# data[].attributes.headline
Photo examples of classrooms in Ontario 

# data[].attributes.subject
Photo examples of classrooms in Ontario 

# data[].attributes.body
Get inspired!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
[Infographic] Components of the 21st Century Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out how new emerging technologies will influence future students and teachers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Despite huge changes in lifestyle and technology, if you look at a classroom today and compare it to one in the early 20th century, you won't notice many significant differences.

Sure, desks are more streamlined and there may be an interactive whiteboard or several computers in the room, but the basic setup is still the same-students sit in neatly aligned desks for the majority of the day while a teacher lectures at the front of the room. Fortunately, many professionals are trying to create classroom design for the 21st century in a manner that breaks out of the traditional mold. These classrooms aim to create an environment that foster students' personal growth in communication, collaboration, creativity and leadership skills.

Wondering what this could look like? Here's a peek at what 21st century classroom design will entail.

1. A Flexible Layout

Going hand-in-hand with the push for personalized learning, the driving concept behind 21st century classroom design is flexibility. Students' days are full of choices that empower them to decide how they learn best, and they need an environment which supports that. An agile space also gives teachers the ability to respond to different students' needs.

Typically, these classrooms include some version of a group gathering area, multiple seating options and a flex zone that can be adapted for unique learning activities. This layout allows for a variety of grouping formats and lesson types that take into account students' widely varying learning styles. Twenty-first-century classrooms are driven by student's interests, and the open, flexible spaces allow students to come together to share, collaborate and create.

2. Furniture for Utility

As already mentioned, to support flexibility schools are getting rid of standard desks and replacing them with a variety of different seating options. To allow for maximum utility of the space, portable furniture is a must in 21st century classroom design. Common examples of workstation options include yoga mats, exercise balls, kidney tables, standing tables, sofas and floor tables.

On average, children spend about ten hours of their day sitting, so classroom furniture should accommodate for their natural need to move. Giving students options that allow them to rock, bounce and rotate while they are sitting provides for enhanced circulation and concentration throughout the day-and all the learning benefits that come with. These classrooms also increase functionality for students by lowering whiteboards and making materials easily accessible.

3. Technology Integration

It's no surprise that technology integration is a key aspect of modern classroom design. However, teachers and students are leveraging 21st century classroom design that utilizes these upgrades in new and different ways. These classrooms use technology as a tool to stimulate curiosity and inspire students' desire to learn. Technology, whether it is laptops, tablets, or mobile devices, puts information at students' fingertips and motivates them to research and make discoveries.

In addition, technology integration supports inclusive classrooms, as it allows students to move at their own pace whether they are looking for opportunities for enrichment or need help to catch up. Plus, learning at the right level and pace helps keep students engaged, which dramatically reduces inappropriate classroom behavior.

4. A Light-Filled Environment

Believe it or not, lighting is an important part of 21st-century classroom design. Bright fluorescent lighting is being replaced with more natural and incandescent light through the use of windows and lamps. Not only does this make students more comfortable and reduce headaches, but studies have shown that student learning rates have improved between 7 and 26 percent in classrooms that are exposed to adequate natural lighting. Flexible lighting options are also beneficial as students use technology more frequently since dimmed lights make screens easier to see.

Ready to start revamping your classroom for 21st century learning? Check out this cool Classroom Architect website to play with different designs and envision how you could put these ideas to use! Or, take a look at this Pinterest board for lots of great classroom organization and design tips!
This post originally ran on Edmentum.
For more, see:
McKenna Wierman writes for Edmentum's Segment Marketing team. Follow them on Twitter: @edmentum Stay in-the-know with all things EdTech and innovations in learning by signing up to receive the weekly Smart Update

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
4 Key Elements of 21st Century Classroom Design | Getting Smart

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Despite huge changes in lifestyle and technology, if you look at a classroom today and compare it to one in the early 20th century, you won't notice many significant differences.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Part of a technology coach's role these days is to convince teachers that their job description has changed. The industrial model of education is well past its expiration date, and the generation of students born today are going to graduate into a world that will look completely different than our own. In order to train 20th century teachers to reach the conceptual understandings required for 21st century education, school leaders and tech coaches need to focus on describing what this could be.

