The traditional lecture hall model of college instruction is being challenged by a new contender — the learning studio. Learning studios offer an interactive educational setting optimized for hybrid in-person and remote learning. With versatile furniture, collaboration technology, and video production capabilities, these innovative spaces are transforming higher education.
As today's students expect engaging digital experiences, many universities are investing in learning studios. These tech-enabled classrooms allow educators to connect with enrolled students as well as broadcast lessons to larger online audiences. Built for active participation and content creation, the learning studio environment inspires collaborative learning and content retention.
Key attributes that define a modern learning studio include:
- Flexible furnishings like movable tables, rolling chairs, and modular seating to support group work
- Robust AV/IT for content sharing, multiple video camera feeds, microphones, and lecture capture
- Video production equipment like switchers, chroma key backdrops, professional lighting, and live streaming encoders
- Digital whiteboarding and advanced visualization technology, like ThinkHub visual collaboration software
By leveraging solutions like these, instructors can produce Hollywood-style lessons packaged for compelling online delivery. Switching between multiple camera angles keeps remote viewers engaged. In-studio students join in discussions, annotate presentations, and participate in hands-on learning — all while being broadcast out. The instructor has the ability to cast multimedia content - whether sharing individual pieces of content like presentations, videos, or casting the entire Canvas view to the class.
Bonus: advanced visual collaboration like ThinkHub offers an app experience where students can interact and collaborate with the instructor in the ThinkHub Canvas, or with their student group — providing even more flexibility to the instructor and supporting multiple teaching and learning styles.
To support diverse teaching methods, learning studios serve multiple functions. The space can flip from traditional classroom to production studio to group breakout area seamlessly. This multipurpose design ensures a high return on technology investment.
As hybrid and HyFlex learning gain traction, higher education institutions should prepare with future-ready learning studios. Utilizing these innovative environments, educators can reimagine instruction and connect with students across distances and learning modalities.
Interested in learning more about learning studios in higher education environments and the technology solutions needed for these configurations? Tap below or book a demo with one of our T1V team members to see our solutions in action.
Additional Articles
ThinkHub Education Use Case: Remote Learning Studios
Delivering Lessons Beyond the Lecture Hall with Learning Studios
FAQS
Q: How do universities address accessibility concerns in learning studios, particularly for students with disabilities, given the emphasis on advanced technology and digital interactions?
A: Accessibility in learning studios, especially for students with disabilities, remains a pressing concern amidst the technological advancements. While the article discusses the integration of versatile furniture and advanced technology, it doesn't delve into specific measures taken to ensure inclusivity for all students. Universities may need to explore adaptations such as assistive technologies, alternative instructional formats, or specialized training for educators to address these concerns effectively.
Q: Are there any studies or metrics available that measure the effectiveness of learning studios in terms of student engagement, learning outcomes, or academic performance compared to traditional lecture halls?
A: The article highlights the benefits and features of learning studios, but it doesn't provide empirical evidence or references to studies that quantify their impact on student engagement, learning outcomes, or academic performance. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of learning studios versus traditional lecture halls could be crucial for universities considering investment in these spaces and for educators seeking to optimize teaching methodologies.
Q: What strategies or resources are available for institutions with limited budgets to implement or upgrade their facilities into learning studios, considering the significant investment in technology and infrastructure mentioned in the article?
A: Implementing or upgrading facilities into learning studios requires substantial financial resources, which might pose challenges for smaller institutions or those facing budget constraints. Exploring cost-effective solutions, grant opportunities, or collaborative initiatives with industry partners could be avenues to overcome these obstacles.