Students expect state-of-the-art learning spaces that facilitate interaction. Meanwhile, campus leaders are working to cut costs across all areas of their operations. Now more than ever, academic institutions need to find ways to make existing learning spaces do more. Flexibility has become a key design consideration. Until recently, this meant adding redundant cabling infrastructure and expanded hardware systems, which increased cost. Today, however, institutions can deliver award-winning flexible environments using simplified software-based infrastructure systems like ClassSpot, ClassSpot PBL and TeamSpot that leverage standard digital networks in new ways.

This paper is designed to help academic institutions develop best practices for designing flexible spaces. It begins by discussing critical design considerations that should be factored into strategic planning efforts. It then goes on to analyze several specific design challenges, identifying the most cost-effective solutions for flexible learning spaces that encourage intellectual innovation.

Learn about:

• Strategic considerations that justify investments in flexibility
• Goals for high-impact technology classrooms
• How to encourage sustainable flexibility
• Best practices for planning system architectures
• Solutions that address a number of design challenges
• Planning for future needs