The Future Classroom Lab flexible space design of European Schoolnet

The Future Classroom Lab of European Schoolnet is a unique initiative that aims to inspire educators and school leaders to create innovative and dynamic learning environments. The lab is designed to showcase the latest in flexible space design and educational technology and demonstrate how these tools can be used to facilitate active learning pedagogy.

One of the key features of the Future Classroom Lab is its flexible space design. The lab is designed to be adaptable to different teaching and learning styles, with furniture and equipment that can be easily reconfigured to support other activities and learning environments. This allows teachers to create a variety of different learning spaces within the same classroom, such as group workspaces, individual workspaces, and presentation areas.

Another important aspect of the Future Classroom Lab is its use of educational technology. The lab is equipped with a wide range of technology tools, such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and virtual reality headsets, that can enhance teaching and learning. These tools can support collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, and can be integrated seamlessly into various lesson plans and activities.

However, creating a future classroom is not just about investing in furniture and equipment. It also requires a mindset of innovative pedagogy. This means being open to trying new teaching methods, experimenting with new technologies, and being willing to adapt to the changing needs of students.

The Future Classroom Lab of European Schoolnet is divided into six different zones, each designed to support a specific type of learning activity

Interact Zone

This zone is designed to support collaboration and communication among students. It features tables and chairs that can be easily reconfigured to support different group sizes, as well as technology tools such as interactive whiteboards and tablets that can be used to support teamwork and digital collaboration. This area is where the teacher leads the students through the learning scenario, but it’s important to note that teacher-led activities don’t automatically imply that the role of the students is limited to being a passive audience. The teacher may be the expert to a certain extent, but they should act as a facilitator and a moderator, involving all students in the learning process, which is a key condition to have active learning taking place in a classroom setup that may look traditional at first sight.

Exchange Zone

The Exchange Zone is designed to support peer-to-peer learning and the sharing of knowledge and ideas. It features comfortable seating and small tables that can be used for individual or small group work, as well as technology tools such as laptops and tablets that can be used to support digital research and the creation of digital resources. In this zone, the teacher acts as a coach to support teams when needed and teamwork can take place at different stages of the scenario. It’s important to note that the quality of student collaboration is composed of ownership, shared responsibility, and a decision-making process within the group.

Develop Zone

The Develop Zone is designed to support the development of new skills and knowledge. It features a variety of different tools and resources, such as books, manipulatives, and art supplies, that can be used to support hands-on learning and experimentation. This area facilitates learning in a more informal way and gives students the freedom to carry out schoolwork independently at their own pace, either on their own or in small groups. It also allows students to focus on their own interests.

Investigate Zone

The Investigate Zone is designed to support inquiry-based learning and the exploration of new ideas and concepts. It features technology tools such as virtual reality headsets and 3D printers that can be used to support digital exploration and the creation of digital models and prototypes. This zone connects to a driving question that challenges students to come up with creative answers. Students are encouraged to discover for themselves, be active participants rather than passive listeners, and learn how to find quality resources and manage information.

Create Zone

The Create Zone provides materials and equipment where learners can create their own products to showcase their learning. Instead of just being content consumers, learners have the opportunity to be content creators. In this zone, learners go beyond the simple repetition of information and make transfer of the acquired knowledge to a new piece of content as a result of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Creating and making new artifacts are ways of processing learning, it allows learners to exercise their imagination and innovate.

Present Zone

The Present Zone is designed to support the presentation and sharing of new work. It features a stage and seating area that can be used for public speaking, as well as technology tools such as projectors and sound systems that can be used to support the presentation of digital media and other creative projects. In the Future Classroom, learning is a social matter, students get the opportunity to share what they have created and this goes beyond the presentation of finished products. It’s an area where trying out and failure are inherent parts of learning. Sharing with others shows learners they have a voice and are capable of producing meaningful, authentic, high-quality work. At the same time, presenting and sharing work encourages metacognition and the development of soft skills. This process offers opportunities to reflect on the work done and clarify misconceptions or areas for improvement.

In conclusion, the Future Classroom Lab of European Schoolnet is a valuable resource for educators and school leaders looking to create innovative and dynamic learning environments. The lab is designed to showcase the latest in flexible space design and educational technology and demonstrate how these tools can be used to facilitate active learning pedagogy. The six zones within the lab are designed to support different types of learning activities, from teacher-led activities to independent learning, and from collaboration to creativity. The Future Classroom Lab serves as an inspiration for educators and school leaders to create their own future classrooms, foster a mindset of innovative pedagogy, and use technology to enhance teaching and learning. It features a wide range of different spaces and resources, including the six zones described above, that can be used to support active learning pedagogy and the integration of technology into the classroom.