Texas Wesleyan University will celebrate its new technology-driven classroom – designed by students and faculty – during the grand opening ceremony at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, in B-26 of the Eunice and James West Library. An open house for the event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the same location.

Classroom.NEXT is the result of a team-based competitive program that challenged Texas Wesleyan faculty and students to research and design their ideal classroom. The selected design, titled “A Radically Flexible Classroom Design,” was submitted by Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, associate professor of history, and five of her students: Gary Beam, Cecilia Hill, Susan Alyse Hofman, Tiffany Fitzhugh, and Janie Torres. Focusing on the needs of today’s students and their major characteristics, the team created a design that emphasized four themes: flexibility, sensory stimulation, technology support, and de-centeredness.

Using the team’s design as a blueprint, University staff members have transformed B-26 in the West Library into a space that supports the needs of Net-Gen students. The renovated classroom features furniture and equipment that is easily reconfigured to promote a variety of instructional methods.  The flexible nature of the room also supports the Net-Gen generation’s desire to learn, study, and socialize as a group. Technology selected for the space, including laptops, iPod Touches, and a mobile Smart Board, allows students to easily collaborate and engage in the process of inquiry-based learning.

The implementation of this “Radically Flexible” design was also a collaborative effort, including funding in part from the US Department of Education Title III grant. Click here for more information about Classroom.NEXT.