This article tries to describe how I imagine the 21C classroom and I will try to integrate theory on 21C pedagogy throughout. Edutopia's 10 signs of a 21st century classroom is a good read, as well this tech4learning's article. To describe the 21st century here, I'll divide it up into three categories: What can it potentially look like, sound like, and feel like?

What does the 21st Century-Ready Classroom Look Like?

Imagine what the workplace looks like at one of the more hip startups near you. Is it rows of desks and dividing walls? Is everyone sitting in silence? I was surprised to not see Seattle - the city of my university - in the top five on this Fortune list for startup activity in 2016:

What I picture is couches, colors, and bright lighting that facilitate the collaboration between professionals. I see devices, headsets, and outlets. Take a look at some of the Google campuses that I googled below:

Clearly these two photos have a very contemporary look, but what's more important is that the space signals to the professionals at work that their knowledge and skills are better harnessed when shared spontaneously and collaboratively. Every part of the space is purpose-built, and there are fewer barriers between inside spaces and outside spaces than what you'd find in a traditional workspace.

In my classroom (above), the setup has changed many times to fit the purpose of the unit, the activity, or the dynamic of the students in my class. We've had weeks of free inquiry where students worked without walls, and once we just needed to read and learn in a fort:

What does the 21st Century-Ready Classroom Sound Like?

I've talked before about how noisy classrooms are overrated in my article on growing up the child of a Deaf mom and teacher. My Twitter Feed is always full of teachers and administrators professing a "new" messy and noisy style of learning. Now, while my classroom will become extremely loud when they put on a cardboard arcade with coded games, or a in the heat of a good debate, you can also find my entire class sitting around with headphones while diligently completing a project.

Take a look at the photo above. These "custom implant organ designers", one of the newest jobs popping up in the world our children are graduating into, are all working mostly in silence. However, there are multiple points of contact for face-to-face interaction; They are not limited in their ability to turn and interact with one another. The point is that sometimes students need quiet time to think, and other times, they just need to dump ice on each other and figure out how things freeze (see below). There are many ways to learn, and it is a teacher's job to figure out the pedagogy that best matches the circumstance.

Is my class loud? Sometimes. When they are quiet, is it because I have demanded compliance and they are passively listening to me? Not usually. Perhaps they are fully concentrating as they practice something, or are preparing in silence to teach others. It might be because they are writing, or communicating with others on social media or in our online courseroom, and the language-use is intense, but not loud.

What does the 21st Century-Ready Classroom Feel Like?

It's time to face the facts that many of the jobs of today will be gone tomorrow (See: 15 jobs that will be gone in 10 years) - this is just the way of the world. According to some, 47 percent of jobs will disappear over the next 25 years. Computers will simply be able to do things more cheaply and effectively than humans.

The students of today will be designing those computers. This is why, in the classroom of the 21st century, technology should feel ubiquitous; It is just as much a part of learning as pencil and paper and it is omnipresent. I constantly work to hone my technology skills ( on my couch while watching T.V.), and I fully embrace the technology that I have available at my school.

The 21st century-ready classroom feels democratic, and behaves much like a democracy. 21st century skills (see below) cannot be developed in an entirely top-down, authoritarian environment. I don't imagine that the workplace of the future will behave that way either - remember which jobs are disappearing, and which are being created.

Companies today want our kids to graduate having mastered the 4Cs of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. A child should feel like their ideas matter in their classroom, much like a professional should feel valued for their ideas in the workplace of the future. It is important to give your class back to your students so that they gain the necessary confidence and perseverance to pursue and communicate their ideas when they enter their future careers. If it were up to me, I'd make it a school-wide rule that every child should have access to snacks, drinks, and bathrooms and should be able to choose their clothes. But alas, that sounds like a whole 'nother article.

