The Education Movement - Creating Spaces for Today's Learner

I still remember going to the computer lab in 3rd grade and having to pass a typing program before being allowed to move on to cooler things...like The Oregon Trail and Odell Down Under. Once you passed said program, it was the luck of where you got to sit which allowed you to walk to the front of the room and choose the floppy disk that held the prized games - sometimes you got stuck with math or spelling, sometimes you got to buy oxen. Either way, it was a much different time.

The year was 1992.  Fast forward to 2011 and I don't think too many of today's high schoolers would know what a floppy disk is, much less those in elementary school. The truth is, they have been blessed and cursed with a wide array of technology that allows them to learn things differently than I did 20 years ago. With these new concepts and tools, a shift is trying to be made to accommodate these advancements. There needs to be more flexibility in the classroom and spaces provided to the students. Fortunately, I came across two great articles that expand on these ideas.

San Jose State University posted a blog on Monday about bringing in furniture that meets the needs of today's students. "One Workplace and SJSU worked together to develop a classroom  that meets the needs of 21st century students and teachers, focusing on the ability to deliver and receive content in several different ways" (Amanda Holst).

"If students are sitting in a dynamic and engaged environment, they feel better about coming back to class and are more likely to seek out information and learn outside the classroom" - Mary McVey

I feel that statement makes sense - no kid, aged 4 - 23, wants to walk into a boring classroom. And with so much media and technology available, it's no wonder this shift is occurring. A recent article in the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce discusses how the school library is getting a face lift, as well. "The new school library must become more than shelves of books and silent reading. It must evolve into an active resource center supporting a more dynamic model of student learning" - Craig Mason

These shifts to a more modern classroom and breaking the mold of the traditional system have been coming up more and more as further technological advancements get made. The great thing about these advancements is that architects and designers, as well as furniture manufacturers have jumped on this shift with open arms and want to provide these students with the best spaces and products possible. Check out this article from Steelcase about Innovation in the classroom for some great insight and research on the topic.

Additionally, while poking around, I found this great blog from a teacher in Australia who's ideas and writings are entertaining as well as intelligent and thought provoking: http://whatedsaid.wordpress.com/

Giving Hospital Patient Rooms a Facelift - Looking Towards the Future

I don't know a single person who likes to go to the hospital...much less have to stay in one for a medical reason. And I don't blame them. First, most people don't want to be sick or hurt and have to stay in a hospital. Second, if it does occur, the hospital room you're staying in is definitely not the Ritz. Oh no, it is a sanitized, tiled, somewhat dark, probably 2 person cold excuse for a room. I know you're there to heal, but it does not ooze with that comforting feeling of your own space that you're used to and would most likely choose to be in if you could.

An article was brought to me this morning from newest edition of O Magazine that our Healthcare Specialist, Anne, and I agreed would be a great step in patient care. Meet Fable Hospital 2.0 - a blueprint for a hosptial created by researchers that would be a most ideal place for a patient to be...

 

Updates would include a more spacious bathroom with double doors so that staff could help more easily. An adaptable headwall allowing for more flexible space and less moving around for the patient. Single rooms for patients ensures more sleep and less likely of spreading diseases. Carpet reduces injuries from falls as well as protects against certain pathogens. Rooms with views of nature or just big windows - studies have shown less medication is used in rooms that are sunny or have views. Additionally, hand sanitizers, sound absorbing ceilings and soothing music would also improve the patient's stay.

The downside to Fable Hospital is the price tag. Lauren Dzubow wrote that these features would increase construction costs by about $29 million. The upside, turn around time on the investment - these upgrades would save you $10 million annually, getting your ROI in 3 years.

Overall, this article makes some great points on where healthcare should be and is going. There are hospitals that have been adapting some of these methods, so here's to hoping that hospitals being built follow this blueprint.

Check out O Magazine! I couldn't find this article on their website, but my next read will be "Making your workday healthier, happier...and oh so fulfilling".  


~ Kendal

What's in your lunch box?

It's 11:55am on a Wednesday morning and you're starving...what are you going to do? If you planned ahead, you're probably hitting up the office refrigerator and digging through various sizes, colors and shapes of bags attempting to find your lunch. If you forgot and/or were running late, you're either going to hit the vending machine or find the closest take out place to enjoy a high calorie, slightly pricey solution to the hunger problem.

Now don't get me wrong - I love hitting a teryaki place as much as the next person. But bringing in a lunch has a lot of benefits to it. For starters, you'll save daily. Sure, $5 a day (hitting a dollar menu somewhere) may not seem like a lot. But that's a minimum of $25 per week, $100 a month, $1200 a year (give or take for holidays and vacations). Additionally, you may think getting that salad is "healthy" - but that creamy dressing or extra meat and cheese isn't helping your diet. There are definitely healthy to go options out there, but without looking at the total nutrition page (so you really want 1500 mg of sodium in your 400 calorie lunch), there are areas you're hurting yourself in you're probably not realizing...and as a previous post I wrote on the negative effects of sitting tells you, you need to help your body as much as you can.

"But Kendal, I don't want to eat a turkey sandwich every day - that's boring!".
"But Kendal, I don't have time for this!"

I understand these arguments. As I currently suffer from boredom and lack of hours in the day, I've found these cool websites to help you plan your lunches. You're welcome!

The Brown Bag Brigade gives some great tips on how to plan for and make some great lunches!

Eating Well has some great, healthy lunch ideas to keep you from getting bored!

Healthy Lunch Ideas is a big blog with a lot of coolness to it...definitely a good idea to explore!

