Since 2004, the Sterling Hall of Medicine Library has transitioned from actively receiving approximately 2,600 print journals to offering access to more than 30,000 electronic biomedical journals. With this new, modern way of learning, the 3,200 SF renovation transforms the space from a reading room full of stacks to an advanced team-based learning classroom with additional breakout classrooms.
The 126-seat team-based learning classroom, along with eight breakout classrooms, are designed for flexible use and incorporate technologies supporting Yale’s curriculum. The reconfigurable furniture in the team-based learning classroom allows several modes of operation: team-based learning, small group activities, and lecture.
In team-based learning mode, the furniture is arranged into 20 small groups, each equipped with a dedicated local flat panel display supporting BYOD devices. When used for small group activities, students can use the space for independent studying without an instructor present. A portion of the room’s flat panel displays are disabled and the remaining displays available for use still support BYOD devices.
During lecture mode, tables are turned sideways and the small group flat panel displays are disabled. Three motorized projection screens in the front of the room display content from any input in the room, as well as sources that are remotely located and wireless. Six additional monitors are mounted to provide content to the rear tier of seating while four pan/tilt/zoom cameras are used for lecture capture and conferencing.
“It is the kind of space that is flexible and can be adapted to new and evolving ways of teaching in the medical student curriculum,” said Richard Beltisky, Associate Professor of Medical Education, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, and Deputy Dean for Education.
