The coolest new learning space on the Onondaga Community College campus is located in Coulter Hall. The "Innovative Learning Lab" opened for classes at the start of the fall 2024 semester, providing students with a unique environment to learn in. "It's a nice change of pace. It's very colorful and very interactable. It helps me stay focused. It's a whole lot easier to make eye contact, to see each other, and have a conversation," said Jamison Schafer, a Social Sciences major and Cicero-North Syracuse High School graduate.
The Innovative Learning Lab is much different from a traditional classroom. The room features movable and comfortable furniture, cutting-edge technology which supports a variety of learning activities, glass boards which encourage teamwork, interactive LCD panels, high-speed internet, and Teams video capabilities.
Professor Katharine Rumrill-Teece was one of the first faculty members to have the opportunity to teach a class there this semester. She noticed several differences in students' performance in her Interpersonal Communication class. "Students come early to get the cool chairs. They feel special. It's more relaxed. They have great conversations with each other. For small group work it's absolutely ideal. They draw, they use the boards, they engage well with each other. The tools make it easier and it's so comfortable to sit on a sofa."
Schafer agrees. He and fellow students appreciate how the new environment is improving their OCC experience. "The adaptability of the different furniture allows you to feel more comfortable instead of being in a plain classroom. This feels much more like you are having a conversation rather than being lectured."
The Innovative Learning Lab is located on the second floor of Coulter Hall in room C205.
