ARCHIVED: Completed project: Collaborative Learning Studio, Student Building 015

Primary UITS contact: Stacy Morrone

Completed: January 31, 2014

Description: Addressing the increasing need for collaborative learning spaces across the Indiana University system, the vision to transform Student Building 015, formerly the map library, into a large, collaborative classroom grew out of a proposal from the departments of Geography and Anthropology together with the New Pedagogies New Technologies grant program. This shared vision focused on holistic, transformative course/curriculum redesign, the use of innovative technologies, and the creation of a large, technology-rich, collaborative learning classroom. However, at that time, IU had no classroom space large enough for implementing this vision. In June 2012, Student Building 015 was identified as a large space that would be renovated into an approximately 100-seat collaborative classroom.

Outcome: The Collaborative Learning Studio, formerly Student Building 015, is a state-of-the-art classroom that features 16 collaborative student tables (with seating for six at each table), multiple projection displays, including a 4x4 video wall (comprising 16 flat panels), and multiple control locations (allowing the instructor to roam freely about the classroom). Software installed on computers in the technology rack allow instructors to use iPads to control computer applications from anywhere in the room.

Each student collaborative table is equipped with a 40-inch flat panel, PC/keyboard/mouse, VGA and HDMI laptop connections, cable cubby, controls for switching the content displayed, and (because the room is so large) a push-to-talk microphone. Students can switch the display source from the table's PC to their laptops with the push of a button. Instructors can push content to the collaborative table monitors, or display on the video wall or projectors content from any of the table monitors. To facilitate collaborative learning, the instructor can display all 16 student table displays simultaneously on the video wall (one in each panel). Instructors can display one, two, or four large images across all 16 panels. Additional angled projection displays are located on side walls. Requests to teach in the Collaborative Learning Studio are made through the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning.

Milestones and status:

• November 2011-June 2012: Schematic design, design development, construction documents
• June 2012: Bids released
• July 2012: Bid awarded, construction begins
• July 2012-February 2013: Construction
• February 2013-April 2013: Technology and video wall installation
• May 21, 2013: Official opening and reception by Provost Robel
• Summer 2013: Final debugging of technology, training sessions
• Fall 2013: Classes scheduled
• Fall 2013 and beyond: Research studies on use of room

Comment process: Contact Stacy Morrone.

Benefits: This active learning classroom supports innovative pedagogies, such as team-based and problem-based learning. Research studies are being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the room.

Project team:

• UITS Learning Technologies
• Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
• University Architects Office
• IU Bloomington Teaching and Learning Spaces Committee
• Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning