Collab™ learning studio pods are interactive conference tables shaped for the group dynamics of collaborative learning. To promote data sharing and unique interactions among students and the instructor, the triangular desks are equipped with SMARTdesks' exclusive flipIT® laptop safes for permanently installed laptops, a pop-up data/power port for students' personal laptops, and easy-to-access wire management. As a learning studio resource, SMARTdesks works with a school's IT department or integrator to customize the desks to meet a classroom's specific needs, such as integrating with A/V systems via a desk-mounted touch panel controller.
Collab pods bring a number of benefits to the learning studio environment. The triangular desks promote student engagement and encourage participation through the forming of ad hoc groups. The availability of networked laptops and A/V integration gives faculty the freedom and tools to use a variety of teaching styles, and provides students with access to the Internet and online course materials needed for independent study.
“SMARTdesks has long been a proponent of the learning studio concept and feels there are numerous benefits in spaces that make use of flexible student arrangements. We are excited to introduce our Collab pods as another tool for schools to use in collaborative learning,” says Jeffrey Korber, president of CBT/SMARTdesks. “The key for learning studio collaboration is universal design, which allows flexible, ad hoc groups to form. This is exactly what Collab pods provide, in addition to their capabilities for networked laptops and A/V integration, which puts the technology students need for collaboration right at their fingertips.”
Designed for multi-use teaching methods, Collab pods feature six flipIT laptop safes, which enable permanently installed laptops to remain connected and charging at all times, even as the safes stow and lock laptops away, out of sight, when not in use. For students wishing to use their own laptops, a pop-up data/power port in the center of the table features four RJ45 and four 110-V outlets. All power and network connections are housed in an 18-inch steel column, which both supports the pod tables and provides easy access to wiring for IT via an 8-inch by 20-inch access hatch.
Already making appearances at universities across the nation and around the world, SMARTdesks' Collab learning studio pods are available now. Schools can place a design request online at www.smartdesks.com to specify their learning studio requirements and the features they want incorporated into Collab™ or any of SMARTdesks' computer classroom and conference room furniture. There is no cost or obligation for this design service.
Circle 153 for more information • freeproductinfo.net/asu
