Teaching Spaces: Challenges & Aspirations
Exploring physical, technological, and cultural barriers in current teaching environments. Visions for flexible, inspiring, and reliable learning spaces.

by adam banks

Restrictive Layouts & Furniture
Fixed Rows
Victorian-style, limits collaboration
Inflexible Tables
Heavy, hard to move, hinders activities
Limited Group Work
Pairs only, complex discussions difficult
Poor Environmental Controls
Lighting Issues
Harsh, non-dimmable, lack of natural light
Temperature Problems
Too hot or cold, poor airflow, sealed windows
Noise Distractions
Thin walls, sound leaks, adjacent studios
Technology Reliability & Usability
Unreliable AV
Projectors, screens, sound fail often
Wi-Fi Issues
Frequent disconnects, disrupts online tools
Compatibility
Adapters, ports, file sharing clunky
Impact on Teaching & Learning
Limited Pedagogy
Restricts activities, demos, presentations
Student Disengagement
Uncomfortable, distracted, less focus
Increased Workload
Early setup, troubleshooting, extra prep
Group Work Barriers
Hard to organise, space too tight
Support & Maintenance Experiences
1
Improved AV Support
Faster, more responsive than before
2
Delayed Maintenance
Slow bulb & blind repairs, persistent faults
3
Unpredictable Equipment
Teachers expect things to be broken
Workarounds & Adaptations
1
1
Personal Tech
Bluetooth speakers, adapters, USB sticks
2
2
Environmental Fixes
Fans, extra lights, open doors
3
3
Creative Use of Space
Move furniture, sit on floor, improvise
Aspirations for Ideal Spaces
1
Flexible Layouts
Movable furniture, divisible rooms, group-friendly
2
Comfort & Control
Dimmable lights, fresh air, soundproofing
3
Integrated Tech
Reliable AV, good wifi, easy connectivity
4
Creative Community
Display work, welcoming, inspiring
Dedicated vs. Shared Spaces
Dedicated Rooms
Community, ownership, self-directed study
Shared Spaces
Booking issues, inconsistent setups, less care
Balance Needed
Flexibility with sense of belonging
Specific Technologies: Moodle & Lecture Capture
Moodle
Reliable, functional, but basic interface
Requires training
Lecture Capture
Lacking, hard to use, not accessible
Improvement Needed
Intuitive, accessible, seamless recording
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