890069528698147972013-11-29T10:08:00.000+00:002013-12-23T00:47:31.198+00:00The Teaching Room Refurbishment was a Great Success.... or was it?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Response 1<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In earlier posts I have written about the problem of pleasing all the people all of the time. The responses below amplify this problem. The first response is not overly critical but you can see the difference in need from these two lecturers using the same room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I now there will be people reading this shouting the 'f' word...flexible. This is not a panacea for all rooms. It has it's place but we also need specific layouts, and that being the case, the needs of the user should be matched up with room types available. If only it were that simple!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is the room discussed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX38dQtX88bgouG9O4o2ymGQIHFT-s-AAMgfBKyS0WVvReUl7_1dpGAcBeQR0xzOXx1i25Z6rTJFP4CeLPy6_gc5fZiUYeG1lUo5Dk8OnNQqyhlef8i7n3hw6oJSK75HJ9alpxG8V05lT/s1600/C43.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX38dQtX88bgouG9O4o2ymGQIHFT-s-AAMgfBKyS0WVvReUl7_1dpGAcBeQR0xzOXx1i25Z6rTJFP4CeLPy6_gc5fZiUYeG1lUo5Dk8OnNQqyhlef8i7n3hw6oJSK75HJ9alpxG8V05lT/s640/C43.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Response 1</em></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">C43 is not quite so appropriate for the class I have - I
have a grammar lecture with finalists and because of the set-up they have to
twist around to look at me and then twist back to write at the tables. When I
use PowerPoint it seems to be ok as there is more than one screen they can
watch. It's the same problem with the middle whiteboard needing water for
cleaning, so I tend to avoid it and use the other two. With another class
immediately following in another building there is no time to spend doing lots
of cleaning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Response 2 </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall I think the refurbishment (C43) is excellent, and
has allowed me to change the way my lectures run, because of the new layout -
much more favourable for in-class discussions etc. Below are a few more
specific comments for you:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The technology
- to a very high standard. Not used to its full potential yet - this is mostly
due to planning on my part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">b)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The decoration
- bright and vibrant. creates a much nicer atmosphere to work in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">c)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lighting and
lighting control - simple, easy to use and effective in each of the
pre-programmed modes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">d)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blackout - not
had to use, so can't comment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">e)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furniture type
- I like the 'triangular' tables for small groups. I think it could work up to
groups of 40-50 students too, so would encourage larger, similar rooms. Chairs
comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">f)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furniture
layout - flexible. I would actually like another table in C43 near the front
(or at least the option to request another table).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">g)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does the room
work for you? If not why not? - absolutely, and I was sceptical at the
beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">h)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other comments
good or bad. - more of the same!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-71738022006239227292013-10-12T21:04:00.000+01:002013-10-12T21:04:18.883+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
A Wordle of my Blog to date. I was pleased to see that 'students' is the dominant word
<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/7165595/Wordle_of_http%3A--learningteachingspaces.blogspot.co.uk-"
title="Wordle: Wordle of http://learningteachingspaces.blogspot.co.uk/"><img
src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/7165595/Wordle_of_http%3A--learningteachingspaces.blogspot.co.uk-"
alt="Wordle: Wordle of http://learningteachingspaces.blogspot.co.uk/"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-64994327212359637702013-10-08T22:55:00.002+01:002013-10-08T22:55:43.263+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 align="center">
<em>A Busy Summer of Learning Space Refurbishments at Aberystwyth University</em>.</h2>
<div align="left">
This summer I have been refurbishing 41 teaching spaces of various sizes from capacities of 12 to 200+.</div>
<div align="left">
I have also converted spaces previously used as offices and a computer workshop to a post graduate centre. </div>
<div align="left">
The usual issues of attempting to maintain capacities whilst attempting to enable different teaching methods arose but with some common sense, compromise and new designs I managed to achieve most of the objective.</div>
<div align="left">
I used three types of layouts:</div>
<div align="left">
1) Rectangular tables of various sizes.</div>
<div align="left">
