Students rush into the Design Lab, as soon as the break bell rings, to maximize their time to work on code, edit photos, and design another 3D model. At Crowther Memorial Junior High School (CMJHS), students choose to continue their learning outside of their class time; students want to spend time in the Design Lab and students become the architects of their own learning. Choice is encouraged and passion is ignited. This engagement allows students to become more deeply involved in their learning. The Design Lab isn’t like a traditional classroom, where a teacher directs the learning. Instead, teachers give students the choice to explore what they want to learn.
How It Works
Each month, students are given the freedom to explore technology platforms they are interested in. They engross themselves in research, hands-on exploring, conversations with classmates and take in all they can to develop their knowledge. At the end of the month, they reciprocate their learning and share what they have uncovered. Everyone is a learner and everyone is a teacher. This freedom has given students the opportunity to explore a wide array of applications such as Google SketchUp, 3D printing, Photoshop, coding, animation, virtual reality and so much more. One group immersed themselves so deeply in Google SketchUp that they proposed a modern classroom redesign, complete with a budget, retrofitting of space, furniture, desks and technology. Another group carefully took apart, and put back together, old computers and laptops to better understand the mechanics and design of these devices.
Deep Learning
Encouraging students to be architects of their own learning allows for freedom of choice and interest. As well, it gives these youth the opportunity to build on their own curiosities, develop leadership skills, and foster collaboration. In addition to sharing their learning with one another, students have also branched outside of their classroom walls to teach adults at CMJHS how to better use these powerful digital tools. This allows students to delve deeper into their projects as they have an authentic audience with whom they can share their knowledge and insights.
Students truly appreciate this sort of learning opportunity, and come to the Design Lab before class and during breaks to learn more. Design Lab is a rich opportunity for students and adults alike, allowing for creativity and exploration of today’s digital world, as well as growth and development in our collective capacity as a school.
