Queen's Active Learning Classrooms

Queen's

Active Learning Classrooms

Active Learning Classrooms

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High-tech, team-based learning 

Working collaboratively, students share their work on displays located at their tables, encouraging student-driven learning.

 
  • Photo of classroom. Two rows of rectangular desks seating 8 people each.

    Newly Renovated: Ellis Hall 324 (Fall 2018)

  • Photo of classroom with tiered seating and a large blackboard at the front of the class

    Before Renovations: Ellis Hall 324

  • Blueprint image of classroom with 15 rectangular tables with 8 chairs at each table

    Table and Podium Layout: Ellis Hall 324

Ellis Hall 324

(Room capacity: 120)

Room Features
  • Chairs on wheels at 15 rectangle tables that seat 8 (potential for groups of 4)
  • Each table has 22" monitors at each end, which can be operated independent of one another or synced together 
  • Each table has power outlets and USB charging stations, two amplified speakers, and HDMI and mini displayport cables to connect student laptops to the monitors
  • The instructor's podium features an installed Windows PC with an interactive display, an LCD touch screen controller, an ethernet jack, a document camera, a USB cable connected to the interactive display, and HDMI and Mini Display Port connectivity for the instructor’s device
  • In “collaboration mode”, each table will work independently (audio heard and video seen at each table corresponds to the device plugged in at each table)
  • In “presentation mode”, the same audio and video will be seen/heard at each table
  • Microphones include a rechargeable wireless lavalier for the instructor, rechargeable handheld microphone, and a throwable cube microphone for students
  • Extensive whiteboards to facilitate collaborative learning
  • Windows lining one long wall for plenty of natural light

Ellis Hall 321

(Room capacity: 136)

Room Features
  • Chairs on wheels at 17 rectangle tables that seat 8 (potential for groups of 4)
  • Each table has 22" monitors at each end, which can be operated independent of one another or synced together 
  • Each table has 4 power outlets, an amplified speaker, and HDMI and mini display port cables to connect student laptops to the monitors
  • The instructor's podium features an installed Windows PC with an interactive display, an LCD touch screen controller, an ethernet jack, a ceiling mounted document camera, a USB cable connected to the interactive display, and VGA with audio and HDMI connectivity for the instructor’s device
  • In “collaboration mode”, each table will work independently (audio heard and video seen at each table corresponds to the device plugged in at each table)
  • In “presentation mode”, the same audio and video will be seen/heard at each table
  • Microphones include a wireless hand-held unit and a wireless lavalier for the instructor
  • Extensive whiteboards to facilitate collaborative learning 

Ellis Hall 333

(Room capacity: 70)

Room Features
  • Chairs on wheels with 7 students at 10 round tables
  • Each table has a built-in computer with a wall-mounted interactive display (smart board) featuring amplified speakers.
  • At the centre of the table are 6 power outlets and HDMI and mini display port connections for students' devices
  • In “collaboration mode”, each table will work independently (audio heard and video seen at each table corresponds to the device plugged in at each table)
  • In “presentation mode”, the same audio and video will be seen/heard at each table.
  • A podium with an interactive display, an LCD touch screen controller, an ethernet jack and VGA with audio and HDMI connectivity for the instructor’s device
  • Microphones include a hand-held wireless to be given to whichever table is presenting, and one wireless lavalier for the instructor. 
 
 
 

  • Students presenting assignments in Ellis 333

    Students presenting assignments in Ellis 333

  • Students discussing assignments in Ellis 333

    Ellis 333 smartboards allow students to connect to course material

  • With the ability to project images onto all screens or just one, conversation can be focused centrally or on individual groups

    With the ability to project images onto all screens or just one, the conversation can engage the entire room or take place in smaller groups

  • Students aren't the only ones to benefit - faculty members participate in a workshop in Ellis 333

    Students aren't the only ones to benefit - faculty members participate in a workshop in Ellis 333

  • Students engage with the material and each other

    Students engage with the material and each other in Ellis 321

  • Students collaborate on course material in groups

    Team-based classroom seating encourages collaboration 

  • 321 allows students to see material up close with mounted screens at the end of every table

    Ellis 321 allows students to see material up close with mounted screens at both ends of every table