In the last week, I’ve run across several mentions of Learning Studios popping up around the country. Both Santa Monica College and the University of Virginia have opened innovative classroom spaces recently they call learning studios. The projects look a lot like the Core Classroom opened in the ACU library in 2009 and build on the “active learning classroom” model developed at MIT and North Carolina State, among others. The primary aim of these type classrooms is to move away from designing lecture halls or auditoriums where students gather to listen; these new spaces create pods that better serve discussion-based or team-based learning in a range of disciplines, from the humanities to science education. Though we’ve conceived the Learning Studio here at ACU to support informal collaboration and media production outside the classroom, we share a desire to explore learning in a digital world. Thanks to the committed faculty here at ACU who have taught in the Core Classroom over the last two years.
Adjusting the Prescription – UVA School of Medicine
Santa Monica College – Digital Learning Studio
SMC Opens “Mind Blowing” Digital Learning Studio
What is an Active Learning Classroom – University of Minnesota