Grand Opening of WALS (Western Active Learning Space)
On Friday, September 5, the university community celebrated the Grand Opening of Western Active Learning Space (WALS). Located in UCC 66, the new space features seven pods with D-shaped tables and rotating chairs to promote collaboration. Each pod has a “smart” projector that enables instructors and students to project images from their laptops, tablets, and smartphones onto whiteboards around the room.
Over 75 faculty, students, and staff attended the Grand Opening. Dr. John Doerksen (Vice-Provost, Academic Programs) offered opening remarks, and visitors had the chance to explore the space and test out the technology through a series of “challenges” at each pod. In written testimonials, visitors praised WALS for its emphasis on student-centred, active learning, noting “WALS is absolutely amazing!” and “This is a wonderful room with so much learning potential for students.”
WALS is currently being used by instructors from a variety of disciplines and programs, including Applied Mathematics, Geography, Health Sciences, Modern Languages and Literatures, Psychology, the Scholar’s Electives Program, and the new Master’s in Management of Applied Science/Graduate Diploma in Professional Communication and Management “hub and spoke” program. To find out more about WALS, or to book the space, please visit www.uwo.ca/wals.
