Update:
How to Create an Effective Campus Flex Space
4/26/2022
Due to the pandemic, the past few years required unique flexibility in teaching and learning. As we move towards a post-pandemic era, the same flexibilities continue on. Flexible learning spaces, or flex spaces, allow for a wider range of teaching methods and classroom configurations that encourage these modern ways of learning.
It is important to create a flex space that both supports and promotes these modern ways of learning. Thus, we will be sharing with you how to create an effective flex space for both teachers and students.
Accessibility
No matter what configuration you choose for your flex space, be sure that everyone can:
- Effectively see and hear each other, including remote students
- Comfortably sit in the space for long periods of time
- Access and engage with learning materials
- Easily move around the space
- Easily move and reconfigure furniture as needed
(Rands & Gansemer-Topf, 2017, p. 31).
Materials
Be sure that there is space for all materials needed in the classroom. This can include:
- Laptops and technology, and outlets that are accessible to everyone
- Podium for lecture-based learning
- Books and notes
- Crafts or other learning supplies
Auditory Aids
With the rise of hybrid classrooms, it is important to take into consideration audio needs for both remote and in-person learning. You can improve audio by:
- Minimizing background noise by using movable walls or furniture that can dampen noises
- Using microphones
- Repeating students’ comments or questions
Visual Aids
Of course students need quality visual aids, too. To improve visual elements for students, consider:
- Implementing high quality projectors and TVs
- Using a high quality video camera for remote students
- Using portable visual aids that make moving technology easy
Movable Walls
As flex spaces change, it can be difficult to effectively store and move all the materials and auditory and visual aids for high accessibility. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to do this is by implementing movable walls into the classroom. Movable walls can feature the following elements:
- Whiteboards and chalkboards for teaching
- TVs for videos, presentations, or remote learning
- Display space for projects
- Secure personal storage for student storage
- Sound dampening materials to decrease noise
- And more!
To implement an effective flex space into your university campus plan, click here.
References
Rands, M.L. & Gansemer-Topf, A.M. (2017). The room itself is active: How classroom design impacts student engagement. Journal of Learning Spaces, 6(1), 26-33.