2) Reuleaux Triangle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWOACeevMvRrlsM6jf9ySfka8XXZTnxGEeRJIjAtxtl44DoAQtnObrkFTqoDwAJCRg0zE0mwyN8cGhfvr2CuyOGyZMdPTciRxeTuJBCtoanjc9EmRA6UMGiaF-tbMjv2w_AzblQXgpdWz/s1600/A9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWOACeevMvRrlsM6jf9ySfka8XXZTnxGEeRJIjAtxtl44DoAQtnObrkFTqoDwAJCRg0zE0mwyN8cGhfvr2CuyOGyZMdPTciRxeTuJBCtoanjc9EmRA6UMGiaF-tbMjv2w_AzblQXgpdWz/s320/A9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuleaux_triangle">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuleaux_triangle</a></div>
<div align="left">
3) A system I call 'Turn and Learn' which is a 350mm x 2000mm rectangular desk with 3 swivel seats that allow the 3 students to turn to a desk behind 800mm x 2000mm so that a group of 6 can be formed. I also used 3 different heights in one room to build in a rake on a flat floor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZOPMG25NXcf5JvoOWviAYaMsQ62zHaNTow-VfBdCjhiQd3827fL9EgyuHKxgBe37yVeW239XyKPHMzYXjzjESBVoQb1_Dqjw2133vvT5rat-NFmf1EmmirYFW5SBQfJyhLwn5MOcdIcE/s1600/D5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZOPMG25NXcf5JvoOWviAYaMsQ62zHaNTow-VfBdCjhiQd3827fL9EgyuHKxgBe37yVeW239XyKPHMzYXjzjESBVoQb1_Dqjw2133vvT5rat-NFmf1EmmirYFW5SBQfJyhLwn5MOcdIcE/s320/D5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I used (experimented) with different colour schemes which have been well received, something I was a little worried about as colours are so subjective.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX38dQtX88bgouG9O4o2ymGQIHFT-s-AAMgfBKyS0WVvReUl7_1dpGAcBeQR0xzOXx1i25Z6rTJFP4CeLPy6_gc5fZiUYeG1lUo5Dk8OnNQqyhlef8i7n3hw6oJSK75HJ9alpxG8V05lT/s1600/C43.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX38dQtX88bgouG9O4o2ymGQIHFT-s-AAMgfBKyS0WVvReUl7_1dpGAcBeQR0xzOXx1i25Z6rTJFP4CeLPy6_gc5fZiUYeG1lUo5Dk8OnNQqyhlef8i7n3hw6oJSK75HJ9alpxG8V05lT/s320/C43.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj315p78yvvNQmGTRNeKT0TrpUwqUEUChxNDWQAZAr3Q4Ig6tmH4SnfWNQTpMEiVN9mZfw7nqk18f__LTd3C_Wmr-SM19Hd6IQ8wALYk21r8-oNVe2x-eq4jLjLejt0ccDhoAzzVrR2Q-17/s1600/A14_Panorama2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj315p78yvvNQmGTRNeKT0TrpUwqUEUChxNDWQAZAr3Q4Ig6tmH4SnfWNQTpMEiVN9mZfw7nqk18f__LTd3C_Wmr-SM19Hd6IQ8wALYk21r8-oNVe2x-eq4jLjLejt0ccDhoAzzVrR2Q-17/s320/A14_Panorama2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx84b7_TaIjWb3QNYQ9X99hxquUtQDmVRvL-R_vFmwLAKln9ZXKLMk-oUm5jOrR21GKbFdJ8BcE601ZT-oa3nAl7KR27e3Ya7qV-wAqGf3gGAZfmQA0BPC7Wa8cfYK9g_CDjlZKk7CmUu/s1600/D54.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx84b7_TaIjWb3QNYQ9X99hxquUtQDmVRvL-R_vFmwLAKln9ZXKLMk-oUm5jOrR21GKbFdJ8BcE601ZT-oa3nAl7KR27e3Ya7qV-wAqGf3gGAZfmQA0BPC7Wa8cfYK9g_CDjlZKk7CmUu/s320/D54.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I decided to install height adjustable task seats in all locations and the students have given good feedback on these. These address the range of shapes and sizes of students we have to cater for and a change to the hard, fixed height seats we installed in the past.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I installed dimmable lighting in all rooms which has pre-sets that are selected depending on what is happening in the room i.e. projection, group work, cleaning etc. but can also be overridden from the lectern which is using an Extron control system.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
The technology installed consists of a height adjustable lectern, interactive screen on the lectern, voice amplification programme amplification, single and dual projection (depending on room layout and size) screens which can also be written on with dry marker pens, a document camera and web cam. This technology has helped me enhance the lecture capture system we use (Panopto) and it seems to have increased use amongst lecturers. I have also installed Ampetronic induction loops in all rooms for the benefit of the hearing impaired.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I have had very good feedback with some negative comments but that is always the way. For example I was stopped by one lecturer who complained that a room he was time tabled into was not suitable for group learning, no more than ten minutes later I was topped by another lecturer who complained about a room that was not laid out for 'traditional' lecture delivery. This just proves the point that pleasing everyone all the time is not possible and that time tabling needs to take account of the type of room a lecturer requires, of course the trick is providing enough of each type of room with adequate capacity. The 'Turn and Learn' help alleviate this problem.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
I will post again when I have conducted some focus group reviews.</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-11346963064227524692012-12-20T19:30:00.000+00:002012-12-20T19:30:38.496+00:00The Capacity Question<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is no doubt that when attempting to re-design learning and teaching environments in older buildings the capacity of the room is a major obstacle. I do not refer to large raked lecture theatres in this post.<br />
<br />
These rooms are generally several decades old and were designed for a pedagogy of the 60s and 70s when it was simply a case of getting as many bums on seats as possible. They have not kept up with developments in teaching style, advances in technology or the expectations of staff and particularly students in these days of £9000 per annum fees.<br />
<br />
