THE MODEL CLASSROOM OF THE FUTURE

   The Model Classroom of the Future

The reconstruction of the Model Classroom consists of both Physical and Technological Elements.   Researchers and reporters reflect on numerous physical appearances of the Model Classroom while the Horizon Report 2012 reflects on six Technological Elements that should be considered in the blue print of its existence.

The Physical Elements of the 21^st Century Classroom is the 1500 square feet room with collapsible and fold-able partitions allowing for larger meeting spaces when needed. There are several quiet, remote spaces in the room for reading, reflections, testing, and relaxation. This oversize room serves as a flexible learning environment with multiple uses. The walls have magnetic writing surfaces, several units for video conferencing and two large interactive whiteboards for teachers and students use. Large 52” wall mounted flat panels are placed in several locations for multimedia presentations or whole class activities.   Sturdy, moveable furniture is reconfigured to accommodate collaborative planning, information sharing, or independent work.  Fixed work surfaces accommodate handling independent workstations and holding technological equipment. Wireless connectivity is placed throughout the room with an array of hard-wired outlets designed to support high bandwidth multimedia activities Natural lighting through windows and skylights enhanced with soft illuminated lights throughout the room can be extinguished when necessary.  Subjects are integrated into individually mapped curriculum for each student. They are given multilevel, self-paced instruction with assistance from experts in their field of study.  Through online learning and distance education, opportunities for one-on-one or group instruction are provided. To keep students engaged, there’s multiple electronic displays throughout the class with capabilities to adjust in various position or angles. There is also plenty of area around the classroom to support collaboration and project based learning (Media in Education, 2007).

The Technological Elements of the 21^st Century Classroom is characterized into six areas. The first is Mobile Devices and Apps. Its potential applications are vast, and range from graphing complex mathematical equations to storing and sharing notes and e-book annotations. Tablet Computing has high-resolution screens which allow users of tablets to easily share content, images, and video. Tablets are feature-rich tools for assignments that often replace far more expensive and cumbersome devices and equipment. Game Based Learning is easy to integrate into the curriculum and have long been an option in many schools.  The greatest potential of Games for Learning lies in the ability to foster collaboration and engage students in the process of learning.  Personal Learning Environment refers to the personal collection of tools and resources a person assemble to support their own learning. The goal is for students to have more control over how they learn in school and for teachers to set expectations that their students will be actively engaged in; designing and supporting their own learning strategies.  Augmented Reality refers to the layering of information over a view or representation of the normal world, offering users the ability to access place-based information in ways that are compellingly intuitive.  Augmented reality brings significant potential to supplement information delivered via computers and mobile device videos.  And lastly, Natural User Interfaces allows computers to respond to gestures, motions of the body, facial expressions, voice, sound, and other environmental cues. This device is unique as it teaches as you interact with it, enable users to learn by doing, and seamlessly convert thought to action (Johnson, Adams, & Cummins, 2012).

As new technologies emerge, the 21^st Century Standard Model Technology Classroom will serve its students with spaces for classes, hands-on workshops, and meetings which are critical in providing the opportunity for model technology teachers and students to become effective users of technology for teaching and learning (Richard, 2007).  Its purpose is to educate the whole child by inspiring creative expression, social responsibility, and academic challenges. This state of the art learning facility will encapsulate the aspirations of the entire municipality of our educational system (Galloway, 2006).