I hope you enjoyed my thoughts and links that try to describe the 21st century classroom. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, check out more about us, and keep coming back to educationrickshaw.com for more teaching ideas in motion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Does a 21st Century Classroom Look, Sound, and Feel Like?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Part of a technology coach's role these days is to convince teachers that their job description has changed. The industrial model of education is well past its expiration date, and the generation of students born today are going to graduate into a world that will look completely different than our own.

# data[].attributes.headline
Powerful video that goes through 4 key principles of 21st century learning

# data[].attributes.subject
Powerful video that goes through 4 key principles of 21st century learning

# data[].attributes.body
Start about 1:00 in...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
21st Century School Design - SchenkelShultz

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SchenkelShultz is constantly exploring the ever-evolving nature of 21st Century Education design. This short set of animations illustrates our latest effort of establishing a state-of-the-art facility, encouraging collaboration and flexibility while promoting learning through incorporated technologies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Kelly has been an educator for 30 years in Littleton Public Schools in Littleton, CO, and has taught grades 4-7. Her areas of focus include gifted and talented, technology and instructional coaching. She has presented at the Innovative Education Colorado Conference, as well as the ISTE International Conference in 2016. Kelly loves being an educator and is constantly learning and striving to improve and try new methods. Along with teaching, she is also an accomplished painter. You can follow Kelly's blog.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 3 Reasons to Use Flexible Seating in Classrooms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When this elementary teaching veteran read about the benefits of flexible seating in classrooms, she just knew she had to try it. Learn why she cleared 30 desks out of her room and replaced them with flexible seating and why she'll never go back.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These five steps are essential in creating a 21st-century classroom: establishing zones, ensuring resource accessibility, encouraging mobility, igniting inspiration, and fostering respect.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As education advances with the help of technology, it becomes very clear that the modern day classroom needs are very different from the conventional classroom needs.

The evolved 21 st century classroom is a productive environment in which students can develop the skills they will require in the workplace and teachers are facilitators of their learning. The focus of a 21 st century classroom is on students experiencing the environment they will enter as modern day workers and developing their higher order thinking skills, effective communication skills, collaboration skills, making them adept with using technology and all other skills that they will need in the 21 st century workplace.

The educational practices of the traditional classroom are no longer effective and teachers must develop new teaching strategies that are radically different from those employed in the traditional classrooms. The modern day classroom should be more centered on students and teachers should take the role of facilitators and guides instead of being mere providers of knowledge. They must ensure that they engage their students in learning and provide effective instruction using a variety of instructional methods and following different pedagogical approaches aided with technology. They should be active participants in their own learning and must seek out professional development to improve their performance and their students' learning.

A 21 st century classroom has many characteristics associated with it which distinguish it from the classrooms of the past centuries. The top 10 characteristics of a 21st century classroom are:

Student-centric: In these classrooms, students play an active role in their learning and teachers serve as mere guides. They are more facilitators of learning than lecturers. They help students think critically and learn by doing and act as a resource while their students discover and master new concepts. Student-centric classroom environments put students' interests first and are focused on each student's needs, abilities and learning styles.

Computing devices: Computers are readily available in modern classrooms, since they are essential tools for 21 st century students and replace the utilities of pen and paper. They not only give students the means to conduct online research and master the technology skills they need, but they also give teachers the opportunity to enhance their lessons. The ability to deftly operate a computer is a critical 21st century skill. Computing devices greatly assist in teaching and learning and make them more engaging and effective.

Active learning: In modern classrooms, students are actively engaged in what they learn. Students participate in more active learning by working in groups or on computers and complete projects and other interesting activities that help them discover new skills. Students can learn actively by talking and listening, writing, reading and reflecting. When students are encouraged to take an active interest in learning, they are more likely to retain the knowledge they've accumulated.

Adaptive learning: Any classroom will always have students of different types of learning abilities in it which often makes it difficult for teachers to make sure that all of them understand the concepts. The modern approach of adaptive learning gives students the freedom to learn at their own pace and in the way they are most comfortable with. There are various kinds of software available for adaptive learning that teachers can use to enhance the learning of their students.

