Information Technology

Flexible Classrooms

Information Technology – Teaching and Learning

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Flexible Classrooms at UW Bothell

Flexible Classrooms are spaces that can easily be rearranged, making the space more conducive to applying different pedagogies and where students can be more actively engaged in the learning process. Course activities can range from problem solving, discussions, group work, to competitions and peer teaching.

At UW Bothell, we have flexible classrooms that can accommodate 30, 48 or 60 students and all are equipped with the default group configuration and an alternate configuration layout sheets. Some of these classrooms in Founders Hall have personal whiteboards. Images of each of the classrooms are available in the Flexible Classrooms page of the UW Bothell website.

Work is continuously being done to implement active learning and universal design principles into our classrooms. At UW Bothell we believe all classrooms should be flexible and highly conducive to sharing information so as to support group work and faculty-student collaboration. Just remember that if you change the configuration, please reset the classroom back to the default layout once your class is finished.

The image shown represents one of our first flexible classrooms located in Founders Hall, Room 202. These spaces could include:

  • Chairs and tables that are mobile and easy to move and rearrange
  • Varied classroom designs and furniture, which could include round tables, different seating arrangements, and different types of chairs
  • Whiteboard space on walls, mobile or personal whiteboards
  • Presentation technology
  • Mobile microphones for lecture capture
  • Color accent wall
  • Human-centric lighting

Other considerations for selected classrooms would include implementing technology that facilitates collaboration, such as:

  • Screen sharing technology
  • Multiple projection displays, such as LCD screens mounted in various locations
  • Mobile teaching infrastructure that can allow faculty to use mobile devices to teach and project course content
  • Technology infrastructure (power, network access, etc.) that helps the tools meld seamlessly with classroom teaching and learning

Given our beliefs in what a teaching & learning space should provide to both faculty and students, a cross-disciplinary Spaces Design Team using feedback from a faculty focus group and representing UW Bothell Office of Digital Learning & Innovation, Information Technologies, Registrar’s Office, and Physical Planning and Space Management have redesigned 13 classrooms to date, beginning Fall quarter 2017.

Founders Hall, UW1-060

This 30-person classroom was transformed from a dark, crowded classroom into a brighter, more open and highly collaborative space.

It features Steelcase Verb Tables on wheels with sidedocks for the 30 Personal Whiteboards that were also installed. Also featured is a hanging track on which the whiteboards can be placed for display or storage.

Steelcase 5-Star Base Node Chairs that enhance the comfort of students and allows for the room to be moved in different configurations quickly.

Founders Hall, UW1-110

This 48 person, 1239 sq ft classroom is a highly desired classroom on campus for its bank of windows offering an abundance of natural light. Additionally, this classroom has floor boxes throughout the classroom to give students access to power for all of their devices.

UW1-110 features Steelcase Verb Tables on wheels, and with sidedocks for the 48 Personal Whiteboards that are also installed. The classroom also features hanging track on which the whiteboards can be placed for display or for storage. This room also contains the Steelcase 5-Star Base Node Chairs which allow for the room to be moved in different configurations quickly.

Discovery Hall, DISC-252

This classroom, also known as The RUE Lab (Research on Undergraduate Education) is a flexible classroom that has been re-designed to support faculty who wish to conduct research to advance our understanding of teaching and learning. The RUE Lab allows faculty to implement innovative teaching strategies and simultaneously study the effect of those practices on student learning. Unique to this space is a 360° camera and specialized audio and video recording equipment for faculty to use for the purposes of their research on teaching and learning. 60 Steelcase Personal Whiteboards were also added to this classroom.

Discovery Hall 252 after newest additions

Reserving a Flexible Classroom

The Flexible Classrooms at UW Bothell are part of the general classroom inventory and may be reserved for your class via your time schedule coordinator. If you would like to schedule one of the classrooms for an event, you may request the room via the Facilities Use Request Form.