OSU’s Learning Innovation Center (LINC) is dedicated general education building with 17 classrooms capable of seating 2,200 students. The building perimeter on all four floors hosts 650 varied informal learning spaces. The Geometry of Learning research agenda was motivated during the planning of LINC, particularly because it includes learning space designs that have no precedent in higher education. This is particularly the case with the three teaching-in-the-round rooms in which the instructor is surrounded 360 degrees by the learners.
The New Media Consortium featured these circular designs in the 2016 Horizon Report > 2016 Higher Education Edition.
“With years of thorough research and thoughtful design, campuses worldwide are building state-of the-art classrooms and other spaces that foster greater collaboration in healthier environments. Oregon State University’s new Learning Innovation Center, for example, features “in the round” classrooms that enable faculty to get in close proximity to every student in even the largest of courses. The placement of classrooms in the center of the building allows for greater flow between classes, and added informal learning spaces enable students and faculty to work together outside of class.” (NMC, Horizon Report > 2016 Higher Education Edition, P.13)
As follow-up to the report, NMC asked Jon Dorbolo to join a panel discussion about innovative learning spaces for the NMC Beyond the Horizon > Learning Spaces webcast on July 13, 2016. Thanks to Jeff Hino for facilitating the connection.
The webcast, which was attended by 39 participants from around the globe, is available for view and features fascinating work from Purdue, North Carolina, and the University of Oklahoma.
Have a watch and let us know what you think!
Image Acknowledgements
nmc.logo.jpg
http://www.nmc.org/member-home/
The Geometry of Learning 