If a university has plenty of excess rooms, of an appropriate size, the problem is easily solved. However the reality is usually that there are not enough spare rooms and the ones that are being redesigned need to reduce the existing capacity if an improvement is to be achieved. If the existing capacity of the rooms is still required to achieve the needs of the time table the designer is presented with a very difficult dilemma to resolve. <br />
<br />
In my experience most rooms designed more than 10 yrs ago, and sadly sometimes later than that, are 30 % over capacity to deliver what most learning space designers would consider adequate environments.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErlZjrM8yzbeg713tcmRvnsOzY_SUQoaSj-5Me_jjrSABQFtFp3fOj22xsQGSkeHUgikbtB0JJUZVd2uqgEn1QIyNu4k-wj77j81er1NI8mBoDGOeRKAo5rvUURcXxHwOMTEDdjsNEFpN/s1600/20121130_081601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErlZjrM8yzbeg713tcmRvnsOzY_SUQoaSj-5Me_jjrSABQFtFp3fOj22xsQGSkeHUgikbtB0JJUZVd2uqgEn1QIyNu4k-wj77j81er1NI8mBoDGOeRKAo5rvUURcXxHwOMTEDdjsNEFpN/s320/20121130_081601.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is a typical example of classrooms I have seen at dozens of universities :<br />
<br />
<br />
I have discussed this problem with several colleagues involved in learning space design in the HE sector across the UK and internationally and this is a recurring theme. <br />
<br />
If anyone has any solutions for this dilemma I would be pleased to hear them.<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-46219811220046724732012-12-13T20:21:00.001+00:002012-12-13T20:24:15.828+00:00Interactive Technology and International Students<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had an interesting conversation with a lecturer and some students today in a teaching space I had designed.<br />
They all liked the layout which is 4 plectrum tables that seat 6 and divide and fold for greater reconfiguration.<br />
One question that I found interesting was from a student who asked why there was no interactive technology installed. <br />
This was a bit disappointing on one level as the room has a Smart Podium installed but the lecturer was not aware of it, a job for our e-learning team to get to grips with.<br />
<br />
On another level I enquired of the student where she came fro, it was Hong Kong and she told me that interactive technology is everywhere. <br />
<br />
It then occurred to me that my university, as are many others,are trying to increase recruitment of international students. If we are to do this we need to provide the types of environments and technology they have come to expect. Of course this is not true for all international students but the trend is growing especially for students from the far east.<br />
<br />
Oh and one other thing. Another student made the exact same remark about the shape of the table as a student at MLC in Melbourne which I visited 2 years ago with Peter Jamison who had designed some classrooms there. It was that she liked not having someone sitting directly behind her looking at the back of her head. I think this is a hard wired instinctive defensive thing, but that is just my take on it.<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-29591654711722018942012-11-29T21:22:00.002+00:002012-11-29T21:22:53.763+00:00Too Narrow, too Low and too Distant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was observing a lecture in a room today where 6 students were crammed into a row 3mtrs wide so 500mm wide, this was obviously too narrow a space for each student especially as they are getting bigger.<br />
<br />
I also noticed that the students from halfway back were bobbing around in an attempt to see the projection screen, i even saw three students sat on the top of the backrest of their seats at the back of the room. This is because the room is a flat floor and the furniture is all the same height. I think I can improve this with different height furniture. A raked floor is not possible.<br />
<br />
The last observation was that the back 3 rows were too distant from the projection screen, or put another way, the projection screen is too small for the distance of the furthest seats.<br />
<br />
I will be sorting this room soon and will blog with the solution.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-76378734152054178052012-11-04T02:09:00.000+00:002012-11-17T20:09:14.135+00:00Can't please all the people all the time..or can you?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In 2011 I designed 4 lecture spaces (not lecture theatres) using plectrum shaped tables, not my design ( it's a bit like a triangle with rounded corners and many are using this shape). Where my design differs from others is that the tables split and tilt and are on casters allowing for the reconfiguration of the room to suit the needs and teaching style of the lecturer. I received very good feedback. 'At last' some said,' a room that I can break my class into groups so they can collaborate and where I can work the room' (that's my phrase not theirs they don't consider themselves as comedians or magicians).<br />
<br />
However I also received feedback saying 'I can't teach in these. I need traditional front facing rows for my style of delivery'. At first I was annoyed at this as the design of the table means the students only have to angle themselves slightly to face the front, but after some thought I agreed that this type of table does not give the detractors what they want. So what is the answer.<br />
