After an extensive redesign and renovation process, GH319 has reopened for the University of Guelph-Humber’s fall semester. Designed for use by UofGH’s Early Childhood Studies Program, the classroom now boasts a number of new features to allow for innovative learning opportunities.
“We all learn differently and this room helps us embrace those differences,” says Dr. Nikki Martyn, Program Head of ECS.
Rather than follow the traditional design of rows of desks and a blackboard, the layout of GH319 can be configured at any time. It has movable desks that can be rearranged to suit different activities and offers a number of different seating options. There are height-adjustable standing desks, “wiggle” chairs that allow for seated movement and a bicycle desk that allows students to pedal while they work, all alongside traditional chairs and desks. These options, along with “fidget toys” on the desks mean that student will have more choice when it comes to how they sit and interact while they learn.
After a few classes in the room, 3rd year ECS student Meaghan Morrison was amazed by how GH319 helped her concentrate.
“When I’m in a lecture, I tend to lose focus pretty quickly, but keeping my hands busy helps me pay attention,” she says. “Having these chairs and the toys on the desks is interesting, but I didn’t realize just how much it would help. It made a huge difference and I was able to participate more because I had a better grasp of what I was learning. I called my parents afterwards and raved about it!”
The classroom also has a variety of digital technology to encourage collaboration. Its walls are covered with detachable white boards as well as five digital Smart Boards that students can work and write on. With the use of a mobile app, they can display images and take screenshots. All of the boards also interact with ECS’ digital tablets, which can be checked out from the resource room next door. In the room’s centre is a large painted circle for group activities, and above it is lecture capture technology, so that lessons can be recorded and shared after class.
“No matter what you study, everyone works differently and benefits from different things,” Meaghan says. “This room is such a great idea — there’s something for everyone in here.”
