When PWCS moved to a 1:1 environment with students having an assigned laptop available to them throughout the school day and at home, the computer lab at Tyler Elementary School was no longer needed. The original lab was designed to hold older style desktop computers, and the space was not conducive to collaboration or project-based learning. Instructional Technology Coach Jonathon Miller proposed the idea to redesign this space, and with the help of the entire school community, the Collaboratory was born.

The school’s PTO organized a Boosterthon “fun run” to fundraise the money for the furniture and new equipment. Students solicited pledges from people in the community for each lap they ran. The PWCS Facilities Department supported the school’s efforts by removing all the old partitions in the space.

Miller painted the space this past summer, and volunteers helped to assemble all the furniture. The result — a collaborative, innovative space where students can create and problem-solve together. It includes flexible seating and monitors mounted all-around where students can project their work. The Collaboratory also boasts a 3D printer and much more.

Noah, fourth grade student at Tyler Elementary, said, “I’ve worked in the Collaboratory on a project where we used an open array to make a zoo. My favorite part is the flexible seating. The Collaboratory makes learning more fun because Mr. Miller can put things on the TVs all around the room.”

Principal Jennifer Perilla is thankful that the entire school community came together to take the Collaboratory from idea to fruition.

“The Collaboratory is a huge upgrade of the previous space,” shared Perilla. “It was designed with careful thought and purpose. As a result, students of all ages benefit from an innovative space specifically designed to support collaboration and creativity.”