COM597 – Theories and Practice of Interactivity
October 26, 2009
As a second part to this week’s COM 592 class assignment, we were asked to propose a design solution for a new classroom/learning experience based on feedback from an in-class brainstorming session. My design below follows the suggestion of a classroom roundtable model where all students and faculty face one another with the goal of increasing class participation and engagement. I also integrated the idea of a projector in the open space in the middle of the desks that can display content, of faculty and students’ choice, at numerous angles. I think the projector should live in and hang from the ceiling where it won’t prevent students and teachers from seeing each other and won’t be a distraction.
I also like the idea of computers built into every desk and cup holders in the classroom seats. Cup holders in the seats will help prevent the accidental spilling of liquids on the computer screens and desks. Durable, touch sensitive computer screens will allow students to take notes, access course materials, and provide live feedback (via Twitter or other forums). Students can access their personalized computer interface and documents via their MyUW account. Or, they can login to their own computers remotely if they are attached to specific software and other features. If students and teachers want to use their desks in a traditional way, without using the computer, they can simply choose not to turn the computer on or to disable the touch screen.