Invitational environment: The classrooms should not be cramped or overcrowded. Modern classrooms should have the basic material required for teaching such as, interactive whiteboards and LCD projectors. The BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) approach can be adopted, so that students can bring their laptops or tablets to the classroom for better personalized learning. Teaching with technological material is more effective, stimulates student engagement, eases the work of teachers and makes it easy for students to focus on learning.

Students understand and follow the rules and procedures: The learning environment is carefully planned and well-organized. Class rules, procedures, and notices of upcoming activities are posted in convenient places to help students stay on track. Students are constantly encouraged to remind them of their goals and responsibilities. They follow class routines and understand what they are expected to achieve each day and how they are to go about it.

Mutual respect: Teachers and students should always have respect for each other. As now the role of teachers is no longer to be the sage on the stage, students should not forget their value as they will always receive guidance from them. Also, teachers should encourage students to speak with confidence and value their opinions. In a well-disciplined environment, students should also co-operate with and respect their classmates.

Students take responsibility of their learning: As students are encouraged to actively participate in their own learning, they become responsible for their learning. Self-directed students not only encourage each other, but also work with their teacher to achieve academic and behavioral goals that they themselves have helped establish. Teachers should employ a variety of strategies to promote responsible decision-making and create self-reliant students.

Performance-based assessments: Regular performance-based assessments are carried out by teachers through various methods which are not restricted to tests. These can be by conducting quizzes and polls. Teachers can utilize projects as well as other products and performances as assessments to determine student achievements and needs. Assessments are tailored to the abilities and needs of the students.

Collaborative learning: Learning through collaboration is one of the most effective forms of learning. Teaching and learning in isolation are very restrictive and hinder progress. Learning in groups enhances the scope of learning and develops critical thinking. Collaborative learning activities include collaborative writing, group projects, joint problem solving, debates and more. Collaborative learning redefines traditional student-teacher relationship in the classroom.

Technology plays a big role in developing all of these characteristics for modern classrooms. These classrooms enhance the learning experience and better prepare students for higher education and workforce. Share your views and other characteristics that you would like to see in your 21 st century classrooms. The Comment Box awaits you.

Like what we do?

The Latest EdTech News To Your Inbox

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 10 Characteristics of a 21st Century Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As education advances with the help of technology, it becomes very clear that the modern day classroom needs are very different from the conventional classroom needs. The evolved 21 st century classroom is a productive environment in which students can develop the skills they will require in the workplace and teachers are facilitators of their learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In the past century, we as educators have learned a great deal about the process of learning. And yet, our classrooms look much the same as they did back when we were school kids.

It is only within the last few years that educators and administrators have started seriously considering a new classroom design: one that could better accommodate our growing knowledge of effective education methods. This redesigned classroom would facilitate learning experiences and support the movement toward student-directed learning. In addition, it would successfully foster 21 st century skills, such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and leadership.

Here are 6 key elements of this new classroom design:

1. Flexibility of furniture and space

2. Areas for collaborative learning and independent study

3. Facilitation of movement

4. Fostering of inspiration and creativity

5. Technology

6. Light and bright colors

#1 - Flexible Furniture and Space
21 st century classrooms need to accommodate a variety of learning activities, and so they must be flexible, with "zones" designated for different activities. Furniture can be arranged in nooks, each with a designated purpose, such as a lab or a tech zone, group seating for collaborative projects, and a "quiet space" for reading and independent study.

One goal of 21 st century learning is to become more student-centric, empowering students to decide how they learn best. In a world of introverts, extroverts, collaborators, lone wolves, dreamers, and designers, we can't merely cater to a single type of learner. An "agile" learning environment supports a variety of learning styles, while enabling teachers to accommodate different students' needs.

The best way to get started? Add casters to existing classroom furniture, for easy maneuverability and reconfiguration. Portable walls or partitions are also useful. Check thrift shops, or ask parents for donations of beanbags and oversized pillows, for comfy reading zones. Your teacher's desk can also double as a "meeting room" for student-teacher conferences and individual instruction.
#2 - Collaborative and Independent Learning
Open, flexible spaces allow students to come together to share, collaborate, and create. Research shows that people are social learners and the latest trends in 21st century learning advocate problem-based learning, cooperative learning, and reciprocal (peer) teaching. Assignments and hands-on projects that require team collaboration nurture these trends.

