Innovation – it’s about the learning! #Engage109

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
– Nelson Mandela

Innovation in the Deerfield Public Schools is all about learning and all about teaching. Innovation is supported by outstanding leadership, visionary governance, world class resources and forward thinking facilities and tools. The District’s leap into a “1:1” Transformative Learning Environment is all about learning – it’s not about technology. Technology accelerates pedagogy/instruction. Technology 11088336_896764333721325_6206112643057760180_ntools are not new … they are not “21st” century … they are what they are and they are embedded in our life our society and in our DNA! Innovation is what makes learning and teaching fun! Innovation is change and innovation is challenge. In 2013 we started the Innovation Grant program and 40 of our teachers were awarded the 1:1 classroom supports as pilot trailblazers, their stories are shared online (click here). During the 2014-15 school year (this current school year) we started a concept called Innovation Grant II: Classroom of the Future … Today This will be an evolving initiative with multiple application points (i.e. science labs, STEM/CMA, library facility study (information commons approach), full day kindergarten classes, etc.)

In support of this new innovation initiative we have sent teachers, administrators, and parent leaders across the state and region and nation to view, see, experience and interact with engaging learning

New student friendly furniture!
New student friendly furniture!

spaces. From SMART labs with Creative Learning Systems (our partner for STEM and CMA labs at the middle schools) to Steelcase University, to DIRTT, cooperatives with architects, other schools, Twitter, etc. we are learning about modern, forward thinking “next steps” in how we can engage, inspire, and empower each and every learner each and every day!

The first prototype/model classrooms are the new Next Generation Science Lab/Classrooms at Shepard Middle School; the first Innovation Grant II Classroom of the future model K-5, is at Kipling Elementary School in 3rd Grade. In the District 109 staff newsletter an article posted by iCoaches Michelle Primack and Taylor Meredith shared about their school’s innovative learning space:

“The Classroom of the Future is at Kipling Today! After spring break, students in Larissa Thurman’s 3rd grade students walked into their classroom and received a big surprise! Their classroom had been transformed into a “Classroom of the Future.” The old, stationary furniture that was once in the classroom, was replaced by modern, moveable pieces of furniture that often serve several purposes. Bretford Furnishings provided mobile tables whose tabletops function as white boards in which students can write and present on. Additionally, C.O.T.G, a local Chicago company, provided two interactive white boards with touch technology that can be moved around the space. All participants are very

flexible tables/learning spaces/stations
flexible tables/learning spaces/stations

excited about the new classroom. One student said, “I like the tables better then desks because you have more space. I love the chairs because you can move around to where you want to work.” When Larissa sent information to her classroom parents about the exciting changes, one parent responded with, “ I think it’s a great idea exploring “the space” within a classroom. I personally did not like to sit at a committed desk in a uniformed fashion for long periods of time.” Larissa is thrilled about her new classroom configuration and said, “ The room is more free and allows for student collaboration. There are no restrictions and the environment works for students.” As our district looks into transforming the learning environment for the future, this classroom was chosen to be our district pilot of a classroom of the future because Larissa was one of the 1:1 Chromebook pilot teachers last year. She has always been very open to students moving around the space in her classroom to work in the environment that is most conducive to their learning. Please come and check out “The Classroom of the Future”!

2 thoughts on “Innovation – it’s about the learning! #Engage109

    • HI Kate,
      Thank you so much for the comment. And please know you are a key driver for all of our industry leading changes and improvements! You my friend are a leader and an innovator!!

      ML

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