The Four Corners of Harmonious Classroom Design
“To slow time down, practice enjoying the moment. It is where we spend our entire lives.” This wisdom from the I Ching describes an ideal way to live by slowing down. In the digital age, however, it’s getting more and more difficult to take this sage advice. Because of the pandemic, we are even more devoted to time spent on our devices, staring at screens with fast-paced minds. Among students, this trend has had some negative consequences. Adolescents and young adults (known as Gen Z) are struggling with mental health more than previous generations. When students return to school this fall, it will be important to consider their mental, physical, and emotional health. But educators, parents, and school designers would be remiss to discount the benefits of considering students’ spiritual development when creating spaces and schedules for student health. This doesn’t mean subscribing to a certain system of belief. It can be as simple as integrating space for silence, breathing, and reflection.
Read MoreTopics: Design, Human Development, Active Classroom, Designer's Corner, Clean Living, Expert Analysis, New Products, Well-being, Thrive
Technology and the Renaissance of Education
A new era of education may be coming for American teachers and students. With ESSER funding now available for schools across the country, each institution and district will assess what is to help students succeed in a post-pandemic world. Unfortunately, learning loss caused by the pandemic may have a ripple effect that lasts years. McKinsey & Company put out findings that state that learning loss from the pandemic disproportionately affects students of color. In order to even the playing field and create equity among students, the learning gap must be closed.
Read MoreTopics: Collaboration, Design, Technology, Covid-19, Back-to-school, i3sixty, Compass, Well-being
Why Every School Needs to Prioritize SEL
As students wrap up an unprecedented school year, many families are beginning to reflect on their experience with hybrid, online, or in-person learning during a pandemic. It hasn’t been without its challenges. In fact, learning loss is projected to be a huge problem in coming years for k-12 students. But as COVID-19 positivity continues to decline, students can likely rely on the idea that they will be learning in person this fall. What that means for schools and educators is that time and energy will be needed to help students catch up to make up for time lost this year due to problems with virtual learning. A reported 15 million American students were without access to the tools needed to learn online, leaving many behind in already existing learning gaps. This is why the federal government has allocated ESSER funds for schools to spend. This money is meant to be used to help students recuperate academically and mentally from the effects of the pandemic. Mental health services within schools will be needed, as well as an increased emphasis on social-emotional learning, or SEL.
Read MoreTopics: Insider, Collaboration, Design, Active Learning, Human Development, Back-to-school, Teacher's Favorites, Thrive
5 Benefits of Esports Spaces in Educational Design
If you’re not sure what esports are, you aren’t alone. But for educators, parents, and designers of educational environments, it’s time to learn. This competitive video gaming is quickly gaining popularity as a form of extracurricular activity for intermediate and higher learning institutions. As the popularity of esports continues to rise, it may become even more significant following the pandemic. There are many benefits to esports in educational environments and this will be particularly important as students begin to reintegrate to in-person learning after a year in partial isolation. So how can esports benefit your school or student? Here are just benefits for your consideration.
Read MoreTopics: Case Studies, Design, Active Learning, Active Classroom, Technology, hybrid classroom, Compass, Ergonomics
When Robin Randall and Sylvia Kowalk of Legat Architects begin a project, inspiration abounds.
Read MoreTopics: Insider, Design, Human Development, Active Classroom, Designer's Corner, Technology, Back-to-school, Teacher's Favorites, Thrive
Topics: Design, Human Development, Active Classroom, hybrid classroom, MooreCo Workplace, Teacher's Favorites, Ergonomics, Well-being
6 Considerations for Space Design in a Post-Pandemic World
In the 1920s, the United States experienced a modern renaissance. An era of economic prosperity, burgeoning art, societal change, and scientific discoveries occurred throughout this decade. There was a boom of energy, hope, and optimism. What had happened just before this decade will resonate with many today. The global pandemic brought on by the Spanish Flu killed over 600,000 Americans. It was a time of sadness, fear, and trial. But what followed was a time we still think of as a new era.
Read MoreTopics: Insider, Design, Human Development, Active Classroom, Designer's Corner, MooreCo Workplace, Ergonomics, Thrive
Reasons to Remake Your Space with Glass
The late Johnny Nash wrote and sung the words, "I can see clearly now. The rain is gone." With many workers and students having spent time at home, it's important to make sure the spaces they return to will feel comfortable and highly functional. If you're looking for ways to remake your space with style, high performance glass walls and boards will add a touch of sophistication, while creating improved communication and reflective brightness for everyone to enjoy.
Read MoreTopics: Design, MooreCo Workplace
Top 10 Things Teachers Want in Their Classrooms
Do you ever wonder how teachers would design the classroom of their dreams, if given the opportunity? We did! That’s why we interviewed gifted, passionate teachers to ask what’s on their wish list. We took their answers to educational designers Sylvia Kowalk and Robin Randall of Legat Architects so they could work their magic and render the dream classrooms. Using the Compass line by MooreCo, Sylvia and Robin created ideal STEM spaces and displayed their render-to-reality presentation during the fourth session of Thrive Together: Creating the Classrooms of Tomorrow webinar. Click here to watch the session!
Read MoreTopics: Insider, Collaboration, Case Studies, Design, Active Learning, Active Classroom, Designer's Corner, Covid-19, Back-to-school
