The document proposes creating a 21st Century Technology Theatre at the ABC International School. The theatre would consolidate cutting-edge technologies currently dispersed around the school into one centralized location. It would house equipment like MacBooks, iPads, microphones, a SmartBoard, and sound system. This would create an inspiring environment for creative student presentations and lessons where teachers could incorporate different technologies. A budget is included outlining the costs of additional equipment needed to complete the theatre. Floor plans show the layout and include a wiring closet to provide network access to all devices in the space.
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Chang 21stcenturytechnologylab-sample
1. Team Members: Mei Ling Chang, RosauraPineros, Veronica Corbin
December 6, 2011
EDUC6403, Section ET
Professor Milman
The 21st Century Technology Theater
*Note: The names of the schools were changed for anonymity.
Rationale
In the race to catch up in 21st Century learning, many international and private schools
are embracing one-to-one laptop programs. While this approach has enhanced their
technological skills, increased engagement during learning, and stimulated promising
innovative ideas, their students end up somewhat confined to their desks and classroom
spaces during the learning and teaching experience.
At the ABC International School , teachers and students at the elementary, middle and
high school level, have access to computer labs whose environments do not necessarily
stimulate creativity in the learning and presentation phase. In addition to computer labs,
various technologies are available for teachers and students to use but are dispersed in
different locations within the school building. Relocating the current computer lab to a new
space and consolidating all of the cutting edge technologies currently present in the school
will transition the learning experience into a more inspirationally effective model. The new
lab will incorporate new items, such as a stage and recording equipment to encourage
users to incorporate the performance arts and enhance the user experience. Thus, the
creation of a 21st Century Technology Theatre space.
This theatre will house state-of-the art equipment, such a cart of MacBooks, iPads with
charging docking stations, wireless microphones, a SmartBoard, a green screen and a
theatre-quality sound system. Much of the equipment, such as the MacBooks, and iPads,
2. exists in the school today. However, other items, such as the Smartboard, sound system,
microphones, etc, will be purchased. This lab will serve as a technologically integrated
theatre for art performances and professional end of unit presentations by students, as well
as an instructional site for teachers. As an instructional site, teachers and students can:
Conduct history lessons in which different parts of the room act as stations that
students can visit to research and learn about different aspects of history and
students follow instructions found at the iPad stations.
Conduct investigations based on areas of interest using the MacBooks grouped
together in various locations within the theatre space.
Create and record movies, perform drama skits based on topics learned during
lectures. The SmartBoard projects the "background scene" or "stage set" for the
performance.
‘Visit’ other countries during the lesson using Google Earth, the projector, and
green screen or SmartBoard.
Create professional end-of –unit presentations in which the students act as guest
speakers similar to those on TED.com
Use electronic musical instruments with a set a background to record engaging
performances.
These are only a few of the many ways this lab will be used during instruction. As
mentioned before, the ultimate goal of this lab is to create an environment in which the
teachers and students of the ABC International School can have a more creative and
enriching learning experience. The next section outlines the budget for the new technology
theatre space.
3. Budget
Most of the computer equipment needed for the lab exists at the Academy today. The table below lists the cost of the items that will be
purchased to complete the lab. Links to the site where the items were found is also included in the table.
4.
5. Sample ofFacility Specifications-Floor Plan Description
The technology theatre space’s dimensions are 60 ft by 30 ft (1800 ft2). Upon entry
into the front the space, student engagement begins with a stage area equipped with a wall-
mounted SmartBoard and a mobile green screen. Four floor speakers strategically placed
on either side of the stage area and along the walls at the middle of the room provide
theatre-quality, acoustically balanced sound. They work in conjunction with the wireless
microphones and media equipment. To enhance the theatre space experience, specifically
during performances, stage-facing sound lighting is located behind the seating area and a
projector suspended from the ceiling is available as well for use. Professional quality
cameras allow students to film presentations by the instructors, as well as fellow
classmates. Finally, durable stackable chairs in front of the stage area provide an
economically sound choice for seating. They are a portable solution that allows for creative
and flexible seating arrangements.
Storage spaces, located in the middle of the wall opposite the entrances, provide
camera storage and storage for existing and future technological equipment. It also acts as
temporary storage for props used in dynamic presentations or filming.
Within the audio/video workstation is equipment for editing and recording audio
and video. An audio mixer, a receiver, a DVD player/recorder, a CD player/recorder, and a
Bluray player/recorder are also located in the workstation for editing and recording.
The media closet houses the cart, which provides storage for the iPads and docking
stations when not in use in the lab space, as well as the electronic instruments. The closet
also provides additional storage for the stackable chairs and other theatre items.
6. A seating area with foldable tables provides a space for students to use their iPads
and docking stations, as well as laptops. The foldable tables promote flexibility in space
arrangement. For example, the tables can be placed against the wall to allow for a more
open learning space. Students can lie on beanbags or floor cushions in the open space and
continue the learning experience. This is especially great for younger children who prize
comfort when learning. The built-in removable flooring that currently exists in this room
has CAT 6 cable connections underneath provides a creative way for students to connect to
the network view cables when needed. This allows for expedient bandwidth usage. High
school media students will appreciate this feature in the lab space. Additionally, surge
protectors located on the floor serve as a convenient way for students to charge batteries
during technology usage.
Networking
Near the door to second entrance of the theatre space is the school’s built-in
network access point, which connects to the school’s wiring closet via fiber optic cables
thus eliminating the lab to have a separate wireless router. Through this access point, all
devices within the lab can connect the school’s network. As stated above in the floor plan
description, CAT 6 connections are located under the removable flooring. This allows for
quick and easy connection to the network via CAT 6 cable when needed. The wiring closet
to which the lab connects through the access point is located on the third floor. Within this
closet, the schools uses CAT 5e and CAT 6 network cabling to support the wired portion of
the network. However, the school’s network is 80% wireless and fiber optic cabling
supports this portion of the network.
7. The estimated power demand of this technology theatre space is about 2 kW/ hr.
This estimate is worst case scenario---all equipment in use at one time.
Floor Plan (including Wiring Plan and Wiring Closet)
Below are four views of the new theatre space floor plan with notes and
measurements. Figures 1-2 are views of the entire space and Figures 3-4 are views of the
audio-video/media spaces. There is a grid view for each area and normal view (without the
grid) view for each area. In addition to the floor plan, there is an image of the wiring plan
(Figure 5).
Figure 1: Entire Room-Grid View
Scale: ¼ inch(one square)=1 ft
Size: 30 ft x 60 ft = 1800 ft2
8. Figure 2: Audio-Video/Media Area - Grid View
Scale: ¼ inch(one square)= ½ ft
Size:
4ft x 4ft = 16 ft2 - Sound Booth 1 & 2
9 ftx 8ft = 72 ft2 - Audio and Video Workstations
8 ft x 8 ft = 64 sqft – Media/Wire Closet