Daylighting...natural light
The best possible lighting we can offer our students is daylighting. Is energizes, has blue in it's spectrum in the main part of the day and energizes. The color temperature of the light sources, when showing videos and presentations, can be varied so the classroom doesn't seem fit for sleeping. This can be accomplished by bringing in some inexpensive lamps from a discount store and placing them in the back of the room. The halo effect works well and the screen is clearly visible. Don't be afraid to use colored bulbs for that "gone to the movie" experience for students.
If i could have my class outside I would. Of coarse its the best light for learning. It helps people to relax but still astay attentive.
We have no windows in our classrooms, living in Arizona we can open the doors in the winter to let natural light in, but it is to hot in the summer.
i agree i would love to conduct class outside next to nature. Conducive to a great learning environment
Considering my day job is working with lighting solutions in the higher education and hospitality industries I will support the importance of natural lighting. It can bring a very natural feel to the classroom. I will also support the LED lighting that can be used in classrooms and is much more energy efficient, it also has a wonderful spectrum for reading and discussion,
Thank You,
Ian
The better the lighting in the classroom, the better the learning enviroment. If you are straining to see the handouts/ reading assignments you will tend to have less interest in the topic being taught. Natural lighting is the best lighting for reading.
I read a study done in 2007 that promoted blue lighting, according to the group of people being interviewed they did not seem as tired at the end of a full work day after being in the blue light all day.
Great point Harold. Really this goes back to basic human needs, right? How can we expect learners to be able to concentrate on the learning if the lighting is poor or they are overly hot, cold, etc. Environment really is important.
Ryan
Those are great suggestions. Sometimes we are bound by what is offered on our campus. We are very lucky to have a lot of windows in our area...though sometimes it is more of a distraction.
Natural light is more energising and we are fortunate to have big windows in our classrooms.
The class sessions are morning, afternoon and night-time.
There is a noticeable difference in the energy of the am and pm students when compared to the night students.
