My 21st Century Classroom...

I think the most important thing to think about when designing a digital classroom is creating ways to make collaboration happen. Collaboration in a classroom where students are seated alone and not able to communicate easily is obviously not going to work. So when I thought about designing my 21st century classroom, I imagined places where students can work together to create new things. I think working in groups is incredibly important. Having the desks in pods would be a great way to fulfill the need for collaboration. Another thing I think is important is to have other seating (bean bag chairs, carpet areas, moveable chairs, places to hide out) to create a moveable and cozy classroom. Students should be able to move around the classroom and still be productive.

Along with collaboration accessibility, the main things I thought about in my classroom, is opportunities to create. By this I mean, that students should have access to a variety of tools in the classroom to create meaningful learning experiences. I hope to have chromebooks for each student to use in the classroom and at home. I think this would make learning more accessible and allow for students to become familiar with having their own device. With the chromebooks, I would find a projector and reliable internet access necessary in my classroom. One thing that I did not find necessary was an interactive whiteboard. I do not have a lot of experience with interactive whiteboards but from what I seen, they are not necessary in a classroom. Maybe as I learn more about interactive whiteboard my opinion might change. As I learn and grow as an educator my vision of a 21st century classroom will also grow.

*I created a prezi presentation about my 21st century classroom. Check it out here!