Podcast Series: Innovations in Education

Explore the full series of eSchool News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.

How creative learning spaces lead to greater innovation

As technology and innovation become first priority for school districts, it’s important that students are offered creative learning spaces to expand and challenge their knowledge and ability to create. Technology can help students boost their concentration, retain information, and encourage individualized learning programs. Students can also begin to advance their collaboration skills through online projects.

In the 2017 National Education Technology Plan Update, former U.S. Secretary of Education John King stated, “One of the most important aspects of technology in education is its ability to level the field of opportunity for students.” With technology in tow, creative learning spaces help to expand students’ minds to imagination and freedom of expression. These unique, educational spaces breed continued motivation for students that allow children to fully engage in their schooling and become excited about learning.

So, with the right aesthetics, a creative learning space can not only impact brain function, but positively influence how students feel at school and cultivate an environment that will support students’ success.…Read More

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Teachers say modern learning spaces are critical for student achievement

It’s been said for years: We can’t help our students become citizens in an evolving and global workplace if we’re teaching them in last century’s classrooms. And now, teachers are clamoring for modern learning spaces instead of rows of desks facing the front of the classroom, according to new research.

More than 1,600 teachers participated in a survey on learning spaces, conducted as part of research firm MDR’s State of the K-12 Market 2018 series, and the majority of those teachers believe classrooms and learning spaces impact student outcomes.

“Teachers across the country overwhelmingly agree that creative learning spaces play an important role in student engagement,” says Melissa Pelletier, MDR education research editor and an author of the study. “Companies who work with schools will gain valuable insights into what teachers believe creates learning environments that encourage all students to collaborate, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve their highest potential.”…Read More

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5 ways to optimize learning spaces for student success

As we address the challenges of a highly competitive world, we must enable students to learn and generate new ideas by moving away from the “old school” classroom. The good news is that architects and interior solutions providers are embracing ways help transform our schools.

Here are five important aspects to consider.

1. Collaboration is now a given
At its most basic, collaboration is shared communication. It’s talking in small groups. It’s brainstorming ideas together. But in a traditional classroom setup, our students sit in forward-facing rows waiting to receive instructions and then do heads-down tasks.…Read More

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