If you would like to learn more about Innovation in Ontario follow our Twitter hastag #InnovatiON21c.
If you want to share an innovation from your school use our hashtag
#InnovatiON21c
If you would like to learn more about Innovation in Ontario follow our Twitter hastag #InnovatiON21c.
If you want to share an innovation from your school use our hashtag #InnovatiON21c
Many districts are experimenting with innovative virtual environments. Like innovative physical environments this places a focus on developing spaces that support students' active participation in the learning process. Districts are taking advantage of learning environments such as the provincial VLE, google apps for education (GAFE) and Office 365 to create these spaces. Virtual innovative spaces include online communities, virtual communities or augmented reality. Virtual innovative spaces use technology to create spaces for students to connect and collaborate. They create rich environments for learning that go beyond the physical space.
Connected North
Knowledge Forum
Vroc
Augmented reality in the classroom by Kathy Schrock
Innovative spaces for learning are emerging in various areas of a school setting. Examples include Learning Commons, individual and collaborative work spaces, student lounges, and more. These provide flexible learning environments for students that promote experiential learning, collaboration, and personal connections with others. Their formation begins with the educational rationale and purpose for learning.
collaboration Spaces
Learning is social. The global competencies reinforce the social nature of learning. This means the traditional learning space of individual rows of desks are not condusive to what we know about learning. Innovative Spaces are purposefully designed to allow for collaboration. This can be done by creating different work areas in the classroom or school that allow for students to come together to collaborate. These can be dedicated purpose built spaces or flexible areas that are not as clearly defined.
Whiteboard Space
Whiteboards or non-permanent vertical surfaces are often used to encourage collaboration and demonstration of learning. The whiteboard provides a risk free place for students to experiment with their thinking.
Using Different Seating Options
Flexible seating can allow students to both work collaboratively when needed but also independently. Providing choice in seating can open the environment up to different learning styles and needs. This is aligned to the principles of Universal Design for learning
Different Surface Heights
Providing different heights at which students may work is another way to support differentiation. This allows students to work while standing or sitting to meet their needs.
How do these examples inspire your thinking and actions regarding transforming spaces within your school/classroom to encourage student voice, agency, engagement?
Physical Innovative Spaces
Almost ready for #TDSBfirstday! -
Innovative Public Spaces
One way of looking at the school is to think about the whole building as a learning environment. Innovative public spaces take advanatage of under utilized space by making every place a place of learning. Think about how the space can be used in a creative and innovative way. Using the risers of stairs, the glass on entry ways, having common areas for collaboration are all some strategies that schools in Ontario are using.
