California School Overhauls Computer Lab To Create 'Agile Learning Space'
8Hillbrook School, an independent coeducational school serving students in grades Pre-K through 8 in Los Gatos, CA, recently overhauled its outdated computer lab in an effort to create a new agile learning space that fosters engagement and interaction. The redesign project comes on the heels of the school's 1-to-1 iPad pilot.
Hillbrook's newly renovated space — called iLab — features movable flip-top tables, chairs and soft seating, and interactive whiteboards from Franklin, IL-based furniture provider Bretford. Research and consulting firm Hero Inc. supplied the design for the space. The furnishings and room design support multiple configurations allowing users to adjust the space as needed for group or individual work.
Initial response to iLab has been positive, according to a statement from Bretford, with teachers noting higher levels of engagement and interaction among students when using the space.
"The energy in the iLab is greater than in my classroom -- I believe it is because of the movement," said Christina Pak, who teaches seventh and eighth grade history at the school. "Kids need both structure and change. The iLab has helped me think more about how the physical learning environment can spark students' interest and help them think beyond."
Hillbrook's director of technology Don Orth will be discussing iLab at ISTE 2013 during an Ignite session taking place June 24 at 8:30 AM. Bretford will also be talking about the new space at this week's NeoCon 2013 conference in Chicago and at ISTE 2013.
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Kanoe Namahoe is online editor for 1105 Media's Education Group. She can be reached at [email protected].