No strings attached? Challenges and successes in creating a flexible, wire-free active learning classroom

Published date18 June 2018
Date18 June 2018
Pages211-224
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-04-2017-0070
AuthorGillian (Jill) D. Ellern,Heidi E. Buchanan
Subject MatterLibrary & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Information behaviour & retrieval,Information user studies,Metadata,Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet
No strings attached? Challenges
and successes in creating a
flexible, wire-free active
learning classroom
Gillian ( Jill) D. Ellern and Heidi E. Buchanan
Hunter Library, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee,
North Carolina, USA
Abstract
Purpose This paper serves as a case study, detailing an academic librarys three-year process of
redesigning, implementing, and using a library electronic classroom. The purpose of this paper is to share the
challenges and successes of a librarys attempt to create a high-tech space that both accommodates active
learning and is entirely flexible and free of wires. The paper provides technical details for implementing
features such as wireless screen sharing and offers practical advice for librarians who are creating new
teaching and learning spaces at their institutions.
Design/methodology/approach This is a descriptive case st udy, which details the le ssons learned
in implementing an acti ve learning space that in corporates technol ogy such as wireless dis play to
multiple screens.
Findings There are still major challenges in having a truly wire-free classroom including authentication
policies, wireless display technology, instructors station mobility, and student laptop control. Successes
include flexible furniture, battery-power management solutions, and using multiple wireless devices in a
single room.
Practical implications Practical implications of this paper include recommendations for planning this
type of upgrade in a library electronic classroom.
Originality/value The unique feature of thi s case was the effort to comb ine the mobile feature s of a
flexible learning spa ce with some of the robust tec hnology of a hardwired a ctive learning classro om.
This paper features te chnical details beyond what can be found in the library literatu re. For example, very
little has been writt en about the issues invo lved in wirelessly dis playing a computer scre en to multiple
devices in a classroom .
Keywords Learning spaces, Active learning classrooms, Electronic classrooms, Laptop classrooms,
Wire-free classrooms, Wireless display
Paper type Case study
Introduction and background
How do you redesign an electronic classroom to allow for best pedagogical practice? Can a
learning space be flexible enough to adapt to different teaching methods and class sizes?
The librarians at one mid-sized public university dreamed of such a setting a classroom
that was truly free of wires and cords, where every device and piece of furniture could be
reconfigured at the point of need (and according to the size of the class). This classroom
would accommodate active and cooperative learning and include a robust range of
technology including laptop computers, flat screen monitors, and the ability to digitally
project images and data around the room to small groups or to the entire classroom.
In 2013, the university librarians at Western Carolina University obtained a grant to make
their dream classroom a reality attempting to merge the sophisticated technology of a
hardwired active learning classroom (ALC) with the mobile features of a flexible learning
space. This paper details a three-year implementation process and outlines the logistical and
technological opportunities, challenges even failures encountered along the way.
This experience can serve as a case study for those who are planning their own high-tech
teaching spaces.
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 36 No. 2, 2018
pp. 211-224
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-04-2017-0070
Received 10 April 2017
Revised 18 July 2017
Accepted 7 August 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
211
Creating
a flexible,
wire-free ALC

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