From the Campfire to the Holodeck: Creating Engaging and Powerful 21st Century Learning Environments
Physical environments that impede learning hurt both students and teachers, and it's clear that traditional classrooms are failing to meet the learning needs of many students. The redesign of educational spaces, both physical and virtual, can play an important role in rectifying this situation.In this timely and intriguing new book, futurist and educational consultant David Thornburg discusses how the old lecture hall, or "campfire" model of education, needs to change in order to better engage students, reach a diverse student population, provide opportunities for project-based learning, and fully integrate technology. To make classrooms and schools that engage all learners, it's necessary to create a balance of Campfires (home of the lecture), Watering Holes (home to conversations with peers), Caves (places of quiet reflection), and Life (where what we've learned gets applied).The ultimate environment that brings together all of these spaces is the educational Holo- deck, a classroom in which students' rich learning experiences are limited only by their own imaginations. Whether you are a school administrator interested in redesigning your school or a teacher who wants to prepare better lessons,From the Campfire to the Holodeckcan help by providing insights on how to boost student engagement, enable project-based learning, incorporate tech- nology into the classroom, and encourage student-led learning.