CLASSROOM INTERFACE: An Instrument for Learning
WHY: Contemporary classrooms are empty vessels for learning- a space that teachers conduct lessons and students observe and absorb information. Virtual classrooms are becoming more prevalent and effective because it is a learning environment where students and teachers interact on an internet platform at their own convenience. However not all children have access to personal home computers and thus limiting them from the information that can be gained from the internet and the experiences that come from multimedia learning. The classroom will be redefined as an instrument for learning through an interface for teachers to engage students in multiple formats and varied scales both in group and individual learning. Through media integration into the classroom; sensory cross referencing allows for a comprehensive learning process to occur.
EXISTING: The site is an existing classroom which will be used for music class for grades 6 thru 8 at Janis E. Dismus Middle School in Englewood, NJ; a school of approximately 450 children which is composed of students that come from 98% low income households in a suburban urban neighborhood. This classroom like many needs flexibility because it contains daytime classes which include hands on learning with instruments and choir as an extracurricular function. Currently this class is contained in another classroom and will be relocated to this new space which means that this space may very well not be its final thus mobility of parts is vital. When speaking to the educator she stated “She wanted to open students’ minds to the world of music through active engagement and interaction.” The existing space has poor use of natural light, no ventilation or air circulation which facilitates sickness, poor acoustics, lack of storage space, and unbalanced heating/cooling. When asking student’s what they thought were the most important factors in a learning environment. They stated light quality, fragrances, bright colors, temperature, and variation in stimulus to keep them alert are important factors in learning. The design intent is to retrofit not only the specific program but may be applied to any existing classroom, the modular and compact assembly allows for insertion and adaptability to any space.
PROPOSED: Variation occurs through an interface that allows for flexibility and adaptability based on the educator’s needs. There are no spatial restrictions in terms of teaching lessons, essentially creating a “free” adaptable classroom because of the following:
Construction Materials (From roof to floor)
1)Solar Panels (State grants available)-Roof
2)Echo Absorber Acoustical Pad-Ceiling
3)Recycled vinyl banners (flame retardant)suspended between bamboo frame-Ceiling
4)Dual Technology sensors(motion, occupancy, ambient light, climate)-Ceiling
5)Erase-Rite Wall Covering by Wall-Talkers-Ceiling/Wall panels
6)mimio Interactive system (infrared/ultrasound technology)- Ceiling/Wall Panels
6)LED track lighting by Bruck lighting:"ledra mini"-Ceiling
7)Recycled plastic bottle shading device-Window Wall
8)Existing Air Conditioner and inflatable ductwork with distribution through diffusers-Ceiling
9)Recycled Paper Pulp Furniture (Stackable desk/ chairs)-Entire Space
10)Recycled Cor-Terra Rubber Cork Acoustical Floor tile by Capri Cork Flooring-Floor finish
11) Recycled crates & wood shelving- Built in storage units
