TILE Classroom Technology

TILE: Transform, Interact, Learn, Engage

The Learning Spaces Technology [LST] team provides consulting, management and support for 25 technology-equipped TILE classrooms across campus.

Configuration

TILE classrooms are instructional spaces configured for student-centered, active learning pedagogy with various whiteboards and flexible seating options that provide a collaborative atmosphere for inquiry-guided learning. TILE classrooms range in size from 24 to 81 seats and are managed by Classroom Scheduling. Several of these rooms offer round tables that seat nine students, with three laptops at each table. 

These technology-rich “classic” TILE rooms provide central switching stations that faculty members and students can use to project images from classroom laptops to LCD screens, one for each table. Rooms are also lined with white-boards. Additionally, all TILE Classrooms are equipped with webcams and microphones for online delivery and/or recording.

• TILE Classroom Locations & Requests

Variations

In addition, two other variations of learning spaces called TILE-Flex and TILE-Lite rooms are supported. TILE-Flex classrooms provide either varying laptop ratios, or a Solstice "Bring-Your-Own-Device" option, allowing for a flexible transition between individual and group work. Additionally, a further variation of TILE-Flex, called TILE-Flex-Plus, provides student laptops.

TILE-Lite is the newest available space that is technology-light [no provided laptops or additional monitors, but does include a single Solstice Pod for wireless presentation or collaboration  projecting content from own devices]. These unique TILE-Lite classrooms do not use tables, instead having movable tablet-arm chairs that cluster around power pods to form groups, for active-learning and teaching. It should be noted TILE-Lite spaces do not currently require TILE Essentials workshop completion.

Requesting New Classroom Technology/Software

The LST Support Team welcomes requests for software in campus University Classrooms. To request specific software for a University Classroom, please complete the Learning Spaces Technology Software Request Form:

• Current Classroom Software List

If you are an instructor with other software needs for your TILE class, please complete the request form from the link provided below. Please allow up to two weeks for review, processing, and deployment of your software. If you have any questions regarding the process, please contact learningspaces@uiowa.edu

Learning Spaces Software Request

The LST A/V Design & Installation Team welcomes requests for new hardware in campus University Classrooms. To request specific new hardware for a University Classroom, please complete the Learning Spaces Design & Installation Request Form:

Learning Spaces Design & Installation Request

Required Training

Faculty and other users must participate in a two-part training workshop, TILE Essentials Workshop, in order to request to utilize the TILE and TILE-Flex classroom spaces [this training is not required for TILE-Lite spaces]. Contact the Center for Teaching [CfT] in the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology at tile@uiowa.edu for additional information on the TILE program or if you are interested in becoming trained to use TILE spaces.

Documentation

• Classroom Guides
• Classroom Technology Cleaning Guide
• Technology Guides
• Troubleshooting Guides
• FAQs
• Known Issues

Related

• FA 21 Updates
• Center for the Study of Group Processes
• Active Learning in Action

Learn More About TILE Classrooms