Looking to create a classroom of the future? Look no further than Oregon State University’s Learning Innovation Center (LINC). This four-story classroom building, which opened in fall 2015, boasts a shared campus classroom that can seat 2,300 students across 15 general-use spaces. Additionally, there are 640 informal seats on the periphery for individual and group work.
The classrooms at LINC feature a variety of designs, incorporating both traditional and innovative floor plans. For example, there are two 72-seat active-learning “Scale Up” classroom studios, as well as classrooms with seating in the round, including a 600-seat arena, a 300-seat arena, and a 185-seat oval.
The vision for LINC stemmed from the need to expand on-campus classrooms and create a large-capacity facility focused on teaching and learning. The emphasis was on increasing learner engagement through intentional design.
A research group at OSU, the Geometry of Learning Dynamics group, played a key role in developing assessments for learning in the round. This collaborative effort resulted in an educational complex that serves teachers and learners from various disciplines.
President Ed Ray appointed Rebecca Warner as the project lead for the LINC building, and together they worked with BORA Architecture and Interiors to bring the design to life. The completion of LINC showcases OSU’s commitment to innovation and investment in cutting-edge learning environments.
Collaboration with Stakeholders for Success
Involvement and buy-in from all stakeholders was crucial in the planning and design of LINC. Instructors, students, support staff, and administrators all played a role in space design decisions early in the process. This collaboration led to the concept of learning spaces with seating in the round, which was tested and refined through mockup activities.
The benefits of teaching and learning in the round are vast, including enhanced engagement, active learning facilitation, and equitable seating. Moreover, the infrastructure at LINC was designed to be flexible and scalable to support evolving teaching methodologies and technology.
Tips for Successful Classroom Modernization
For institutions looking to modernize their classrooms, here are some key actions to consider:
- Involve stakeholders early in the design process
- Prioritize visibility for instructors
- Create a community of practice for instructors
- Conduct site tours for faculty before completion
- Provide tech support for faculty to familiarize with room technology
- Think about projection and screens for optimal presentation
- Equip the room with state-of-the-art technology
- Offer tours to inspire other institutions
- Collaborate with institutions with similar innovations
The success of the LINC project at OSU exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in creating modern teaching and learning environments. By involving stakeholders and prioritizing engagement and flexibility, OSU has set a new standard for educational spaces.
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