My first response is not to place these lecturers in these rooms. This applies to technology also i.e. a lecturer teaching in a room with the wrong technology for him or her.<br />
If they are not to be timetabled into inappropriate rooms the timetabling has to be more granular and ask the questions;<br />
How many students?<br />
What type of layout is required?<br />
What technology is required?<br />
The timetabling software should then be able to match the needs to the availability. <br />
<br />
Another way is to design the furniture so that it does both i.e. allows front facing rows and collaborative group work.<br />
I have started work on this and have used adapted a method I have seen elsewhere where one row can turn and face the row behind. To do this I will use two different depths of table and the pods will consist of 6, two rows of 3. There will be 3 different heights of desk so I can provide a raked effect using the furniture instead of the construction of the room. <br />
I will get some pictures of the prototype soon. <br />
<br />
So perhaps it is possible to please all of the people all of the time, or am I just kidding myself?<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-81795944198381571202012-06-08T00:34:00.000+01:002012-06-08T00:34:00.887+01:00Is Grey Good? Or is that a Black and White Question?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have recently been considering my stance on learning environment design, the use of technology in teaching and, in particular, mobile technology and it's current but, more importantly, future impact on learning environment design and teaching and learning methods.<br />
I concluded that people's attitudes to these are often very black and white, my own included. However the more I design spaces and decide on the technology to be used in them I find that there is a whole world of shades of grey out there. This should not be surprising but how many of those reading this, if they are honest, think in black and white.<br />
I state in earlier posts that listening to relevant stakeholders is key to good design but what I had not considered is how important grey is to the process. It is more than compromise, definitions of which are:<br />
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">1.</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">settlement</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">differences</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">mutual</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">concessions;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">agreement</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">reached</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">adjustment</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #0055bb; cursor: pointer;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">conflicting</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">opposing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">claims,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">principles,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">etc.,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">reciprocal</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">modification</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">demands.</span> </span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2.</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">result</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">such</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">settlement.</span> </span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">something</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">intermediate</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">between</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">different</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">things:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">The</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">split-level</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">is</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">compromise</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">between</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">ranch</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">house</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">multi-storied</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">house.</span> (This is the nearest definition)</span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">endangering,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">especially</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">reputation;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">exposure</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">danger,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">suspicion,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">etc.:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">compromise</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">ones</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">integrity.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="ital-inline"><span></span></span> </div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="ital-inline"><span>I think that recognising that most things fall into the grey zone better prepares one to make compromises which are usually inevitable in the design process. </span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="ital-inline"><span>Having said all that some things are black and white it is deciding which they are. Now there is a skill.</span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="ital-inline"><span></span></span> </div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="ital-inline"><span>I hope those reading this post understand what I am trying to say because I found it difficult to articulate. Perhaps I have too strong a black and white personality but I am trying.</span></span></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="ital-inline"><span></span></span> </div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-69253754362423778392012-05-27T09:38:00.000+01:002012-05-27T09:38:27.116+01:00Technology in the Classroom?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
