The Active Learning Engagement Classroom (ALEC) is located in the James C. Kirkpatrick Library, in rm. 1268 (on the 1st floor). Designed in the fall of 2017, ALEC enables faculty to engage with innovative teaching technologies paired with pedagogical advancement in a real classroom environment. ALEC provides a research-based approach to teaching instructors new technologies by implementing the EDUCAUSE versatile classroom model. Faculty can test ideas in ALEC in collaboration with the Digital Learning and Instructional Innovation staff to determine what new technologies best support their instruction.
Digital Learning and Instructional Innovation offers open houses on the use of ALEC throughout the year. Individuals and groups interested in learning about ALEC can schedule a time with DLII by contacting Mike de Laurier.
Faculty interested in teaching in the ALEC need to submit a request - use the button below.
ALEC is intended for faculty teaching an entire semester, enabling the faculty to have consistent and continuous experiences teaching in an active learning environment.
Requests to use ALEC for less than a semester may be made; however, full semester requests will take priority.
All requests, including full semester, partial semester, and ad hoc (one time) use must submit an email requesting reservation of the ALEC Classroom to Michael de Laurier.
Faculty who have never taught in the ALEC room will have priority over faculty who have. Faculty who want to teach in ALEC again may submit a request and will be put on a waiting list.
Class size is limited to a maximum of 28 students.
All uses of ALEC require faculty to complete training, so please allow plenty of time prior to first use (2 weeks is highly recommended) to do so. Unless there are technology changes significant enough to require additional training, no recertification is required for active users.
As an active learning environment, faculty are expected to use active learning techniques. DLII staff are able to guide and facilitate use of these techniques based on the student learning outcomes of the course/class.
At the end of each semester, faculty and students will be asked to complete a brief online survey about their experiences. Faculty and students will be given the opportunity to make suggestions for improvement in the ALEC room.
ALEC is designed for teaching using active learning techniques. There are hundreds of active learning techniques that can be used throughout an entire semester. Plus, you can use more than one. When you go through required training, you will learn a few to get you started. Check back often for the latest in active learning best practice information.