#INeLearn Archive
The #INeLearn hashtag is used for both asynchronous sharing and synchronous conversations. Include #INeLearn in your tweets if you want to share resources or questions with Indiana educators and school leaders. Asynchronously, the #INeLearn hashtag provides educators across the state of Indiana a central space for sharing. On Thursday evenings beginning at 8 CST/9 EST when you use the #INeLearn hashtag, you are joining a live conversation--the #INeLearn Twitter Chat. For one hour, we interact in real time having a virtual discussion.
Thursday June 9, 2016
Hello friends! Welcome to another chat in our blended learning series. We will be discussing redesigning learning environments.
To begin, introduce yourself to the group and share the one item you wish you could buy for your (or your teachers') classroom(s).
Hi I'm Kevin from Indianapolis Pike HS I teach ICP
Hey there! Glad you could join us.
Still on a high from great day of at . My school was the host! Would like more space/flexibility for Ss in classroom
Pam, eLearning Coach from So. IN. A makerspace complete with 3D printer
Katie from So. Indiana and I want my teachers to all have... Um... I don't know! Everything?
Ashley, Warren Township 2nd. Wish I could buy flexible seating
Good evening ! Katie from South Bend. I would love for Ts to have open, collaborative spaces for Ss to think, create, record
I'm Kristen & I teach K in Indy. I would love to buy each of my students a laptop!
Hello I'm Kim Hendrick from & Glad to join. I would buy new MacBook Air for myself.
Hello everyone checking in on mobile tonight! Curt Schleibaum from Seymour Ready for a great chat!
Good group tonight. Q1 coming right up!!
evening humans! Chevin from Gary!
Q1: Is learning space redesign about furniture or arrangement or something else?
Hey everyone! Matthew from Lafayette. Wish I could buy all my staff modular, flexible, student workspaces.
Hi, ...teacher envy watching the stream today! I'd buy whatever T needed to promote collab-white board paint>furniture
A1: learning space is more instructional design, less physical layout. But it's both in my opinion!
A1: Something else. Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Curiosity
A1: Learning space is about what type of LEARNING will be taking place. Furniture comes later. It should be flexible, changeable
I would love to have a full use lab where my Ss can design the tools they use for labs via 3D printing
A1
it can be about furniture.. or it could be about mindset
A1: redesign is everything from arrangement of class to arrangement and delivery of curriculum
Hello - kids are out of the tub and snacks handed out. I got some time to chat!
R1 Just like tech integration, you have to have right mindset before a learning space redesign can be successful.
R1: all of it. I think you can make do with any furniture if u arrange it right. It will HELP foster collab but not do it for u
Proximity to students to build and strengthen relationship trumps furniture/arrangements, but if both can foster, move it your way
I'm actually awake!!! Hi everyone, Christy from Noblesville getting ready for
Hello All! I want a a new projector for my classroom!
A1: It is not about furniture, but furniture is a not a bad way to jumpstart the culture shift
A1: it can even include blending of different curricula and how collaboration of Ss and Ts is incorporated
Exactly, -Mindset first. Valuing collaboration, interaction, flexibility, etc will prompt evaluating furnishings
R1 Student choice is critical in a redesigned learning space.
R1: it is a combination of mindset, space, and furniture
Hello! I'm also checking in on mobile, from Scott County School District 1
I've seen this happen. Sometimes new furniture &attention can energize Ts& set the stage for instructional change
R1 it's more about using spaces & lessons to foster-fource students into collaboration & ⬆️ creativity over worksheet at a desk!
Reading my mind... We are definitely talking about that later in the chat. https://t.co/2sMt9MtzYR
R1 Student choice is critical in a redesigned learning space.
A1: rethinking what spaces look like, not just furniture but spaces that allow for diff modes of thinking https://t.co/VdNPNPBBNg
Q1: Is learning space redesign about furniture or arrangement or something else?
The one item I would love is Node Chairs
As a college student I am taking an online class right now and have classes on campus. Glad for the opportunity for online classes
I want those Business Furniture cabana work stations that were set up at .... selfishly, for me. ;-)
a fresh coat of paint and some new chairs do put one's mind in a new place tho!
mindset is huge and so are other two but wo mindset I don't think you get as deep in learning
Could I take it one more step? It is about finding what spaces are needed?
I think that's what I've witnessed. Not the solution for every problem, but it's a good point.