At the recent excellent SCHOMS conference hosted by Hull University the thorny issue of getting teachers to use to technology in the classroom / lecture theatre to the benefit of the students and the staff raised it's hydra like head once again.<br />
It seems that those designing learning environments, in this context at universities, have a dilemma as to what to technology to install in them. Currently the three most contentious are provision for lecture capture, visualisers and interactive technology.<br />
If these were low cost items I suspect they would be installed every where but they are not cheap and there is the matter of scalability i.e. 75 rooms and upwards. You get the idea.<br />
Then there is the question of will they be used? I have witnessed a lecturer using a lectern with a Smart Sympodium interactive screen installed and asking me if it is possible to have, wait for it, an interactive whiteboard. Now to be fair this is not the lecturers fault. It is the responsibility of those making the decision to install technology to inform teachers of a) it's availability b) what it can do c) provide training if required. An engineering company would not introduce a new lathe without training the operative, if they did they would not get a return on their investment.<br />
<br />
However I believe there is a far more fundamental question to be answered. Will the technology provide any educational benefit? I am not an educationalist so am not qualified to answer this unequivocally but I do have an opinion.<br />
Our young people are exposed to technology on a 24 \ 7 basis. Mobile devices in particular are becoming more sophisticated on an almost daily basis allowing them to do use technology we only dreamed of just 5 years ago. They have attended schools which use technology far more than HEIs do and then they arrive at university to find an alien learning environment. When they leave university, dependant upon the profession they choose (or fall into) it is likely that they will once again come into contact with technology. So there exists this technological semi-barren land between school and work which needs addressing.<br />
<br />
I am not saying that technology replaces good teaching but I am convinced it can enhance it. Make it even more engaging and the inspired teachers could be even more inspiring.<br />
I recently leaned of a lecturer who will be awarded a lecturing award nominated by students. He uses a slide projector and OHPs. I hear some of you say that this proves that technology does not make good teachers and I agree but consider this: slide projectors and OHPs were cutting edge at one time and if the lecturer was to digitise the slides and use a visualiser instead if an OHP how much more could he achieve.One example is that the lecture could be captured so that students could review the lectures for clrification and revision or if they missed the lecture, and no attendance does not drop.<br />
<br />
As stated above a major obstacle to the adoption of technology in a meaningful way is scalability. It is too expensive to install everything everywhere so systems have to change to allow for this. The main change would be timetabling. Most HEIs just match the right number of bums to chairs and I understand that this has been adequate in the past, it is no longer the case.<br />
<br />
There needs to be an alignment of capacity, technology and teaching style to suitable rooms. This is not a small task but with the aid of technology (see what I did there) it is possible and should be done if we are to get the best from our investment, provide choice to academics who do or do not want to use technology (I think the latter will disappear by default) and place them in the correct type of learning environment.<br />
<br />
Of course it would be really good if there was some research available that gave an unequivocal answer whether or not technology in the classroom provides a better education, not easy to prove with the many variants. <strong>My belief is that it does not</strong>. It is how the teacher uses technology, hopefully with imagination, inspiration and a desire to do a good job that provides a better experience and therefore an improved education.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-34078648067851445342012-04-09T21:44:00.000+01:002012-04-09T21:44:00.554+01:00Do Written Standards and Guidlines Constrain Creativity?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I spent several hours today reading institutional standards or guidelines of HEI's across Europe, USA and Australia about learning environment design and established there is a lot of commonality.<br />
They deal with things such as room shapes, types of furniture, technology, lighting, degree of rake. heating and ventilation, etc.<br />
