Students taking classes in math education this semester will find a new space for their studies. Room 3017 in the Wright ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø building was recently redesigned to meet the needs of today’s future math educators, a project three years in the making.
With dated furniture that limited mobility and technology that was no longer functional, in fall 2023, math education faculty began having conversations of what a new space might look like. They considered the experiences they wanted students to have in the classroom and how it could be used for hybrid courses or include speakers that were presenting virtually.
The renovations gave students back precious floor space by removing cabinets and shelving, which also allowed better accessibility in the classroom. Students can collaborate on new interactive displays that work with virtual whiteboards, and upgraded video and audio mean the room can be used for virtual classes or meetings. All the upgrades lead to a better experience for both instructors and students. This semester, the classroom hosts math content and math methods courses for elementary and secondary pre-service teachers, as well as a seminar for doctoral students.
Clinical Assistant Professor Lori Burch acknowledged alumna Ellen Jay’s investment in the SLIDE classroom and former Dean and Professor Anastasia Morrone’s work with for providing a vision for the kinds of classroom spaces that Burch wanted more broadly in the School of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.