Q2: How does your classroom learning environment indicate who owns the learning?
R1: learning space redesign- step out of the box and become an innovator - fresh ideas, fresh lessons, new design, mix it up!
R1 Respect & ownership is key. Arrangement & furniture can help
A1: I think it can be a combination of both the physical layout of the class and how learning takes place
when you come in my room, you see the student learning area, you have to find the teacher's desk. The students own the learning
R2: whoever's doin the work is learning. If 30 chairs r facing u, u are working and only u are learning
R2: I do not have seating arrangements in my class. Ss sit where they are comfortable. They can rearrange seat clusters
A2: Rows facing front = T doing talking/thinking. Tables, groups, chairs and Ss all over = students collab. and thinking together
Hi everyone. Seth from . I teach
A2: I don't have my desks in any set place; no seating chart. I let Ss move wherever they need to.
SO True. You can also FEEL it in a room like this! https://t.co/XJtKVHIEGV
when you come in my room, you see the student learning area, you have to find the teacher's desk. The students own the learning
A2 Learning space designed by students! Asked them, “What makes learning go well for you?” Ss organize for lg & sm group, flexible
We are working at getting items like the D school uses from Stanford collaboration and quiet space. https://t.co/ep1SLexxeF
I wonder if that idea could be applied at younger grade levels too...
R2: When the desk are aimed at the T it suggest the T is driving the learning. When grouped together, collaboration is the focus
A2 I have tables that I rearrange several times of year 4, 6 or 8 to a grouping... sometimes just 2 at a table..sometimes U shaped
R2: I like this question. I have Ts who don't have a desk. Sends a message that they are learning with Ss
A2: iS directed. S's work displayed everywhere, no desk for me. Ss often use my small group table for their workspaces
Why not! Especially with a teacher with the same Ss all day. Flexible seating is awesome!
A2 Can design amazing Ss spaces with affordable IKEA furniture—couches, rugs, clipboards & a green screen change everything
Traditional rows T desk in front, we know who owns it. Students moving, collaborating, working in groups paints a different pic.
R1/2 Function rules. Spaces for various types of interactions. Ss are NOT assigned seats; they go where it makes sense to them
When I was PBL facilitator in room w/50 6th graders my co-T and I didn’t have desks! Created opps for to sit, interact w/Ss more
I teach 1st grade in Washington TWP (just joining chat now) my Ss don't have their own desks
A2: Where is the teacher's space vs. the students space?
we have a third grade T that got rid of desks and Ss choose where they want to sit/stand/lounge
R2: if you flip your class, is there a need for traditional desk/learning environments?
A2 I’ll be sharing ideas for reimagining learning conditions and space on Tuesday!
A2: you see students engaged, excited, and eager to research and explore a topic of choice!
I really love this thought. Makes me wish I had the opportunity to do it with students.
Q3: What aspects of BL make changes to classroom environment necessary? What skills are you trying to maximize?
A2 my teacher station is in a corner. U know its mine because of the Colts banner in the fall, and the Sox banner in the spring
A2 just got rid of my teacher desk and I have teaching materials on a bookshelf behind small group table - we all share, even me!
I like having my own space too....
...A teacher friend in SC told me their school has adjoining offices. T learns w Ss but has private space for prep
A3: BL forces Ts to give more choice to Ss. That might be time/topic, location of learning, pace of learning. Maximize Ss agency
BL allows for deep thinking. That looks different for different Ss. The space needs to meet individual needs.
Q1 I think it's about arrangement. If the desks are in a circle, teacher in the center, then the students will be more interactive
Note about Q3: BL=Blended Learning... In case your brains are tired like mine at this hour. ;-)
R3: collaboration. Choice. Voice. Responsibility. Respect. Organization. Time management. Everything.
A3 I teach science. We need inquiry space as well
A3 Maximize small group instruction, Ss collaboration, interaction w resources & personalized learning.Lots of movement from T & S
R3 Depends on what BL model you are implementing. That will affect the environment.
Maximizing S agency, reflection, setting goals
A3: Collaboration and flexibility, especially on the part of the T
R3: BL is something that incorporates all aspects of learning--both in and out of the traditional classroom
Movement is a huge part of learning. Both Ts and Ss need this! https://t.co/NzEVzQkRUD
A3 Maximize small group instruction, Ss collaboration, interaction w resources & personalized learning.Lots of movement from T & S
A3 BL means students need more freedom from shackles of trad. desks. Freedom to collaborate
A3: Collaboration= shift from what I used to do. Trying to maximize Ss drive to research & investigate & T role as facilitator
A3 I don't assign seats, sit where you want, with whomever you want. Get up and move if it isn't working for you.
