Collaborative Classrooms VU

Collaborative Classrooms VU

Now, active learning in the classroom is supported with modern AV and computer equipment at the Vrije Universiteit. In the brand new NU building of The Vrije Universiteit, six rooms are equipped  as Collaborative Classrooms.

• In a Collaborative Classroom, teachers have a large display for the whole class. Teachers can project the screen of their own laptop wirelessly or the central computer and can give a student the possibility to project their screen. The teacher can also allow for the projection of multiple screens at the same time. Students can sit in groups to work.

• In an Extended Collaborative Classroom of NU 4A-51, the students also have a group display (group screen) they can jointly use to wirelessly project the screens of their own device (laptop, tablet, even phone) and share with their group.

 The possibility to easily share screens offers extra options to optimize collaborative learning and teaching in classrooms.

Ideas for use

Think ahead for specific lesson plans to make optimal use of the rooms and their equipment. Have a look at  small group tasks for group work and relate it to different types of small groups. 

Below we list some tasks in which technology can be incorporated purposefully.

Team Based Learning

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Case discussion

Distribute different cases on different tables; Students can choose which case appeals to them and join that team. Cases are discussed amongst each other, while displaying for example a Concept Map or Document on the group screen. At the end of the session the teacher invites group member to present in plenary for all groups.

Develop infographics of an article

The teacher distributes articles that students must read perusal. The group of students then need to develop an infographic using collaboration tools. The groups work directly on their common screen using their own laptops with.

Solve (statistical or mathematical) problems, share solutions and strategies

The teacher distributes data and analysis questions for statistical problems. Students work with the data.

Simulations, insert competition elements. Who has the quick fix of a problem? BLOK. Does everyone agree it's a good solution? Moving on to the next problem

The teacher could incorporate competition element: which grous comes up with the most effective solution method.

Share Historical art sources

Search the internet for historical art sources for interpretations purposes.

Search Geographical Information Systems data

Search area's with similar of different geographical properties.

Make decisions together

Set up tasks for groups to make decisions. Display and work on decision trees or valorisation tables.

Support creativity sessions

Make use of the screen to share ideas in multiple formats. For example using Padlet, a wiki, concept diagram software. For some exampels, see this website.

Develop test questions

Have students make their own test questions for sub-topics (and take each other's tests).

Develop online games, for example using Mentimeter

Didactic guidelines

It is important to ensure that group work has a positive effect on learning. If taks are improperly introduced or supervised, it can also have a negative effect. In particular, attention must be given to the fact that all students must contribute. Explicate for example different group roles that students could fulfil or establish group ground rules.

For practical matters, please contact AVC: 020 5985777 or algemeen.avc@vu.nl 

Locations of the Collaborative Classroom at the VU

NU building

·         4A-51 – Extended (with big screen)  - 32 seats - 8 student screens

·         4A-59 – Extended (with big screen) - 20 seats - no student screens

·         5A-59 - Light - 20 seats - no student screens

·         5A-65  - Light - 20 seats - no student screens

·         5B-45 - Light - 20 seats - no student screens

·         5B-51 - Light - 20 seats - no student screens

Main building VU

·         4A-20 - Extended