Our 21 st century classroom must support these collaborative, social learning activities, as well as hands-on experimentation and discovery. Portable furniture, group seating, and open spaces for active, experiential projects help accomplish these goals.

Conversely, certain aspects of learning require quiet, independent study, including reflection and processing of information. This time and space should also be built into our curricula and our classrooms.

Another interesting idea is to add a "break room" within the classroom, where students can rest their brains, especially if they get "stuck" on a certain problem. Experts believe that when the brain takes a break, it continues to work unconsciously at finding a solution, processing, and applying newly acquired information.
#3 - Embracing Movement
Let's face it: children aren't built to sit still. When students have the chance to move, both their brain and their circulation are refreshed. The exercise and change of pace help enhance concentration and reduce fidgeting and daydreaming.

21 st century design accommodates students' natural need to move, while providing the optimal flexibility. Movement-enhancing classroom elements include: workstations, standing tables (for lab work, etc.), yoga mats, exercise balls, kidney tables and sofas. For maximum functionality and accessibility, lower your whiteboards and tables, to accommodate students of all heights.
#4 - Fostering Inspiration and Creativity
If we expect students to develop and use their creativity, we need to give them an environment that is conducive to inspiration and new ideas. Practical tips for accomplishing this task include:

Use a paint that transforms walls and other surfaces into brainstorming whiteboard space, allowing students to capture and develop their ideas and share them in a collaborative forum.

Create an "Inspiration Zone" that includes engaging lab equipment, technology, posters, etc.

Provide learning tools that students can grasp, manipulate, and interact with. Examples include microscopes, building materials, iPads, growing plants, and art supplies.

Embrace the MakerSpace concept and enable your students to become makers.

#5 - Incorporating Technology
You know you can't avoid technology these days. Students love devices, and those gismos, while distracting at times, are actually beneficial for placing information at students' fingertips. If you can equip your classroom with such devices as computers, video screens, and tablets, your students will be motivated to research and learn new things. Tech devices also allow students to stay engaged and move at their own pace.

A blog in Edutopia suggests acquiring a Chromebook or an iPad, and then "immediately install an arsenal of apps or Chrome apps" to make that device most useful. The blog includes an extremely helpful and comprehensive list of educational apps, including tools for research, math, student blogging, and classroom organizers. To see the list, click here.
#6 - Incorporating Light and Bright Colors
We're sure you guessed that technology would be part of the 21 st century classroom, but did you guess "light"? Yes, researchers have determined that bright light (especially natural light) and vibrant color are conducive to brain activity and learning. In one study, learning capabilities improved 7-26% when students were exposed to adequate natural lighting. Proper lighting also reduces headaches. In this new classroom, however, we must be both flexible and tech-friendly, so it's important to include options for dimming the lights, to make devices or video screens easier to see.

Research also shows that rooms with a balance of light and bright colors can positively impact learning. Color affects the cortex, nervous system, and hormones, which in turn affect our level of alertness and productivity, as well as our emotional state.
Setting the Tone
An important benefit of your new-age classroom will be its affect on your students' perception. Not only is it new, fun, and exciting, but it demonstrates your commitment to innovation and student-centric learning. You are likely to experience a boost in motivation yourself, as you discover the many uses and benefits of your new design.

Of course, innovation doesn't end at classroom design. Incorporate the concepts of 21 st century learning in the lessons that you present for your students, being sure to:

Cultivate creativity

Emphasize the learning process vs the end product

Schedule time for discussion and reflection

Customize learning for different types of learners

Reinforce 21st century skills

Resources:
Room2learn is a peer-to-peer website designed to help you transform your classroom in the ways we've described above. Smithsonian Magazine describes this site as "Pinterest for classrooms." It includes ideas, tips, blueprints, images, etc. One of the site creators says she is particularly proud of the flexible seating option.

