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Space Design for Active Learning

This guide was created to provide access to the resources and "lessons learned" we encountered throughout the process of redesigning our library classroom into an active learning classroom. If you are tackling a classroom redesign project - check it out!

To Consider...

Top Tip: Involve your Media and IT Departments in this process - they are the experts!

Computers:

  • Laptops vs. Desktops vs. tablets
  • PC vs. Mac
  • Security and tethers
  • Charging schedules for laptops
  • Laptop trays vs. laptop cart
  • Wire management
  • Wifi vs. Networked

Projectors and Whiteboards:

  • HDMI vs. Short-throw projectors
  • Painted Whiteboards
  • Traditional Whiteboards
  • Mobile Whiteboards
  • Variations available for "traditional whiteboards"

Cool Add-ons:

  • Apple TV
  • Doc-cams
  • Blu-ray players
  • Laptop connectivity

Choosing a Projector

There are many options and varieties of classroom projectors available. Be sure you choose the projector that works best for your needs and is compatible to work with the technology you need. The following video points out the key components to consider when choosing a projector:

Laptop security

Laptop tethers we investigated:

VanGuard Protext Global - retractable tethers like those found in retail stores

Kensington Laptop Locks - multiple options available including coiled, portable and combination lock

Amazon Results for laptop locks - multiple options and styles available

computer tether

Online articles on Laptop Security:

Brief article from Symantec on Laptop Security

Lifehacker article on how to set up a security system

Computer Security Decision Process

Security Options for laptops:

1. Locked Laptop Cabinet 

I have not heard much positive feedback in regards to using a locked cabinet. The biggest issue being that it is takes up time setting up and storing the laptops. This could become a real issue when we have multiple back to back classes - laptop batteries are good for 2-3 hours max (how would we keep them charged)! Plus, it still does not solve the problem of security - how do you assure the laptops don't walk out the door?

2. Tethering the laptops

Tethering the laptops will be the best bet for security purposes. However, tethers can be restrictive when it comes to mobility which sort of defeats the purpose of having a laptop. However, there are several options available for tethers that may be a better option than the standard cords we have been using. There are retractable tethers (similar to what they use in retail outlets on phones, ipads, etc.) and there are coiled tethers as well. Many of these tethers have cords that are flexible and can extend up to 8 feet which would provide greater mobility and collaboration.

3. Laptop drawers

Just like the locked laptop cabinet, this would involve having to constantly lock and unlock laptop drawers. With ~24 laptop drawers, this could prove to be rather time consuming. Again, this option does not address the issue of computers walking out the door, however, it does alleviate issues with charging as they could be used both plugged and unplugged.

 

Solution we went with:

Combination of option 2 and 3 above. Laptops are stored in laptop trays with an under-mounted cord management system. The computers can be stored away providing ample table room while also using a retractable or coiled tether for added security. Because we opted to go with wifi on all student laptops, there are even fewer cords to manage. This set up has proved to work quite well for us!