LTC
Teaching in the Redesigned LTC Studio
By David Wright
From its opening in January 2000, the Ryan C. Harris Learning Teaching Center has been the home for a signature space called the John O. Geiger Learning Studio. Named after former Provost John Geiger, this classroom has served as an incubator for faculty and students as they adopt new teaching and learning approaches. The innovative blend of technology, white boards and flexible furniture was a dramatic advance forward. Given all the creative possibilities, that is why the name “Studio” was used instead of “classroom.”
Today, many UD faculty will remember trying new teaching approaches in the Studio over the past eighteen years with the support of LTC and UDit staff. Also, classroom spaces across the campus can trace their physical appearance and technology infrastructure to the Studio. The room has served as a test bed for innovations across the entire campus and throughout the curriculum.
To set the stage for future learning spaces at UD, the LTC Studio is being renovated during summer 2018, so that starting in fall 2018, faculty and students can experience an even more advanced leading-edge environment. Using feedback from faculty and students, the new LTC Studio combines our best thinking on how to encourage active learning while introducing data visualization – since “big data” is increasingly a feature of all disciplines.
Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass whiteboards, the room contains a giant touch-sensitive video wall – that we call the “Canvas” – on which 4K videos (and higher) can be played, where ultra high-definition computer displays can be used, where digital ink can be used for easy on-screen annotations and students can project the screens of their mobile devices wirelessly.
Faculty are encouraged to learn about the new LTC Studio by attending Campus Conversations in the fall 2018 semester, and by applying to join a future LTC Studio Fellows Program (watch for invitations). Teaching in the LTC Studio will require faculty to participate in the LTC Studio Fellows Program, so that faculty can benefit from idea sharing with colleagues.