The Wisconsin Audiovisual Association recognized that some information regarding building requirements for media needed to be available to educators and architects involved in building planning. The association appointed a committee to prepare a simple brochure relating to media considerations for school facilities. (Author)

The designing of intelligently planned meeting facilities can aid management communication and learning. The author examines the psychology of meeting attendance; architectural considerations (lighting, windows, color, etc.); design elements and learning modes (furniture, walls, audiovisuals, materials); and the idea of "total immersion meeting…

Develops frameworks to help Internet media designers address end-user information presentation preferences by advancing structures for assessing metadata design variables which are then linked to user cognitive styles. An underlying theme is that artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies may be used to help automate the Internet media design…

The proper understanding and effective use of space in open space schools requires teacher, administrator, and student participation and involvement. Open plan schools can improve instruction because teachers are all visible. As a result, instructional improvements can be observed and encouraged, and weaker teachers tend to become stronger as they…

School districts are reluctantly paying for repairing damage to their properties that might not have occurred had the buildings and sites been better designed. A study to determine what designers and owners can do to prevent or diminish damage to schools through more careful planning and design reveals five major design issues pertinent to the…

Two recently constructed centers for the care of young children illustrate the concern of the directors and governing boards of both centers to achieve something unique in the environmental design of these spaces that would stimulate the learning and visual experiences of young children. (Author/MLF)

The significance of design thinking and systems thinking for design has gained much recognition in recent years. In comparison to design thinking, scholarly discussion about systems thinking has a much longer history and includes more multiple and divergent perspectives. This paper reviews and critiques the essence of design thinking and systems…

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies key issues…

Designing and remodeling educational facilities are becoming more complex with options that include computer-based collaboration, classrooms with multimedia podiums, conference centers, and workplaces with desktop communication systems. This book provides a collection of articles that address educational facility design categorized in the…

Describes generative learning environments for teaching mathematical problem solving that were developed at the Vanderbilt University Learning Technology Center. The theoretical framework is discussed; design principles are explained, including a video-based presentation format; and the use of videodisc and hypermedia is discussed. (37 references)…

Discusses the impact current educational reforms and new teaching styles are having on school design and the themes and trends that are emerging in designs for 2001. Design themes discussed are prototype schools, multistory elementary schools, learning environments and extended learning areas, and vocational education integration. (GR)

Much has been written about how the design and condition of physical facilities affects student achievement, but schools need to place more emphasis on the importance of furniture in enhancing the facility and improving student performance. Furniture and color are major ingredients in establishing a positive learning environment. Furnishing a…

This newsletter summarizes a research project in Sweden aimed at studying the participation of school personnel in the school planning process. The project involved following the planning of three schools in Sodertalje where the personnel had been given the opportunity to participate. Project data were collected by attending planning meetings;…

Author discusses the importance of proper acoustics to a learning environment. In addition, he gives pointers on various accoustical treatments. Basic to his suggestions is his belief that not only the construction of an area, but also its ultimate purpose must be considered in the planning. (Author)

Describes attributes of educational facilities that (1) influence occupants' performance (physical factors, task-related factors, user-friendliness, organizational qualities); (2) convey subtle messages (design statements, accessibility, spatial factors, aesthetics); and (3) influence programs and their delivery (technology, learning-style…