Other Resources:

Are you transforming classroom design at your school? Share your ideas and progress in our Comments section.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Key Elements of 21st Century Classroom Design

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Educators are now taking a serious look at classroom design, aiming to better accommodate our growing knowledge of effective education methods. A redesigned classroom would successfully foster 21st century skills, and accommodate a variety of learning styles and activities. Here we explore 6 key elements of the 21st century classroom.

# data[].attributes.headline
A Guide to Creating a 21st Century Classroom

# data[].attributes.subject
A Guide to Creating a 21st Century Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learning Spaces | Feature

Designing the 21st Century K-12 Classroom

Six design elements that shouldn't be left out of today's smart classroom

It's not enough to take a traditional K-12 classroom and fill it with technology. The smart classroom requires a more methodic approach that factors in the design of the basic shell, the teacher's space, and the students' independent and collaborative work areas.

Schools that ignore this step, said Issac Herskowitz, director of New York-based Touro College's instructional technology program, will wind up with smart classrooms that fall short of their goals. "Designing classrooms for today's learners requires a different approach than what's been traditionally employed in K-12 settings," said Herskowitz.

Here are six design elements that should be incorporated into the 21st Century classroom.

1. Desks and furniture that support collaboration. The days of the single desk and chair are gone, according to Herskowitz. He said he envisions a time when all K-12 classrooms are developed around the concept of collaboration--between student and teacher and among the students themselves.

"You want students to be able to do discovery learning and to work together on projects and problem-solving," said Herskowitz.

To support that concept, he said, furniture should be able to accommodate multiple learners and then be repositioned for independent learning (such as testing). "When you start with this foundation," said Herskowitz, "the collaboration comes naturally."

2. Ample electrical outlets. Not all students will come to class with their iPads and laptops charged up and ready to go. To make sure 21st Century learners have the power they need to engage in classroom activities, Amber Golden Raskin said her school uses a combination of electrical outlets, some of which are integrated into the classroom furniture, and power strips that are distributed through the classroom.

"Think about your students' current and future power needs early in the design phase," said Raskin, executive director of business development and operations at SCVi Charter School in Castaic, CA, "and you'll avoid the hassle of having to add more at a later date, post-construction."

3. A "smart" teacher lectern. Teaching in a smart classroom requires a "smart" lectern, said Herskowitz, who advised schools to put time and money into the structures that teachers will use as their home bases. USB ports that allow for easy document camera connections, interactive whiteboard equipment controls, and other features should be incorporated into the fixtures.

"You really want to make everything accessible for the teachers that are using the technology," said Herskowitz. "If instructors are comfortable in the space and able to use all of the tools that you put in front of them, half the battle is won."

4. Lighting that's easy to control. With audiovisual technology becoming more advanced and even more useful in the K-12 classroom, the need for lighting that's easy to dim or enhance is imperative. The student sitting furthest away from the projection screen, for example, must be able to see the workspace clearly and without interference from shadows.

"Factor in the natural lighting, the fixtures, and the controls," said Herskowitz, "and focus on accessible lighting controls that allow the teachers to adjust quickly."

5. Physical space that goes beyond the single classroom. Who says the 21st Century classroom has to be a single room? At SVCi, a four-year-old charter school, Raskin said holes were intentionally punched in classroom walls to help create a collaborative environment that expands beyond a single room. "Students and teachers can go in and out of the openings, which are covered by curtains when not in use," said Raskin.

The strategy works particularly well when teachers collaborate on interdisciplinary projects. "Being able to share across classrooms is a big deal here," said Raskin, "and something that we strived for when designing our learning spaces."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
six design elements for the 21st century classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Designing the 21st Century K-12 Classroom -- THE Journal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's not enough to take a traditional K-12 classroom and fill it with technology. The smart classroom requires a more methodic approach that factors in the design of the basic shell, the teacher's space, and the students' independent and collaborative work areas.

# data[].attributes.headline
Characteristics of a 21st Century Classroom

# data[].attributes.subject
Characteristics of a 21st Century Classroom