Classroom 21C
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Redesigned learning

Great prairie Area Education agency
Classroom 21C

The Story
Picture
Room 21C is the result of redesigned learning efforts to create a learning environment specifically designed to promote both collaborative and personalized learning through the use of technology. GPAEA’s BrightBytes data suggest that there is a large-scale need to develop the attributes of 21st Century learning. These attributes, known as the 4C’s (communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity) are factors that are linked to improved student achievement and career success.

Recent research about active learning spaces comes under several different names including SCALE-UP, TEAL, TILE and others. But regardless of the name, the conclusions are the same. The classroom must support active learning using digital media and flexible space.

GPAEA’s 21st Century Classrooms offer a two-fold design: a classroom and a learning lounge.

The learning space integrates the three tenets of classroom design:
  • The classroom furniture must be mobile and flexible.
  • Each collaborative area must have access to a digital display.
  • Each collaborative area must have a writeable surface.

The use of digital media is a primary ingredient used to promote understanding and engagement with content. The room also has an interactive table, networked lighting, a two-way audio management system, a theater sized screen with a 3D projector, and all of this is controlled by an iPad!

GPAEA’s Room 21C is only one of several efforts that are underway in Iowa and the nation to redesign the K-12 classroom into 21st Century Learning Spaces. Click on Partner Schools to learn more about this movement! 

Dr. Sally Lindgren, Director of Technology & Innovation 


Classroom 21C in the news

Space Race: How Districts are Retooling Classrooms to Teach for the Knowledge Age
Converge, Winter 2017

The Complex World of School Redesign: The Building Blocks and the Builders

EdSurge.com, October 4, 2016

Dromen van scholen #3: Classroom 21C
school21.be, September 5, 2016

EdSurge Fifty States Project
EdSurge.com, September 1, 2016

Inside ‘Room 21C’: This Iowa Classroom’s Redesign Inspired Seven Other Districts
Dr. Sally Lindgren, EdSurge.com, August 24, 2016

Classrooms of the Future
Des Moines Register, June 24, 2016

Innovation Fosters Student-Centric Learning
By Steve Zurier, EdTech Magazine, October 5, 2015

Technology and Innovation: Best Practice: Modern Spaces for New Technology
By Dr. Sally Lindgren, National Association of Elementary Principals, Principal Magazine May/June 2015

Transforming learning with physical spaces
by Laura Devaney, eSchool News, September 24th, 2014

Wired classroom of the future up and running at the AEA
by Joey Aguirre, The Hawk Eye, September 12, 2014

The Future is Now: GPAEA's 21st Century Classroom
Dr. Sally Lindgren, GPAEA News

#Room21C

#Room21C Tweets

Great Prairie Area Education Agency

Great Prairie Area Education Agency is one of 9 Area Education Agencies created in 1974 by the Iowa legislature to ensure equal educational opportunities for all children from birth through age 21. Support to local schools is provided through two service areas: Instructional Services and Special Education. GPAEA.ORG

Great Prairie Area Education Agency works as an educational partner with public and accredited, nonpublic schools to help students, school staff, parents and communities. Great Prairie AEA provides professional development and leadership to promote school improvement, a variety of instructional services, special education support services, and technology and media services. 

It is the policy of the Great Prairie Education Agency not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Greg Manske, 3601 West Avenue, Burlington, IA 52601, (319) 753-6561 x1217, greg.manske@gpaea.org (employment practices) or Deb Cook, 2814 N. Court Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501, (641) 682-8591 x5324, deb.cook@gpaea.org (educational programs).

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