- Folsom Cordova Unified School District
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360 virtual tour: See inside FHS teacher's modern learning space
Story and photos by Hla Elkhatib, FCUSD Communication Internship Program
Folsom High School students taking computer science classes just finished this year in a newly redesigned, 21st-century learning space some students are comparing to working at Google.
This year, students in Jean Cavanaugh’s nontraditional classroom had the opportunity to use new latptops, flat screen interactive televisions, and other learning tools to encourage critical thinking, curiosity, innovation, and collaboration.
“The room feels so open and makes the environment more fun and exciting,” said junior Rachel Elson. “I love walking into class every day!”
Cavanaugh said the idea to redesign her room came from evaluating the needs of her existing computer lab. Teaching courses such as Exploring Computer Science and Game Design require collaboration and modern tools, she said.
In April 2015, Folsom High received a $100,000 state grant - money awarded to programs that provide students with advanced learning opportunities - to begin designing a new computer lab. With that grant Cavanaugh was able to purchase new desks, chairs, laptops, and flat screen interactive touch screen TVs.
The design of the room, she said, allows the students the opportunity for full immersion into the inquiry-based learning style of the course. The new desks allow students to work together and gives the ample space for moving around.
“For the first time in 20 years, I have been able to get rid of ‘the front of the room,’” said said.
“I love being able to teach from any part of my classroom and the movement and flow of the extra space around the desks allow me to get to the students quicker than in my old lab. Students feel like they are the focus of the room, not the teacher.”
Dane Leinke was Cavanaugh’s student for three years. Before the redesign, he said, “it was dull and boring; nothing special. Now, every day I step into her classroom, I feel like I’m a Google employee arriving for another day on the job.”