General seminar room Located in a 10970s building, this learning space incorporates a smaller number of innovations and refurbishments. When the room was fitted out in 2003/4, a suite of IT equipment (PC, data projector, VCR, CD/DVD player) was installed at one end of the room, and the furniture set out in rank format facing the data projection screen (see left-hand photo above). The upgrade of the room for the work reported here entailed a second suite of IT equipment (installed at the opposite end of the room), with a 52” plasma screen, rather than data projector. These together allowed the teaching space to be turned through 90⁰, and the plasma screen can be used as a repeater screen for the IT equipment installed at the other end of the room See right-hand photo above), a glass ‘whiteboard wall’ (approx 3mx4m), and flip-top wheeled tables (with a smaller work-top area than those originally installed), so that changing furniture layout would be easier and quicker.
The room has restricted natural light and limited outside views due to the presence of high, narrow windows.
Due to the smaller amount of technology in the room ti was not as expensive to refurbish as the MSLS, and s therefore identified as a ‘middle range’ learning space.
Geography Seminar Room, School of Education Located in a 1900s building, this learning space incorporates a small number of innovative features. Once again, there are a number of technological inclusions, including WiFi connectivity, interactive whiteboard, and a portable trolley with 15 net-books, shared with an adjacent seminar room. The interactive whiteboard is controlled from a computer console at one end of the room which also incorporates DVD and audio.
As with the other two rooms, the furniture has been chosen to allow tables to be collapsed thereby making the physical space more flexible. Natural light is good, and blinds over the windows allow for the light level to be controlled. Finally, four small whiteboards are located around the room to facilitate brainstorming and independent group work.
Due to the very low cost of refurbishing this room, it is identified as a ‘bottom end’ learning space.
