How did I create my floor plan and what process did I go through?
Creating a floorplanner account was really simple and free; you only get one free design however. Regardless, the process was really engaging and thought-provoking. I was forced to really think about how I would want to design my room. First, I had to think about how I wanted my classroom to look and what I was going to try and create. This took a little time, but I think overall it was really beneficial to me. When creating my classroom, I had to think about what age range that I wanted to target as well as how I wanted the set-up to create an atmosphere of learning and most importantly comfort. I targeted the 4-8 grade range for my classroom and really tried to focus on reading and math in the creation. There were so many different elements and possibilities to explore.
What did I include in my design?
When creating the classroom, I knew that I wanted it to be an engaging and really comforting environment. My classroom includes ways to incorporate technology, while also providing hands-on learning all in a safe manner. In my design I have included what I like to think of as four areas of learning: the learning center, the reading corner, the math station, and the one-on-one zone. The learning center is where content and instruction will occur. I wanted it to be comfortable and practical, so I chose desks and chairs that really simulate that. This area includes two chalk boards and a Promethean board so that instruction can occur in different ways and I have options in how I want to present the information. The spacing between desks allows for movement, and there are also cubbies for students to place backpacks and personal items so that the area is not crammed. The reading corner has a massive bookshelves so that I can place different books and reading tools that students can use; there are also bean-bag chairs so that students can read a good book in comfort. I think that there is also a lot of potential in how and when I want to use the place. Maybe a silent reading time in class or an incentive to do work there after work is completed; the options are endless. The next station is the math corner. Here I placed movable chairs and two dry-erase boards so that students can work through problems and visualize their steps. For some students, this really beneficial as there are different types of learning that can be incorporated here. This space could also be used maybe as a group task in the day; different students in groups can use that space to work together to solve problems. There are also bookshelves there that can contain various items like math blocks, shapes, fake money, dry-erase clocks, and other math manipulatives. The last section is what I call the one-on-one station. Here I placed my desk and a couch so that students can ask questions and work through problems with me, all while in comfort. Sometimes people are afraid to ask questions so I really tried to make it a calm and cool environment. The couch and different pictures on the wall can really help with that so students are not intimidated. Also, throughout the room I placed windows to allow natural lighting, and I selected a door with a window so that people can take a quick look in and see what the class is doing. There is also carpeted floors so that way you do not have the sound of chairs scrapping on tile floors, and I think it really makes it seem like a home-like environment. I think that my design allows for many options and different uses of the space like group-work, individual work, and different centers for learning.
Application to Danielson Domain 2e
I think that floorplanner is a great tool to help teachers meet the standard of Domain 2e: organizing physical space. Domain 2e talks about how our classrooms should be safe and accessible, and makes great use of the space provided. My classroom, I believe, meets those needs. The space is safe; there are not wires on the floor, bags can be put into cubbies, and it present a calm environment where students do not feel threatened. The classroom also makes great use of incorporating content into the classroom; there are spaces geared towards specific subjects. The math station and reading corner give students a space to really focus on what they are learning in a comfortable way, too.
Reflection
How does floorplanner relate to the SAMR model?
In my design, I allowed for different ways for technology to be incorporated into the classroom. The Promethean Board can be used by myself and students to create and learn in a new way that technology allows us to achieve. Students can use different technologies like laptops or iPads to create as well. Floorplanner can help you find ways to implement technology into the classroom design.
How can I use floorplanner to help with my future classroom?
When designing my classroom, it really forced me to think of all aspects and ways to use the space. Floorplanner allows you to visualize and go through that process of making it personal. I can use floorplanner to design my future classroom and find different ways to include tech, make it comfortable, and use what you are given to fullest potential. With each classroom there are different constraints, so while my design works now, in my actual classroom it might not work, so I can then use floorplanner to redesign using the new restraints of that classroom.
How does floorplanner relate to the TPACK model?
Floorplanner allows for the incorporation of technology into the classroom; you can find new ways to add tech and make use of it. Floorplanner allows for the creation of a class where pedagogy can be used and you can best use those theorists and techniques. Designing the classroom that applies to all learners and learning-types. Floorplanner also allows for the incorporation of content. In my classroom, it was the math station and reading corner. Finding ways to include content can be achieved through floorplanner.
In my design, I allowed for different ways for technology to be incorporated into the classroom. The Promethean Board can be used by myself and students to create and learn in a new way that technology allows us to achieve. Students can use different technologies like laptops or iPads to create as well. Floorplanner can help you find ways to implement technology into the classroom design.
How can I use floorplanner to help with my future classroom?
When designing my classroom, it really forced me to think of all aspects and ways to use the space. Floorplanner allows you to visualize and go through that process of making it personal. I can use floorplanner to design my future classroom and find different ways to include tech, make it comfortable, and use what you are given to fullest potential. With each classroom there are different constraints, so while my design works now, in my actual classroom it might not work, so I can then use floorplanner to redesign using the new restraints of that classroom.
How does floorplanner relate to the TPACK model?
Floorplanner allows for the incorporation of technology into the classroom; you can find new ways to add tech and make use of it. Floorplanner allows for the creation of a class where pedagogy can be used and you can best use those theorists and techniques. Designing the classroom that applies to all learners and learning-types. Floorplanner also allows for the incorporation of content. In my classroom, it was the math station and reading corner. Finding ways to include content can be achieved through floorplanner.
References:
- (2017). Fronteers.nl. Retrieved 9 October 2017, from https://fronteers.nl/_img/werkgevers/floorplanner.png
- Danielson Group » The Framework. (2017). Danielsongroup.org. Retrieved 9 October 2017, from http://www.danielsongroup.org/framework/
- Floorplanner Login | Floorplanner - Create floor plans, house plans and home plans online. (2017). Floorplanner.com. Retrieved 9 October 2017, from https://floorplanner.com/dashboard