This guide helps faculty understand the pedagogical possibilities of our different classroom designs. Choosing the right space can enhance your teaching and student engagement.
ALC (Active Learning Classroom)
Best for: Highly collaborative, technology-rich instruction and hybrid courses.
The Experience: These rooms are designed for dynamic group work and discussion. Students sit at tables with power outlets and can easily share their work on integrated displays/monitors at their tables. The instructor has advanced control over all displays and content sharing from a central console. The room supports seamless participation from both in-person and remote students (hybrid) and captures voice from anyone speaking. The AV systems are integrated across the room, and ample whiteboards are available for brainstorming.
ALC Lite
Best for: Flexible group work and active discussion without complex technology at every table.
The Experience: These spaces prioritize flexibility and movement. The tables support small groups, and chairs are movable, allowing you to quickly reconfigure the space for different activities. The room features whiteboards on multiple surfaces and a central screen/display. The setup allows the instructor to move freely around the room and captures audience comments easily. Power is available at the tables.
Flat Surface
Best for: General-purpose teaching, presentations, and activities requiring open floor space.
The Experience: This is a versatile, foundational space. The floor is flat, and the chairs are movable, allowing for some flexibility in room functionality. The room includes whiteboards and a central screen/display for presentations unless otherwise noted.
Auditorium
Best for: Large-group lectures and presentations where the instructor is the primary source of information.
The Experience: This is a traditional lecture hall setting with either fixed seating or movable chairs facing a central projection screen/display. Audience participation capabilities are limited. The focus is on the instructor/presenter, who has a writing surface at the podium and uses a microphone for clear projection of their voice.