Interactive Learning Space Initiative
Ball State University established the Interactive Learning Space Initiative with the purpose of strengthening learning though pedagogy, learning space design, and technology.
This type of learning community-centered education will help prepare graduates to live and work in a world that requires collaboration and problem solving. A learning community has the power to motivate its members to exceptional performance, especially when pedagogy, space, and technology are brought together and allowed to evolve.
Pedagogy + Space
Pedagogy
The purpose of Interactive Learning Space Initiative is to support pedagogy that moves away from the traditional lecture based course to an engaged learning course. In this environment, the course focus moves from content to application and support the implementation of engaged learning methodologies such as Inquiry Based Learning, Team Based Learning, and Problem Based Learning.
Virtual Space
The intent is for the majority of content dissemination to occur outside of the class meeting time allowing the students to actively engage in the application of course content during class time. OEE is currently working with various units across campus to create a virtual space that will allow students to become familiar with course content prior to the class meeting as well as to continue collaborating with classmates following the class meeting.
Physical Space
The two Interactive Learning Spaces, TC 412 and TC 414 (formerly TC 411 and TC 412), foster learner engagement via the use of interactive whiteboards and smaller, portable whiteboards placed throughout the spaces to be used for notation of ideas as well as projection from various sources (i.e. instructor and student laptops) for viewing by the entire class.
The type and arrangement of furnishings support student collaboration. Replacing the traditional rows of desks with a variety of configuration possibilities allows students to see each other augmenting peer-to-peer interaction. The instructor podium is placed within the space and reduced in size to support a facilitator, rather than lecturer, role. Both spaces support a maximum enrollment of 24 students (see floor plan).
One classroom space (TC 414) has four media:scapes each seating six students with a large monitor display attached to one end (view media:scape animation). The other space (TC 412) has 24 node chairs allowing multiple classroom arrangements to better facilitate small and large group interaction (view node chair animation).
TC 414 Media:scape 
TC 412 Node
View Steelcase LearnLab – Design Story for a discussion of the research and resulting implementation of this type of interactive learning environment.
Research Component of the Initiative
An additional element in this initiative has been the creation of a Research Knowledge Group to work in conjunction with faculty investigating how pedagogy, learning spaces, and technology impact student learning.
The ultimate intent of the Interactive Learning Space Initiative is to replicate best practices for redesign of other spaces throughout the university keeping in mind how we can better support engaged learning pedagogy by transforming learning spaces.
Application to Teach in Interactive Learning Spaces
Faculty interested in teaching in one of the Interactive Learning Spaces during AY 2012-2013 completed the Interactive Learning Space Teaching Grant Application. Twenty-eight faculty representing all colleges were selected to participate in the Interactive Learning Space Initiative for AY 2012-2013.
Applications are now being accepted for AY 2013-14. Go to the Interactive Learning Space Teaching Grant webpage for a detailed description as well as a link to the application. The deadline for submission is March 25, 2013.
Research by Steelcase:
node: Keeping Pace with Active Learning – University of Michigan Case Study
Midterm Review: Colleges put Steelcase LearnLab™ environments to the test
Other Institutions with Similar Programs:
The University of Iowa – TILE
Massachusetts Institute of Technology – TEAL Project
The University of Minnesota – Active Learning Classroom
North Carolina State University – SCALE-UP