Page 28 - College Planning & Management, January/February 2019

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Computer Table Geometry Unleashes the Flow of Exchange
28 COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 WEBCPM.COM
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING—OR ACTIVE LEARNING—REFERS TO a variety of educational approaches that involve an exchange of intellectual effort by students and teachers together. Typi-
cally, students work in groups of two or more, searching together in
a process directed to solve for a common goal. Collaborative learning activities vary widely, but most center on students’ exploration and application of the course material, not simply the teacher’s presenta- tion of it. Teachers who use collaborative learning approaches tend to think of themselves more as designers of intellectual experiences, and less as presenters of knowledge to students. In planning a space for this activity, the shapes of the furniture promote the dynamics of the collaboration group.
Exchange Collaboration Furniture is a flexible system that permits a variety of interactive geometries to be formed, which promote collaboration as the players use text and technology to communicate, synthesize, and solve the assignments.
The idea of changing the table shape to promote the exchange of ideas started with King Arthur’s “round table.” Perhaps that’s why a “round-table discussion” is still the terminology we use when we want to equalize power in a meeting and be open to input from all parties. While there are drawbacks to the round table, it’s the right direction for collaboration because of its radial symmetry. The concept is equal empowerment, in contrast to the long rectangular conference table, having a head and status positions on the left and the right of the king seat, with distance demoting the status of those seated farther away from the king.
The Collaborative Hexagon
The collaborative hexagon is a shape-shift variance from a simple round table. Nearly a circle, yet its geometry establishes equal ter- ritory for each seat. The collaborative hexagon is made up of right triangles, which diffuse head-to-head, confrontational body language by making internal lines that promote flow. People turn their bodies to address each other openly at the table without physically moving from their respective power centers.
The Collaborative Pinwheel
When triangular elements are applied to form a pinwheel shape, this does an amazing thing for collaboration: it promotes the formation of
synapse discussion locations (places where people synthesize synchro- nously). Each workspace portions equal territory, but each space turns people for positive body language—ideal for collaboration. Head-to-head confrontational cues are extinguished, promoting consensus-building and empathetic understanding. For individual focus, computer monitors are angled for privacy without the need for physical privacy screens. By simply changing body position with a head turn or shoulder turn, per- sonal cues are mirrored. The returns of the focus zones become synapse conference areas for groups of two or three.
The Collaborative Triangle
The collaborative triangle is equilateral. The points of the table form synapse discussion locations, with the long sides providing individual focus zones. The focus zones orient people to the middle of the long sides so they can easily team. Computer workstations or laptop safes are provided in a multi-use delivery system on the sides, but the ends are open for personal laptop or mobile device use. This table shape is for joiners, and it nudges people together for closer communication.
How do you design the space appropriate for the intellectual expe- rience? Collaborate. There is no boilerplate solution. In the process, there is plenty of room for invention and innovation. As you build consensus, you build your ideal collaboration classroom. CPM