Familiarize Yourself with the Space

Before teaching in a Classrooms+ space, familiarize yourself with its layout, furniture, technology, features, and limitations.  

• Visit the space in person if possible, or use the Classrooms+ Directory for detailed information.
• Observing a colleague who has taught in the space can also provide valuable insights.
• Ensure all technological tools you plan to use are functioning correctly and that you understand how to operate them.
• Contact Academic Technologies at 210-458-4520 or [email protected] for assistance or an overview of the space's capabilities.
• Always have backup plans in case of technical issues, as technology may not always function as intended. 

Prepare for a Successful Class

Start small and consider having a balance of activities that support your learning objectives and goals.     

• Replace traditional lectures with microlectures or shorter presentations combined with student hands-on activities that support your learning objectives and goals.  Utilize tools such as iClicker or PlayPosit Live Broadcast for interactive lectures or Microsoft Forms for real-time feedback.
• Ensure a balance between group work and whole-class discussions to foster collaboration and shared learning. Tools like Padlet Board, Padlet Sandbox, and Canvas discussions can facilitate interactions, while collaborative document tools such as OneNote and Microsoft Word can support the exchange of ideas and thoughts during group work and whole-class discussions.
• Allocate extra preparation time for active learning methods compared to traditional courses. 

Utilize the flexible furniture to create arrangements that support various learning activities, such as small group work, team-building exercises, or differentiated learning zones. Determine the best positions for yourself during class to ensure all students have clear visibility and can hear you. If remote learners participate, note the locations of cameras, microphones, and monitors for effective interaction.  

Create a Central Focus

Establish a focal point, like a podium or the main screen, and create a signal to direct student attention when needed. 

Move Beyond the Podium 

Use a wireless remote control to advance slides and control on-screen information from anywhere in the room, allowing for greater mobility and student engagement. Utilize Mersive Solstice with tablets or laptops to display content, allowing you to move freely around the room without needing to be plugged in at the podium. 

Use Microphones 

In large Classrooms+, identifying speakers and ensuring everyone can hear comments can be difficult. Encourage students to use the provided wireless microphone for responses and instructor comments. 

The active learning environment can lead to increased noise and activity, which can be overwhelming for some students. 

Attention Signals 

Implement visual or auditory cues to manage noise levels, such as dimming the lights or using a key phrase. 

Maintain Focus 

Move around the room to monitor student work and ensure they stay on task. Assign challenging activities that take the full allotted time. Encourage student accountability by randomly selecting groups to share their progress or awarding participation points. 

Overwhelmed Students 

Be mindful that some students might find the active learning environment overwhelming due to the high level of activity and noise. Communicate with students who seem to be struggling and consider accommodations. 

Digital Distractions 

Minimize digital distractions by limiting the number of laptops in each group or asking students to close them when not in use. Structured tasks and "gapped handouts" or outlines can help keep students engaged with the material. 

Remote Students  

If your class includes remote students, create opportunities for them to engage with their in-person peers during synchronous sessions. Consider pairing in-person and remote students as "buddies," where the in-person student ensures their remote buddy can participate in discussions. 

Accommodations 

If there is a need for additional accommodations while in the learning space, please be sure to reach out to Student Disabilities Services and/or Academic Innovation’s Digital Accessibility team at [email protected] for assistance.

Extend Learning 

Continue the learning experience beyond the classroom by using online platforms like Canvas for discussions, group projects, and sharing additional resources. Provide supplementary materials such as recorded lectures using Panopto, readings, or activities for independent learning and reinforcement. 

Feedback and Reflection 

Regularly seek feedback from students and colleagues to refine your teaching methods and approaches. Gather feedback on the learning environment and teaching strategies through informal conversations, surveys utilizing Microsoft Forms and Qualtrics, or end-of-class reflections using Canvas Discussions,  Padlet Board, or Microsoft Word. Use this feedback to continuously improve your teaching and optimize the use of Classrooms+ spaces. 

Flexibility and Adaptation 

Teaching in a Classrooms+ space can offer exciting possibilities for teaching and learning. Start small and gradually expand your use of the space as you gain confidence. Remain flexible and adapt your approach based on student needs and classroom dynamics. 

By thoughtfully implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, instructors can effectively utilize Classrooms+ spaces to create dynamic and engaging learning experiences. Remember to embrace flexibility, seek feedback, and prioritize student needs to maximize the potential of these innovative learning environments. By fostering active learning, collaboration, and a supportive classroom community, you can empower your students to achieve deeper understanding and success.