LTC - Not Just Another Classroom college professor meeting for the first time with a new class will generally go through an introduction and overview of the coming course and talk about grading procedures and reading requirements. In January at the University of Dayton's new Ryan C. Harris Learning Teaching Center , in a classroom called the Studio, Dennis Doyle, associate professor of religious studies, played his harmonica. His unusual opening was suited to the unusual center, slated for a grand opening in March. Designed for faculty and students to explore innovations in learning and teaching, it has areas called the Forum and the Collaboratory, it has high-tech tools as well as comfy seating, and it has places for teachers to learn about learning and students to learn by doing. Walls slant outward, study rooms resemble backyard playhouses and indoor roof peaks line up with those on the student houses viewed through windows.
Walls come together at acute angles.
It keeps you a little bit off kilter. Technologically, it's ahead of its time, with a wireless network installed throughout the center and data outlets in every space, including the kitchen. An observation room will allow faculty and students to study technology and group dynamics. One feature of the center is Ryan's Lab, an adaptive computer laboratory for students with physical or learning disabilities. It, and the entire center, is named for Ryan C. Harris, a 21-year old UD sophomore when he was killed during a carjacking in 1997 in Phoenix.