The Collaborative Classroom
The "Ideal" Classroom
I chose to layout my classroom with no "teacher space" because in my ideal the classroom is a group learning environment full of peers. A learning community style would leave the option for a teacher to have an office (similar to the university model) outside of the classroom. When the teacher and student have their own spaces outside of the classroom in which they can work and create; their time and space in the classroom becomes more collaborative in nature. If the space is more collaborative in nature, then it stands to reason that the work could be more egalitarian and thus a "community of learners".
Of course this model would not work in an elementary school environment, but as a middle school teacher, I see no hesitation in saying that this type of works space could function in today's schools. I included a couch into this space because in my mind when we begin to create (the higher levels of Bloom's work) there is always discussion and heated discussions are always worked through when people are able to not only be comfortable but move around and view each other from different vantages. I personally wish I would have had more access to this type of learning space when I went through my secondary education instead of uncomfortable, limiting desks.
Reflection on the Tool
The tool (Google Sketchup) itself is truly endless in its possibilities. As someone who has never had access to this type of modeling software, my imagination soared in the endless things I might want to do with it. I personally found the tool a bit cumbersome, and I can see where a user would need repeated exposure to become proficient in their skills in the application. Once the learning curve is achieved though, it is possible to truly create a whole new world.
The uses for students using this tool, are limited only by their exposure and time frame. This technology could be used to present knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, IPC, and even as a tool for historical recreations or to show understanding of setting in ELA. Also, students could use this tool to create a vision for themselves as a goal builder for the environment, their own homes, or the application of an integrated content unit. If teachers collaborated and allowed students to combine content and use this tool to create their projects here, the only thing to stop them would be time; whereas in some subjects, their limitation in resources, funding, etc....
I chose to layout my classroom with no "teacher space" because in my ideal the classroom is a group learning environment full of peers. A learning community style would leave the option for a teacher to have an office (similar to the university model) outside of the classroom. When the teacher and student have their own spaces outside of the classroom in which they can work and create; their time and space in the classroom becomes more collaborative in nature. If the space is more collaborative in nature, then it stands to reason that the work could be more egalitarian and thus a "community of learners".
Of course this model would not work in an elementary school environment, but as a middle school teacher, I see no hesitation in saying that this type of works space could function in today's schools. I included a couch into this space because in my mind when we begin to create (the higher levels of Bloom's work) there is always discussion and heated discussions are always worked through when people are able to not only be comfortable but move around and view each other from different vantages. I personally wish I would have had more access to this type of learning space when I went through my secondary education instead of uncomfortable, limiting desks.
Reflection on the Tool
The tool (Google Sketchup) itself is truly endless in its possibilities. As someone who has never had access to this type of modeling software, my imagination soared in the endless things I might want to do with it. I personally found the tool a bit cumbersome, and I can see where a user would need repeated exposure to become proficient in their skills in the application. Once the learning curve is achieved though, it is possible to truly create a whole new world.
The uses for students using this tool, are limited only by their exposure and time frame. This technology could be used to present knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, IPC, and even as a tool for historical recreations or to show understanding of setting in ELA. Also, students could use this tool to create a vision for themselves as a goal builder for the environment, their own homes, or the application of an integrated content unit. If teachers collaborated and allowed students to combine content and use this tool to create their projects here, the only thing to stop them would be time; whereas in some subjects, their limitation in resources, funding, etc....