This article reviews procedures for evaluating, measuring, and modifying noise and reverberation levels in the classroom environment. Recommendations include: relocating children away from high noise sources, such as fans, air conditioners, heating ducts, and faulty lighting fixtures, using sound-absorbing materials, using acoustical ceiling tile…

Describes the design and equipment configuration of four mediated classrooms installed at a small university. Topics include audio, visual, and environmental subsystems; the teaching workstation; integration into learning, including teaching faculty how to use it and providing support services; and an instructional technology integration model.…

Explains how Project Oriented Development Stations (PODS) provide a flexible facilities solution that can fit within any elementary school, and that combines custom furnishing with technology, curriculum, and hands-on learning. An explanation of the POD approach and an example of its development, usefulness, and funding is provided. (GR)

Highlights the importance of classroom design and organization to early childhood learning environments, and addresses design considerations such as working around fixed features, maximizing learning through organization, and safety. Examines learning considerations such as environment, day's schedule, and support of positive behavior. Highlights…

Provides suggestions for after-school care providers to help their programs survive and to create a program attentive to children's needs. Focuses on classroom behaviors, space arrangement, change implementation, and plans of action. Provides suggestions for learning centers and materials; includes a list of further resources. (SD)

Describes the design process of the nation's largest public preschool noted for its classroom flexibility, an environment suited for the needs and safety of children, ample play space, community inclusiveness, and building durability and efficiency. Discusses the right-sizing of corridors and rooms, furniture kits to accommodate differing teaching…

Discusses the challenges that schools face in keeping pace with rapidly changing technology in the school environment. Explores the spaces, furnishings, and planning and design issues that must be considered to successfully integrate computers into learning environments. (GR)

This article critically examines classroom walls from four perspectives: (1) reading the environment; (2) walls that silence; (3) the purpose of display; and (4) aesthetics. The author offers some suggestions for teachers to consider when purchasing materials and in planning how to use classroom walls to enhance the educational setting. She…

The Association Supporting Computer Users in Education (ASCUE) is a group of people interested in small college computing issues. It is a blend of people from all over the country who use computers in their teaching, academic support, and administrative support functions. ASCUE has a strong tradition of bringing its members together to pool their…

This guide has been prepared as an aid to the trainer/facilitator of adult education. Section I addresses some of the more common myths concerning adult learners, particularly the 50-plus age group. Section II describes the "to-be" 50-64 age group population, based on literature searches. Section III identifies learners do or do not participate in…

Although millions of young children spend much of their lives in classrooms, research rarely provides guidance to teachers organizing classrooms for play activities. Psychological literature on social play and pretend play illustrates the absence of clear guidance. Whereas early research posited a progression through levels of social play (i.e.,…

This article presents a theoretical overview of the complementary relationship between open education and environmental design. An elementary education program called the Open Corridor serves as a concrete example. In the Open Corridor program, students, teachers, administrators, parents, and consulting psychologists served in the roles of planner…

Suggests ways to help put students in touch with their world, especially the school and local areas. The use of "webbing" to stimulate series of learning activities is also presented. (SDH)

Teacher input is essential to facility planning. A feasibility study also determines needs by focusing on community characteristics and needs, instructional efficiency, safety, and future plans. (MW)

This pamphlet describes "learning challenges," a method of classroom organization designed to meet the needs, strengths, and interest of children at all levels of development. These challenges are a means by which teachers can individualize their programs and invite their students to explore, think, create, and respond. The pamphlet…