Introduction

 

Teaching Studio JCMB

The University of Edinburgh has introduced two new learning spaces for teaching in the University – the so called teaching studios. These innovative learning spaces promote students’ collaborative work using cutting edge technology.

 

The students are given innovative enquiry based problems to solve which they do collaboratively. It is widely thought that the practical experience gained from undertaking such tasks will help in acquisition and retention of skills such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation and gain a greater understanding of independent work and superior employability prospects.

 

 

 

Teaching studio in use   Students work at large tables of up to 6 with a shared dedicated PC and large LCD monitor with the facility to connect laptops at each table as opposed to organised rows and tables facing the lecturer, Due to the permanent equipment located at the tables the position and orientation of the tables is fixed. "The screen on each desk played the role of a "member" of the group; there and accessible when needed, but placed in such a way as to not intrude or dominate the group when it is not needed." The presenter/moderator operates from the central control/presentation position with access to:   Teaching desk with fixed microphone Combined control system touchscreen and preview monitor Dedicated PC Graphics tablet PRS audience response system receivers with software on the dedicated PC Laptop connectivity Digital visualiser/document camera DVD/VCR combined player Tie clip radio microphone PA system Stereo audio system Wired network at teaching desk Wireless network across room The presenter's material will be presented on a number of projection screens around the studio which may include interactive whiteboards Student work from an individual group may be displayed on the projection screens to the whole class Small area induction loops Video - views on the teaching studio Views on the teaching studio within the College of Science and Engineering Images of the teaching studio