Learning Research Studio Information

The ITS Learning Research Studio (formerly known as the Experimental Classroom) exists to provide an opportunity for faculty to experiment with a technological and pedagogical environment designed to enhance learning. ITS encourages faculty to take a scholarly approach to this endeavor, and may also request permission to gather data (through observations, interviews, surveys, etc.) from faculty and/or students who are using AH 1112. Confidentiality in such endeavors will always be maintained, and data will never be used to evaluate faculty.

A central theme of the Learning Research Studio will be the development of innovative and effective ways to use technology for instruction. As faculty develop new approaches to applying instructional technology, ITS will be learning how to best provide services to support them. Proposals will be accepted from faculty members who wish to focus on using technology to improve teaching and learning. Faculty members without extensive backgrounds in technology are encouraged to apply.

The Learning Research Studio is available to SDSU faculty looking for an innovative space that provides access to instructional technologies.

The objectives include experimenting with technologies that:

  • support alternative models of organizing, teaching, and managing a class;
  • promote use of educational multimedia;
  • encourage interactive, cooperative learning;
  • use wireless technologies for teaching; and
  • assist with the formative student assessment of instructional approaches.

The Learning Research Studio goes beyond the current iteration of "SMART" classroom which ITS continues to evolve across the campus. In addition to a standard SMART classroom configuration, the Learning Research Studio provides faculty with:

  • an interactive, touch-sensitive whiteboard;
  • 16 tablet and 30 laptop computers, with wireless Internet-connectivity;
  • a second video/data projector for alternate classroom orientation;
  • tables and chairs that can be rearranged in various configurations to support collaborative work; and
  • built in video cameras and microphones to capture classroom interactions for analysis.

The room also includes traditional dry erase boards, and an overhead projector.

ITS is available to help instructors plan their courses, to provide in-class introductions, or to respond to technical questions. The space serves small classes (15-40 students) working in collaborative teams, as well as seating arrangements that will accommodate up to 54 students.