This brief discusses how faculty can use principles of universal design to maximize the learning of all college students, including students with disabilities. Principles of universal design are first explained, including: equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical…

This collection of papers covers, from a European perspective, the basic aspects of investments in physical educational facilities, as well as important issues in the economics of education. Four themes are covered. The first presents the art of the economic analysis of educational projects. The second focuses on the contribution of performance…

The American Institute of Architects convened a 1997 conference to explore the issues specific to designing specialties in educational facilities caused by educational reform's emerging methodologies and teaching philosophies. This document discusses the presenter's views of these issues in the following areas: creating engaging learning…

Science now offers new conceptions of the learning process and the development of competent performance. This book presents a contemporary account of principles of learning, and calls into question concepts and practices commonly used in schools. Topics explored include how learning actually changes the physical structure of the brain, the effect…

Because of the individual authority of each State for its own educational program, practices and policies differ widely among them in many respects. Yet in the midst of differences there are also common elements of development. The U. S. Office of Education, in presenting this series of monographs, has attempted to point out those common elements,…

Describes a long-term scheme to develop a pond, nature trail, and tree-planting project (in Cornwall, England). The project was designed by teams of students. Plans included a large pond, meadow area, sequential cuttings of school fields to encourage insects, butterfly garden, extensive tree plantings (including a dwindling native species), and a…

Describes the design of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in British Columbia, including the educational context and design goals. Includes information on architects, consultants, and cost, as well as floor plans and photographs. Discusses how the design for this First Nations school blends aboriginal constructs and…

Examines how architectural forms affect the inner sensual system, presenting several studies looking at the influence of school architecture on student perception and reaction. Describes empirical investigations that attempt to identify how an observer physiologically responds to elements in architectural design. Includes graphs and architectural…

The smaller the school district, the higher the achievement, when the socioeconomic status and per student expenditure are taken into account. Administrative and parental involvement should be determined by the size of the school district regardless of the socioeconomic level of the community. (BJV)

Sets forth a set of general educational facility specifications based on four sources of information: (1) initiatives of the Texas A & M Interface Task Force; (2) views of schools held by children; (3) educational trends; and (4) general educational facility planning principles. (six references) (MLF)

Outlines five facilities considerations that school principals need to address prior to the installation of an integrated learning system (ILS): (1) placement, i.e., labs or classrooms; (2) wiring; (3) environment, including furniture and noise; (4) security, including fire, theft, vandalism, and misuse; and (5) usability, including afterschool…

Explains how one small-town school district encouraged community residents to support a costly new school-bond issue by building a multimedia-focused educational facility that served both students and the community. Discusses how technology proved to be the key in the school being built, and the community's involvement. (GR)

Presents the table of contents of award winners for outstanding architectural design in educational facilities. Winning designs listed cover those for common areas, classrooms, libraries and media centers, cafeterias/food service, auditoriums, laboratories, multipurpose rooms, physical/recreational centers, residence halls, student/service…

Discusses (1) factors supporting day care center remodeling; (2) assessing building suitability for remodeling; (3) documents to help in assessment; (4) creating a team; (5) cost and funding; and (6) overall design considerations. Emphasizes unique children's needs. Includes tips on indoor environments, individual classrooms, the playground, and…

The technological infrastructure at New Hampshire's Brewster Academy has affected policy building, teaching methods, staff development, and administrator role. The five-year phased implementation of a school design model based on universal connectivity and curricular embedding is discussed, with emphasis on network architecture, financial…