This week in CEP 811, we were tasked with creating our ideal or dream classroom. There were many different design programs available, but I decided to use RoomStyler to create my perfect classroom. Roomstyler allows you to build your classroom using a large variety of 3D furniture and other graphic features and then see the final product in a 3D photo video. When I first entered the teaching profession my classroom looked like a standard classroom; the desks were in straight rows all facing the same way. Due to the pandemic, my county went to desks 6 feet apart and in straight lines, which we all know is not the situation we want. Even though there are a lot of negative ideas and settings, there are some positives in the classroom. I have one of the largest rooms in the school, surrounded by windows, therefore it allows me to have natural plants in my classroom. I feel that plants have the ability to alleviate stress from students and bring a more nature feel inside the classroom. Another positive aspect is the white and grey colors of walls. I feel that these are warm, calming colors, which provides a home-like feeling. My classroom for many of my students is their “home”. A safe environment where they feel they can do anything. Currently, the pandemic doesn’t allow for my classroom to be flexible, but I am trying my best to make sure it becomes an experience. Van Gelderen mentions that “the experience is all about flow and flexibility”, I don’t think he would be too happy with what my classroom is right now, but I do think he would enjoy my re-designed classroom. My re-designed classroom is what my classroom looked like before the pandemic forced teachers to restructure our classrooms. Last summer I sat down with my best friend who is a 7th grade special education teacher and we looked at how we could set up an effective learning experience for every student. I decided to add multiple spaces including wiggle chairs, floor seats, yoga mats, sofas, and other flexible seating options. I also created an area to allow students to stand, where they would be given clipboards so they have something hard to do their classwork on. Students could use this space if they were having difficulties staying focused while sitting down. My walls are filled with colorful posters that talk about US History. Something I added this year was a bulletin board for each class period that showcases excellent student work samples that have been completed in class. I have also set up four learning corners where students can use headphones and face the wall if they need a quieter, calmer environment. Another piece of my classroom is technology. Each student has a chromebook (NO MORE WASTING TREES!); when I decide what lessons to do on the chromebook, I make sure to use what I learned in my CEP 810 class about TPACK how the technology connects to pedagogy and content knowledge. My re-design allows many student choices, students can choose to work individually or collaboratively. I had students setup in 7 groups of 5, with one group a big table for my IEP and other struggling learners. The table allows more room to work with focused groups and an area where I can sit down next to them and provide additional instruction and assistance. There are also two large spaces for an entire group of students to gather. The furniture that was selected can be moved so students can transform the classroom with ease, thus allowing for constructionist learning to happen. Overall, my redesigned classroom allows for students to take an active role in their learning. It lets them decide what is best for them and sets them up for success by being able to learn from the comfort of their “second home”. Sources: Chang School. (2010, February 9). Tedde van Gelderen on experience design. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB4VFKn7MA4&feature=emb_logo Candace M. (2013, April 26). TPACK in 2 minutes. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=FagVSQlZELY
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CEP-811This blog contains ideas and innovations I have done and learned in class. Please feel free to read and comment! Enjoy! :) |