Active Learning Center Opens at the McKendree Radcliff Campus

(RADCLIFF, Ky., January 15, 2018) - A makeover at McKendree University’s Radcliff, Kentucky campus has transformed a former classroom into an Active Learning Center (ALC), where smart technology enables more collaborative instruction and study. During a grand opening on Jan. 11, students, faculty, staff and visitors previewed the multi-functional center, which can be used for classes, meetings, training sessions, studying and small group work. It is in room 109, across the hall from the Radcliff campus administrative offices at 1635 W. Lincoln Trail Blvd.

“We wanted to provide our students with a new, distinct and comfortable learning atmosphere. The Active Learning Center in Lebanon has been a huge hit and we wanted to bring that same feeling to Radcliff,” said Joshua Black, technology support specialist. He and Information Technology Director George Kriss modeled the ALC after a new facility at the university’s Lebanon, Ill., campus.

Two 40-inch, wall-mounted televisions and a projector, each connected to Google Chromecast, allow students to screen-share documents, spreadsheets or videos. A Google Home device can respond to voice commands for each Chromecast, list information found by Google related to an assignment, or provide music or news for students while they study. The center also has an eight-by-four-foot whiteboard and three smaller whiteboard-painted sections nearer to the seat areas. A leather sofa, chairs and stools at tabletops, rather than desks, provide seating for up to 18. Six wall clocks display the time in the four continental U.S. time zones, London/UTC and Tokyo.

The entire project was completed in about a month, as the entire staff at the Radcliff campus pitched in to help, according to Black.

McKendree University has served the Kentucky community for more than 40 years and is recognized as a “Military Friendly School” by Victory Media. The Radcliff campus offers an associate degree in business administration and bachelor’s degrees in business administration, marketing, accounting, management, human resources, psychology, sport management and nursing. The master’s program includes degrees in business administration, human resource management, nursing management/administration, nursing palliative care and nursing education. Developed for working professionals and military members, classes are offered in accelerated four and eight-week blended in-class and online formats.

 

Students, faculty, staff and guests toured the new Active Learning Center at a grand opening on Jan. 11.

 

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