Since 1992, Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) has been a champion for the creative and productive planning of spaces for undergraduate learners. From an initial focus on spaces serving students in mathematics and the various fields of science and engineering, the PKAL facilities planning portfolio has expanded, incorporating activities and resources that address the wide range of issues that campus planning teams must address in ensuring broader institutional goals are served by the physical spaces—formal and informal—in which all students engage as learners.

Building on a foundation of almost two decades of PKAL activities related to facilities planning, we announce a new initiative, The PKAL Learning Spaces Collaboratory. This new initiative complements the ongoing work of Project Kaleidoscope, now in partnership with AAC&U, in facilitating efforts of leaders taking responsibility for transforming institutional policies, practices, and programs to ensure robust learning in STEM fields for all American undergraduates.

This Collaboratory is a work-in-progress, being developed with the advice and counsel of a wide range of stakeholders. An initial steering committee and advisory group has been established; goals and strategies drafted. A prototype website is being developed and a series of webinars scheduled, both opportunities for interactive engagement with colleagues across the country about planning 21st century spaces for 21st century undergraduate learners. This website will also highlight relevant resources from the existing PKAL Facilities Portfolio. Templates are in place for one-day regional Learning Spaces workshops and for consultancies. A pilot set of case studies has been prepared, in concert with a collaborating partner (the National Council on Science and the Environment [NCSE]).

PKAL Learning Spaces Collaboratory: Vision, Goals, and Strategy

Portfolios

PKAL LSC Webinars: Schedule

Partners in the Collaboratory

2010 - 2011 PKAL LSC Events