The Office Diet actually gives you a grocery list for 10 days of food...though the cost is in British Pounds.


So remember, bringing your lunch (and snacks!) to work saves you money and gives you healthier options.

Bon Appetit!
Kendal

Your office, your space - how to have fun with accessories

If you are fortunate enough to work at a company that respects your individuality, you may be allowed to create a space that lets you exude your personal style onto your desk. After all, most full time employees work 40 hours a week (if not more) out of 168 hours possible in 7 days: 24% of our time devoted to our companies. It only seems fair that having some accessories to perk us up during those long hours be allowed in our areas.

Personal Pictures and Photography!

I prefer showing off people I love and places I've been to. It reminds me why I work so hard - so I can spend more time with them. Have one picture of you and your family, friends or as many as you need to stay motivated! Also, enjoy some witty phrases and design to keep your space fun! 

Plants!

Something about a plant makes your space feel better. Maybe it's the extra oxygen? Or that small feeling that you're closer to the outdoors? Whatever it is, if you enjoy the thought of living organisms creating a clean and green aura around your desk, adopt a plant today!

Supporting Your Local Teams!

That first trophy on the left is from my team in La Liga - I proudly support my local soccer leagues. The second? You are in "dawg country" in our Seattle Showroom, as well as Sounders, Seahawks, and Mariners. Show your pride to the office! Sports are a huge part of our culture - I'm sure you may have a favorite in some league?

Add some color!

Sometimes adding bright colors to your space can beat those rainy day blues (or a "case of the Moondays" ~ Office Space). Adding pinks, blues, greens and yellows throughout can make your drab space look fab!

Trinkets and Personal Creations

I work in a creative office. Our front desk admin, Mary, made the cupcake tier to the left. Cyndi, one of our sales associates, found this angel at a craft fair to the right. Knick-knacks, homemade art, pieces that make you feel more comfortable at work help promote your personal happiness and overall can help with your productivity. Explore pieces that make your desk feel homey without over-cluttering.

By being allowed to express yourself, a company shows its flexibility to their employees. Bring in a few pieces to make your space your own! Have any pieces I'm missing? Let us know in the comment section!

~ Kendal



Staying in this weekend? Rent a classic "office" film?

It's hump day. And though Friday and the weekend seems rather far away, it's not a bad idea to start thinking about ways to kick back and enjoy. For my west coast friends. it's supposed to be sunny and 70' this weekend, so make sure you get out and enjoy the sunshine! But in the evening (when it's down to 55), grab some popcorn, a couple of sodas, and consider watching a movie or two in the "office" genre.

An article by Christopher Null (2003) from CNN Money has a great overview of classic office films with some words of wisdom and insights. You can find that here. He lists the following:

1. The Fountainhead (1949)
2. The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956)
3. The Apartment (1960)
4. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967)
5. Save the Tiger (1973)
6. 9 to 5 (1980)
7. Brazil (1985)
8. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
9. Time Out (L'Emploi du Temps) 2001

To be honest, I have seen one and heard of two of these films. So might I suggest these four additional films about the office/work:

1. Office Space (1999)
2. The Firm (1993)
3. Gung Ho (1986)
4. Disclosure (1994)

These, too, have lessons about trust, hard work, cultural diversity, ethics, power, etc. Do you have any suggestions that can fit in to the "office" category?

~ Kendal

Is your workplace evolving with current trends and technology?

We are working in an interconnected global world. As technology continues to improve and global marketplaces become easier to get to, the need to develop and offer the most current trends in office space and tools becomes a necessity to retain the best employees. Steelcase has written a great  informational blog/white paper on the importance of having an interconnected workplace. Here are a few interesting excerpts from the article:

This new workplace must address the diverse ways people are working today. It must support enhanced collaboration, the essence of knowledge work. It needs to inspire and attract people to work at the office instead of the coffee shop. It should nurture personal wellbeing, and leverage organizational culture and the company’s brand. Overall, this workplace must make the most of every square inch of an organization’s real estate.

An Interconnected Workplace will:
- Optimize every square foot of real estate
- Enhance collaboration as a natural way of working
- Attract, develop, and engage great talent; people really want to work there
- Build the company brand and culture
- Help improve a person’s wellbeing


For more insights, please read the whole article here.

Thought of the Day - Organizational Communication

There have been many times over the last 8 months that I have needed to remind myself I am no longer a sprightly young undergrad with nothing to worry about except soccer practice and not oversleeping for that 8am class. Last night was one of those evenings...and as I finished the last paper of the semester for my Masters program in the wee hours of the morning, I gave into thoughts about my favorite topic of recent days, organizational communication, and how differently it can be approached and received.

“Communication is the glue that holds organizations together; it is the chief means by which people relate to one another. The aim of organizational communications is to ensure that everyone understands both external and internal issues facing the organization and what the individuals must do to contribute to the organization’s success” - John Baldino, Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders 

Completing a communication audit can be quite exhilarating. You are evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a company based on how well they communicate to each other and to the outside world. It affects every aspect of the business - from HR to IT, Marketing to Operations. Understanding the important role communication plays inside the organization and reveiling ineffective or poor practices can save a business time and money, as well as improve employee satisfaction and productivity. 

 “Communication belongs to everyone in the organization; it is not a functional responsibility limited to marketing, public relations, or human resources. Communications must become a core competency…”  - John Baldino, Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders 

For more information on steps to performing a communication audit for your company, check out this great two page overview from Urban Words Group. Click Here!

~ Kendal