Student Centered Learning in a Studio Classroom Environment

Arising from recent changes in Irish third-level education; there has been a new paradigm in the provision of IT education at the; National College of Ireland. Owing to the importance of student development; a need has been identified and satisfied for a dynamic learning; environment, which aims to facilitate the students’ maximum learning; potential. This student-centered learning space is achieved through; the employment of state-of-the-art Studio Classrooms. This progressive; learning environment encompasses aspects of the traditional classroom; along with a computer laboratory, which allows students to interact via; a Local Area Network. It also supports a lecturer Workstation, shared; printer as well as access to the college intranet. Multimedia capabilities; are also catered for. The benefits of this learning space are twofold. Bene-; fits for the student include active experimentation, increased motivation,; collaborative learning and the potential for maximum participation. In; terms of the lecturer, benefits include higher retention and attendance; rates, increased enthusiasm and student participation as well as a noticeable; improvement in student assessment grades achieved. We will discuss; our efforts at integration of modules within this unique learning space; and identify other factors that contribute to the success of our teaching.