Creating a new and fun learning environment for students that have tools that aren’t normally provided in a typical classroom setting is undoubtedly beneficial. However, are the new learning spaces being used to their full potential?

   The Bell staff discussed how efficiently the flex spaces are being used. After gathering the opinions of teachers and discussing in class, the staff concluded that how well the space is used depends on the student and how responsible they are at getting work done or how respectful students are of their surroundings.

   In order for the spaces to be used efficiently, they need to be used to begin with. Not all teachers use the learning spaces in their classes. Since this is the first year, teachers are still learning how to sign up and some find it is too complicated or that they are too booked to find an opening. Other teachers are located too far away from them to move an entire class for only 45 minutes. For students with independent study time, they may not know if they are allowed to use the areas at a certain time or what the purpose for the areas even is.

   On the other hand, there are some teachers using the spaces multiple times a week for students to work on projects, workshops or use the great tools that are provided such as the whiteboard surfaces and Apple TVs. There has been much praise about the furnishings and technology in these areas to provide a better learning experience. They have opened new opportunities for students to exercise their knowledge in a fun and creative way. There are students who find that the spaces are a convenient place to get some homework done before school starts or use it as a comfortable place to read. However, depending on the individual and the class, there are ways that these privileged areas and resources can be misused.

   Some students admit that when using the study areas independently, it is much easier for them to become distracted with other things. This sometimes leads to dozing off on one of the comfy couches, watching movies on the Apple TVs and socializing. Perhaps this is because some students aren’t certain what the guidelines for using the flex spaces are. Maybe it is a lack of supervision that leads to the misconduct. One thing is sure, the flex spaces are intended to be quiet areas when times of independent study are occurring and not somewhere that students can go to slack off.

   Having a clear set of rules listed reminding students that the spaces are to encourage education may be a quick solution. Certainly students don’t need to have a babysitter or authority figure hovering over their shoulder, but teachers and administrators should be aware of who is in the areas at certain times throughout the day. The spaces may be a good place for students to relax quietly during Liberty Hour even if they don’t have a pile of homework to get done. The greater issue is when other people are disruptive to the students who are trying to focus.

   This is the first year the spaces have been here and like all new additions to the school they will take some getting used to. It may take time to work out the kinks and find the best way to operate for teachers and students to fully take advantage of the areas.

   There is no doubt that the learning spaces have been a beneficial and well-liked addition to LHS, but their full potential can only be discovered through trial and error. The efficient use of the learning spaces only has room to grow and bring the school greater success even if students and teachers alike are still figuring things out.