As I read this article, I am struck by the biggest weakness of the high-tech classroom I am teaching English 1100 in - structural inflexibility. We can't move our desks! I realize how spoiled I have been taking classes and teaching classes in the room with the moveable wheeled tables. In a matter of minutes, the class can be rearranged from straight rows into groups of four, a circle, a double circle, pairs, or any other configuration imaginable. There are no limitations beyond the physical walls of the room itself.
Laptops on every desk is nice. The document projector is very nice. The dual projector screens are great. The room is completely wired for whatever audio/visual needs I could possibly desire. However, despite all this technology, the room goes against everything I have learned about teaching. Namely, this room is set up for lectures. All students are facing forward and the professor dispenses his invaluable knowledge. We know that very little real learning can happen in this way. We know that students need to interact and participate.
This is not an English Education classroom. For all it's electronic modern age wonders, the teaching philosopy that dictates the structure of this room is remarkably similar to what we would have seen one hundred years ago.
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