It occurred to me that whilst I agree with, and use, many of the guidelines it occurred to me that in a fast changing environment, especially technological which can liberate the designer, could these constrain creativity. <br />
Could approaching a design project armed with a flare for design, creativity and no preconceived ideas produce something innovative and fresh? I know and accept that ones experience will play a part in this but that can sometimes lead to just repeating what has been done before. I suppose the experience of innovation is what is important here.<br />
<br />
Thinking about it I know that this is how Peter Jamieson works.<br />
Just a thought.<br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-70258772455872825592012-04-09T13:31:00.000+01:002012-04-09T13:31:35.522+01:00Elliot Felix at EDUCAUSE 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Eliot Felix <a href="http://elliotfelix.com/">http://elliotfelix.com/</a> presented at EDUCAUSE 11 his slideshare is here <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/elliotfelix/learning-space-service-design-eli2012">http://www.slideshare.net/elliotfelix/learning-space-service-design-eli2012</a><br />
<br />
I first met Elliot at the U21 forum 'Design of Learning Spaces'. <br />
I think Elliot hits the nail on the head with his approach. I especially resonate with slide 7 and I am at last seeing some progress towards Design Thinking methodology at my home institution.<br />
I referenced Tim Brown and Design thinking in my post<br />
<a href="http://learningteachingspaces.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/design-thinking.html">http://learningteachingspaces.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/design-thinking.html</a><br />
<br />
It's good to see Elliot is still making designers think about what it is they are designing but more importantly who and for what purpose are they / we designing.<br />
<br />
I have recently been involved with two projects where the architects never even got as far as thinking about the contents in the container (see slide 7 as referenced above). <br />
<br />
Unfortunately I know that this is quite usual within the sector.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-5698234197595310582012-04-09T10:33:00.002+01:002012-04-09T18:31:22.117+01:00Toni Kelly's Blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Toni Kelly of Birmingham Univeristy has just started a study tour of Libraries and Learning spaces in Asia.<br />
Toni will be blogging during her tour. The blog can be found here.<br />
<a href="http://learningspacedesignanddevelopment.blogspot.co.uk/">http://learningspacedesignanddevelopment.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-70854709711701272242012-03-21T13:46:00.002+00:002012-03-21T13:46:45.971+00:00The Benefit of Asking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I recently asked the academic community at my University about their opinions and experiences of our learning environments. The responses were very useful in that it gave real as opposed to anecdotal evidence of issues that need to be addressed.<br />
I often feel that when someone is evangelising (often considered complaining) about something, in this case the need to modernise learning environments, they are often ignored. I accept that evidence to support ones ideas and proposals needs to be gathered but sometimes even the blindingly obvious issues are ignored if it is the same person calling for them to be addressed.<br />
The most useful thing about the responses was the common thread running through them. This will be invaluable in being able to address what is being asked for but as important is what to eradicate.<br />
I have written previously that involving the stakeholders is essential but asking what they think about current learning environment has been very informative with regard to designing the new.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7347728266461913295.post-45755675305485135202012-01-04T19:28:00.001+00:002012-01-04T19:28:41.776+00:00Quart into a Pint Pot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Regardless of the negative impact on the staff - student experience of designing learning environments that are over capacity this still seems to be a common error.<br />
<br />
I spoke to two colleagues today at different universities that have recently had the same experience as me in that new learning environment projects they have been involved in are over capacity resulting in at best a compromise and worst a space that deos not deliver.<br />
<br />
I think this is often the a result of the practice of dividing the area of a space by an often arbitrary value per student. This method does not consider the pedagogic methods, other uses the space may be used for, the technology installed etc. It is ultimately a bums on seats exercise that often results in environments that are not fit for purpose.<br />
<br />
The problem is how this practice is stopped with the pressure for space on campus and currently growing class sizes? <br />
<br />
The only method I know of is to ensure that the capacity of the space is negotiated with all stakeholders early in the project. I would like to know what other methods for measuring capacity others use and, if a formula is used, what it is and if different formulae are used for differnet spaces?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251478757302999954noreply@blogger.com0