As the Writing and Communication Program shifted to a fully multimodal curriculum, we had the opportunity to re-design a conventional classroom as a laptop classroom in the Skiles Classroom Building. In 2008, we had this double-size classroom (referred to as Skiles 302) retrofitted with a projection system on each end. We replaced the conventional classroom desks with movable, upholstered chairs and reconfigurable tables. We added a movable whiteboard; a Smart Board; and three large, movable section dividers with bulletin boards on each side as part of the flexible space. Strip outlets were installed along two walls for students to recharge their laptops.[2] The standard floor tile was covered with carpet, and the beige walls were repainted with a color that coordinated with the heathery teal tones of the carpet and chairs.

One of the special uses of Skiles 302 is for end-of-semester student showcases, a common practice in the Writing and Communication Program. Figure 10.1 shows an end-of-semester photography gallery in Skiles 302, possible because of the open classroom space with movable furniture and large display partitions that can be repurposed for an exhibition.

The benefits?

• Projection of the same or separate images for whole class instruction
• The ability to review projected images for group work and presentation rehearsals
• More flexible space for various kinds of group work
• Ease of moving back and forth between group work and whole-class activities
• More convenient use of laptops and tablets
• Display spaces for in-process work
• A large area for exhibitions and guest speakers

Thus Skiles 302 became the space for testing what was to come, both in our new Communication Center and in our new headquarters, the Stephen C. Hall Building.