When most classrooms on campus were designed, chalk and talk were dominant pedagogies. Today, much more interaction occurs between faculty and students, students frequently work collaboratively on tasks, and professors use more advanced technology.
Likewise, the university is providing classrooms that facilitate the modern learning process: Diana Oblinger, vice president of EDUCAUSE and a national expert on learning and learning spaces, visited campus this past summer and held forums to discuss feasible options. A Dell consultant also spent a day on campus interviewing various groups about their classroom technology needs and made general recommendations.
“Several classrooms already have been renovated,” says Philip Way, Ph.D., associate provost for Undergraduate Programs. “Now it is time to obtain feedback from faculty and students and to gain input into what UAB’s priorities should be going forward.”
UAB will be showcasing some stellar examples of classroom redesign in an open house for the new Education Technology Services classrooms in Education Building Suite 238 Thursday, Feb. 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors, who can tour the rooms and use the equipment, are encouraged to share their feedback and suggestions in a brief survey that will be distributed. Provost Eli Capilouto will make brief remarks at 4:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information about the open house, contact Lori Miles at 996-7190. To see Oblinger’s presentations, go to www.uab.edu/it/instructional/technology .