Artifact # 7
A Setup Design of a Physical Classroom: this design was created to best support students learning in a classroom. The physical aspects make it easy to move around and monitor. There is a place for 5 classroom computers for students to work on and use in their daily centers.
Context
This setup of a classroom was created during my pre-service training
at Appalachian State University in the Fall 2000.
Impact
Having a classroom setup in a productive way is a very difficult task
for teachers. Many are faced with overloads of desks and furniture.
Most teachers have computers in their classrooms that must also be placed
in a safe, but accessible location. In this classroom design, the
computers are located along one wall and would be used as a center each
day. Students would rotate through the centers each week. Having
the tables in a manner that each student is facing the board is also important.
The teacher is able to keep full attention of all the students this way.
Students will be able to participate in a daily group activity with their
tables as well. Students will not have to get up and move around
to be able to complete this activity.
Alignment
Teachers who use a classroom design similar to this would have a physical
setting that supported active student involvement, inquiry, and collaboration
(Tech.
Comp. 12.4). By using the arrangement for centers, teachers are ensuring
that students have equal access to media and technology resources (Tech.
Comp. 14.2). The teacher is also showing an understanding of
individual and group motivation to create a learning environment that encourages
positive social interaction, and active engagement in learning (INTASC
# 5).