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Tomorrow's Learning Environments Will Support Flexibility, Technology and Wellness

Prior to the Covid pandemic, there was already a shift in the way classrooms were set up. Schools were beginning to favor collaboration tables, standing desks and STEM makerspaces over the traditional "rows of desks" model. After 18 months of educating during a pandemic, there's an increased urgency to address overdue upgrades. Schools are not only tasked with educating our children; they're now expected to keep them physically and mentally healthy while preparing them for a rapidly changing, technology-based workplace.

While traditional classrooms no longer serve the needs of today's students, a complete overhaul of infrastructure is neither sensible or possible. Indoor and outdoor spaces can be transformed through new furnishings and creative design. Thanks to stimulus cash infusions, school districts have more resources to invest in classroom updates. Many have already re-imagined spaces in and around their existing facilities. Here are four emerging trends we're seeing:

Education Technology

Smart Classrooms

Smart classrooms are configurable, adaptable and tech enabled. Pandemic-era plexiglass partitions will eventually come down, but the need to manage classroom space will remain. Schools will continue investing in movable walls and room dividers that adjust square footage as needed. Teachers will opt for mobile and tech-compatible furnishings that accommodate a range of activities, such as social distancing, collaborative projects, lectures and testing. Expect to see desks, tables, chairs and ottomans that are modular and adjustable. Smart classroom furniture will be lightweight and often on casters for easy positioning. Desks and tables will be outfitted with chargers and mounting hardware for devices.

Outdoor Flex Spaces

Outdoor preschools and kindergartens have grown exponentially during the pandemic, as they allow students to learn together in fresh air while socially distanced. Spending time outdoors has other research-backed benefits for students, including stress reduction, decreased behavioral problems, increased alertness and improved mood.

While it's not possible for most schools to hold all classes outdoors, there is a trend toward more outdoor activities. The Portand (Maine) Public School District now has 156 outdoor learning sites that were established by federal relief funds, local donations and volunteers. In Charlotte, Providence Senior High School held a fundraiser to build a new outdoor plaza for students. It will include shade structures, dining tables to address cafeteria overflow, and tiered seating for lectures and performances.

Health & Wellness Centers

The Covid pandemic exacerbated the mental health crisis among children and teens. Many of these issues spill over into the classroom, leaving teachers and school administrators to come up with impactful solutions. Wellness centers have become the answer for many districts, including San Jose. A wellness center is a space where teachers, the school nurse or a behavioral specialist can help students through whatever challenge they are facing at the moment. It's a calming environment that helps students destress, de-escalate and refocus so they are ready to learn. Some schools even use these rooms to coordinate services with social workers and outside therapists.

Wellness centers are furnished to feel more like a home than a classroom. Couches, lounge chairs, coffee tables, area rugs, art and accent lighting create a cozy and calming environment. Conference tables provide an anchor for group therapy, conferences and schoolwork.

Quarantine Rooms

Many schools are still quarantining exposed students to keep Covid from spreading in their buildings. However, not every family is equipped with dependable childcare or reliable technology at home. To address the burden that quarantining can place on families, some districts are modifying classrooms to keep kids in school. In Topeka, the Wamego School District set up a separate classroom where quarantined students (who have tested negative) can video conference into their teacher's class. Safety measures are in place, including masks, social distancing, sneeze barriers and air purifiers. Quarantined students also use separate bathrooms and separate doors to avoid Covid spread.

The Schools In team has seen first-hand the challenges schools face as they address present needs and plan for the future. Through adaptable furnishings, out-of-the-box thinking and smart design, we work with teachers and administrators to keep students safe and healthy while fostering their educational growth.