The research component of the classroom project effectively begins in June of 2004 (with the start of construction), and continues through the first year of operation. After the first year CDI will continue to be closely involved in the experimentation within the flexible environment of the classroom.

Investigators from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education will assist in designing research practices, especially those used in the documentation of usage. CDI will also rely on expertise from researchers at Herman Miller to assist in designing procedures for documentation and training.

Publications

Prior to the opening of the classroom, researchers at CDI have completed a number of studies investigating the physical implications of digital interfaces, including the following:

a) Innovative Display Technologies: Applications for Design Practice and Education: Julie Walleisa (2002).

b) Development and Application of Classroom Technologies: Julie Walleisa (2003).

c) Technology in Teaching at the HGSD: Mark Meagher (2003).

d) Remote Docotral Student: Julie Walleisa (2002)

e) Stretching Time and Space: Spiro Pollalis, Jeffrey Huang, Urs Hirschberg (2001)

d) Improving the Physical Condition of Learning Through The Integration of Media Technologies Into The Design of Learning Spaces: Scott Pobiner (2003).

These papers will provide guidance in selecting equipment for testing in the classroom (‘Development and Application ..’), and also a documentation of the current state of technology use at the Design School (‘Technology in Teaching..’).