A3: BL allows for further inquiry and critical thinking on the Ss part. Definitely jot something that is assessed with
A3 last year, people even left the room and sat on the floor in the hall if they wanted!
True BL allows for more interaction with content and classmates than traditional learning
- This is good lesson for Ss to learn; that sitting w/ friends might be fun, but not the most productive. Pick wisely
R3 You are creating a space that allows for independence but supports collaboration and provides signals as needed (help bar)
If you want to see an amazing redesigned space, visit Fishers HS or HSE College & Career Academy. Best learning space I've seen
It's challenging but exciting to give Ss some power and ownership in their learning
Do you (or does anyone) have pictures we could see? (: that's our last Q for tonight)
The mention of goal setting made me think of the virtual space too! https://t.co/2YwXo3Iptf
R3 Depends on what BL model you are implementing. That will affect the environment.
Maximizing S agency, reflection, setting goals
R3- BL is a great way for differentiated instruction, voice, choice, path, and brings the innovators mindset to the table
In the classroom with bringing blended learning in, teachers need to make sure that the students know how to use the technology
Q4: What would a perfectly set up classroom look like? Your dream classroom?
A3: My students space is their iPad, desktop, office table, TV studio, out in the field with their community.
I took some when I visited but don't have handy. Will be there again this summer & will take pics.
R4: I would love my lab space to be used for labs. The desks and chairs are gone. Ss have couches and lounge chairs w/ tech2use
A4: Enough comfortable learning spaces and seating for all Ss. Multiple work spaces "zones", and more natural light!
A4: Dream classroom is a cross between a science lab, coffee shop, and a old, quirky bookstore + Recording studio
A4 1:1, a sofa in the back by the window, 3-4 tables, countertops for inquiry, access to the outdoors all the time
Get rid of desks but have tables?
A4: A different place/setting for different activities: Inside, lab, gym, outside, makers space, a retro/Genius Bar feel.
R4: perfect space Ss have a space where they can collab, work on their own, connect w experts explore https://t.co/e75QeZAFdI
Q4: What would a perfectly set up classroom look like? Your dream classroom?
A4: When one enters, they can't distinguish the front from the back. Space that fosters, but doesn't force collaboration.
“access to the outdoors” AMEN! https://t.co/fDscguJN23
A4 1:1, a sofa in the back by the window, 3-4 tables, countertops for inquiry, access to the outdoors all the time
I like this. Makes me think... is your classroom or Starbucks a better place to learn? Which should be? https://t.co/Zqdq5vpndE
A4: Dream classroom is a cross between a science lab, coffee shop, and a old, quirky bookstore + Recording studio
A4 Lots of books, tables on wheels, couches & coffee tables, legos, green screen, small group meeting space, floor pillows, iPads
A4: depends on the content, activities, and student needs. But must have comfy seating, ability to collaborate and stand or move
A4 comfortable, flexible. I have a variety of seating, standing, or floor options
R4 Various types of moveable furn, magnetic whiteboard walls, comfy seating, tech rich, glass enclosed priv rooms, lg tables
I have this with picnic tables out back it's awesome sauce
Yes! Always the most authentic learning for my students & what they produce is outstanding. https://t.co/QVm338h1YI
Love this - out and doing!
A4 Over the years has been a big supporter of student centered learning environments
If only we lived in a dream world with trees growing money in our backyards... Leads me to the second part of this question...
R4 Oh & a microwave, sink, & small fridge. No fluorescent lighting.
2 yrs ago I was able to help design my science lab! Love it
Q4.5: How can you leverage your current setup and resources to prepare your classroom for successful blended learning?
OK that is just too awesome! I would want to learn there!
A4: write a grant for this. Ask for donations from parents. Go garage sale hunting for good furniture.
Absolutely wish we could get rid of fluorescent lighting! Almost all rooms in our HS have natural light. https://t.co/mn9kcaiIPT
R4 Oh & a microwave, sink, & small fridge. No fluorescent lighting.
