See the evolution of classrooms at Humber
From blackboards to whiteboards to smart boards, classrooms must change with the times. At Humber College, that evolution has resulted in the creation of Humber Interactive Space (HIVES) — part of a $21.4 million investment to enhance the school’s North Campus F building.
“Humber has never sat idle and waited for others. We are always on the cusp of technology, and labs and classrooms are part of that,” says Jason Powell, dean of the college’s School of Health Sciences of the face lift, which involved adding two additional floors onto an existing two-storey structure. “This is the most important thing we have done at Humber College in years to ensure we remain relevant.”
Part of the space, which opened in September, caters to students in the School of Health Sciences as it features anatomy, biochemistry and cadaver labs, facilities for Humber’s new biotechnology diploma program, along with a full suite of funeral services learning resources, including embalming and cosmetology labs, a cold-storage room and a casket selection room.
“The Classroom Redesign project was an internal look at the spaces we had and how we could update them to respond to shifts in teaching and learning theory,” says Powell. “What we learned was the way of the future is flexible and adaptable learning spaces where students can work in small groups. Generation Y is very social and interactive.”
Created with input from students, the college community and stakeholders, HIVES forgo traditional row seating in favour of collaborative tables that contain LCD screens, mobile work pods and all the essential cords and cables students need to connect with fellow learners.
“HIVES really underpin how adaptive the spaces of the future have to be,” says Powell. “For example, the LCD screens at each table can display content from sources like a student’s laptop or even a phone. Also, content can be projected onto just that table’s screen or two or three or all of the other screens in the room.”
The additions to Humber’s North Campus F building also include student lounge spaces that feature tables and floor-to-ceiling whiteboards, complete with markers, to encourage informal learning, says Powell.