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Designing a 21st Century Learning Space

To support 21st century learning, students need to have access to a learning space that can provide opportunities for collaboration, innovation and student engagement. In this course, I designed a dream 21st century learning space. This space includes both private and collaborative working spaces that have a variety of seating and workspace options. The learning space furniture is flexible so it caters to a variety of learning styles. There are a variety of seating options such as floor cushions, wobble stools, high top stools, bean bag chairs, scoop chairs, and ball chairs. The tables include a floor table, a few traditional desks in tables, two high top tables, two standing desks, and a kidney table. Bulletin boards display student work, learning objectives and content-related topics. There is also a Lego wall to display student designs and to add color and student ownership to the space. The room has a variety of technology options available such as an Apple TV, an interactive whiteboard, a document camera, a ceiling projector, and ceiling speakers. All students have a personal iPad and headphones that are stored in bins around the room. An iPad charging station is also located in the space in case students forget to charge their devices overnight. There is also a 3D printer in the makerspace area. The softly lit lamps and overhead lights on dimmers provide a calming feel in the space and can be adjusted depending on the activity and the desired mood. I would love to be a student learning in this space!

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