R4 It took me a while to find it, but this environment is the bomb! https://t.co/08K6qYMcZP Met the designer at ISTE last year
A 4.5 I just got rid of half of my desks, many chairs and raised/lowered some tables we already had
A4.5: Can buy really large tile board at Lowe’s for very little $. Makes great whiteboards. They’ll even cut if you want smaller
I have a grand plan to get sponsors for individual learning spaces. Just need to get it into action! https://t.co/StQ3SRbnEh
Q4.5: How can you leverage your current setup and resources to prepare your classroom for successful blended learning?
Whoa!!! Not even sure how to respond. That is amazing!
Great idea! https://t.co/O7LFUUqaJ4
I have a grand plan to get sponsors for individual learning spaces. Just need to get it into action! https://t.co/StQ3SRbnEh
Q4.5: How can you leverage your current setup and resources to prepare your classroom for successful blended learning?
A4.5: Integrate instructional practices now and a little physical layout. The rest will come!
Matt Canada - joining late from Bedford - just lurking and learning!
R 4.5 Have custodian take out some of your fluorescent bulbs and ask Ps to donate lamps. Get carpet squares & ask for tables.
Jump right in if you feel the urge. ;-) You're from my hometown area... I'm a Mitchell HS grad.
A4.5: Even when I had old desks, my Ss moved them all around the room, or ditched them for the floor more often than not
Of course there's a board for that! The Pinterest boards are awesome.
A5 I can trade furniture with others, have things I"m not using removed from the room to make space, rearrange creatively
Q5: What is preventing you (or your peers) from experimenting with learning spaces?
R 4-5 When I was in the classroom, my back to school letter let Ps know that I was always interested in plants, lighting, etc
R5: partner with local manufacturers to get amazing items, don't need to spend $1,000's and then the dominos will begin to fall!
Joined late enjoying learning about flexible learning with you
A5: "The structures of today become the prisons of tomorrow"
R5: Time/resources/fear of unknown with how Ss would handle the change
Yes, visit the Technology center & the new Innovation Lab It is truly awesome and very modern!
A5: A lot of Ts have lack of space in their classrooms. Some Ts worry new learning spaces = chaos, too much noise
A5 may look messy or loosely managed to admin
R5 It's not the case anymore, but electrical outlets were a restriction! I can't imagine what would hold a teacher back!
R5: Too often it's the mindset of "this is the way it's always been...and besides, only science teachers usually get tables." 😉
R4.5 start small with few changes but always change a few things around before long it's all changed
A5: For it's where do we store all those unused student desks?
A5(6?) only one stopping me.. is me.
That would have been me...the feeling of chaos, even organized chaos, would be a struggle for my Type A personality.
R5: Probably money and imagination
Fear of losing control... Even if we know student ownership is best, we have an edu system set up differently unfortunately
R5 physical space of building and rooms for the number of students and permission to do things like paint!
R5: biggest barrier idea of what school has been, what learning has looked like, let go of that/ we can reimagine learning spaces
Big shift for me when I went to PBL room of 50 6th Ss. We learned to let Ss determine if they needed to go to quiet space
Oooh! Ahhh! Those are cool.
R-5 Permission, Time, Money
funny, I'm kind of a control freak but that never crossed my mind when in the classroom. Guess the Ss response outweighed
A5 never been afraid of the chaos (used to get dinged on it on eval) the more chaos, the better!
I think that's important too. Some students need quiet to concentrate. I like having that option.
A5: Nothing is stopping me!!!
I'm late 4 convo. Heading to & can't wait to be inspired, even if 4 commercial interiors
R5 Money is biggest barrier. Ts have to beg borrow but not steal but it is a process & can start small on a budget.
As it should. Just throwing out why I think some would be hesitant. Maybe I just sympathize w those poor control freaks ;-)
You are such a great devil's advocate :) https://t.co/cXjKtI7sWH
As it should. Just throwing out why I think some would be hesitant. Maybe I just sympathize w those poor control freaks ;-)
Yes, contact . She's the hostess with the mostest!
Oh good point. I just shuddered. I'll pass on those now lol.
Q6: Share any links, examples, models, or pictures of flexible learning spaces conducive to blended learning.
A6: No links but an early is . She's my go-to for all things flexible seating.
oh, that event looks cool! I will be following you for hints of what inspiration you find!
oh, great one to add to the board, thanks!
I will be doing the camp next week . Follow me to see the cool things I'll be doing with Ss
I loved writing on those tables today!! I'm such a kid...
Yes! is a great example. :)
