ELI Course | Making Learning Spaces Work: 

Designing a Comprehensive Support and Faculty Development Program for Active and Collaborative Learning Spaces

Part 1: August 16, 2017 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
Part 2: August 23, 2017 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
Part 3: August 30, 2017 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET

While new learning spaces like active learning classrooms (ALCs) create exciting new teaching and learning opportunities for instructors and students, they also create unique challenges. Successful teaching and learning in these new spaces necessitates that instructors rethink their approach to teaching and that students rethink their approach to learning. The structure of support and development work that takes place with instructors on how to effectively use these spaces is critical. This workshop series will focus on how to support instructors in new spaces. Examples of successful programs will provide a framework to help participants design their own program for their own campus context.

Learning Objectives

• Examine evidence of the importance of active and collaborative learning and how space can support learning
• Explore a comprehensive support and faculty development framework for learning spaces
• Examine lessons learned from implementing a comprehensive support and faculty development program for ALC's and how it has changed over time
• Use a comprehensive framework to help develop ideas for your campus
• Receive feedback on your ideas and integrate it into your own programs

NOTE: Participants will be asked to complete assignments in between the course segments that support the learning objectives stated above and will receive feedback and constructive critique from course facilitators on how to improve and shape their work.

Course Facilitator(s)

Adam Finkelstein, Teaching and Learning Services, McGill University

Adam Finkelstein is currently an educational developer at teaching and learning services at McGill University, where he develops educational university-wide initiatives to improve teaching and learning. In his tenure at McGill, he has managed a team of instructional designers and multimedia programmers. He has developed many different types of award-winning technology-enhanced teaching and learning projects for McGill including multimedia CD-ROMs, learning objects, simulations, and other online environments, including multiple previous implementations of McGill's learning management systems. Over the last few years, he has been focused on designing innovative physical and virtual learning spaces. He currently chairs two groups responsible for the selection, design, and renovation of classrooms and teaching labs at McGill, including numerous new ALCs and labs. He is also team lead for the design and delivery of McGill's first four MOOCs.