The era of the traditional university "computer lab" is over, along
with the "lecture theater" and the "library": these are merging into common
learning spaces. The Inspire Center at University of Canberra is a model
for this, with flexible spaces and a minimalist TEAL room.
In 2007 I attended a talk by Philip Long and Mark Schulz on TEAL rooms. For the next five years I looked at how to optimize the space in TEAL
inspired computer labs, with false floors for cable and desks with built
in cabling. But by 2012 the technology had moved on, to the point where
we just needed rooms with technology on the walls and wifi. The problem
of how to accommodate fixed furniture and the technology on it could be
solved, by not having any. Desks on wheels can be arranged as required
and students bring their own equipment.
Data visualization can be done using the screens on all walls to display
the same image, active learning through the student's individual BYOD
devices using the room's wifi and team-based collaboration by allocating
a screen and some of the white-board wall, to each team.
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