The third-floor classroom features round tables with outlets in the center, projector screens and chalkboards on three walls and improved acoustics. There are also movable podiums from which students can work on portable wipe boards and project the boards to a larger screen.
The classroom is being used for Physics 114 laboratory studios and Math 110 and 130 as of Jan. 12. These renovations were done to create a more interactive learning environment.
Winta Daniel, a freshman in Math 130, said the new classroom better accommodates the demands of the course.
“It’s a better fit,” Daniel said. “The other was really cramped, so this has more space and more collaboration. It’s also easier for the teacher to walk around and get to everyone.”
The renovation came in on budget and was paid for mostly by the provost and UNC Information Technology Services, said Chris Clemens, chairman of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Sophomore D’atra Davis has her physics studio in the new room and said it has positively changed the class dynamic.
“It’s more comforting of an environment, so it’s easier to do your work,” Davis said. “There’s just more space, comfortable chairs, better lighting.”
The physics course, along with other introductory courses, had been redesigned, and the room allows for the interactive learning that was part of the curriculum changes, Clemens said.
