Blogs

21st Century Libraries: Innovative Library Designs of Tomorrow

Libraries are no longer areas where students research subjects alone, they have become collaborative hubs, areas for self-directed learning and group activities.

Our expert in-house designer states transforming a traditional library space can be a quick and simple process.  Replacing towering, static shelving with adaptable furniture and low mobile bookcases is recommended to keep the space open and inviting. Small rooms can be opened up to allow for group projects, with circulation desks and various sized seating. Even desktops can be turned into writeable whiteboard spaces to encourage collaboration and sharing that previous library spaces had discouraged. It is recommended to provide a space within the library for students to socialise and relax before and after school, and during their study breaks.

Libraries that consist of varying spaces can also accommodate movie and quiz nights, teacher/parent nights and co-curricular activities outside general school hours. Case studies have shown that libraries that include several collaborative teaching and student spaces, staff offices, professional development areas and student lounges with flexible furniture are conducive to better teacher/student interaction.

Teachers are looking to create more vibrant, active learning spaces rather than the traditional place of silence. Students can gather, work in small groups but still be open to a transparent space where learning can be seen without barriers. Libraries of tomorrow will become spaces to encourage exploration, creativity and collaboration between both students, teachers and parents alike.

Investing in quality lounge furniture, soft seating, sturdy library tables and comfortable study carrels should be every school library’s main priority. Office Line can assist you create a learning hub for your school and encourage teachers and students to collaborate, communicate, and share. View our special Library Furniture Collection to get started!

Office Line is Attending EduTECH 2018

With over three decades in the industry, Office Line continues to supply quality furniture for schools and offices. Our expertise stems from our deep familiarity with the educational sector, and our ability to tailor  our services to adapt to its evolving needs. We strive to learn from our colleagues and fellow furniture suppliers, closely monitoring new developments in educational architecture and design trends. 

This June, we will be exhibiting our line of educational furniture at the EduTECH and EduBuild 2018 conference. The annual event will take place on June 7-8 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. We believe that it will be an excellent opportunity to collaborate with educational specialists, experts, and furniture manufacturers, as well as to exchange ideas and knowledge with them.

What are EduTECH and EduBuild?

EduTECH and EduBuild are separate but related events taking place as one conference. Combined, it will be the largest educational event in APAC, projected to attract over 10,000 attendees. There will be talks delivered by high-profile speakers, comprehensive masterclasses about various educational sector topics, and exhibits by leading furniture specialists across the region.

EduTECH 2018 is the premier educational event in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the years, it has attracted a host of educators, education businesses, and specialists across the Asia Pacific region. The event serves all levels of the educational cycle, including kindergarten, primary school, secondary school, and tertiary education. It will also cover topics such as National VET, Workplace Learning, Special Needs and Inclusion, Libraries, Edu-tech Startups, Educational Furniture and Equipment, Technology, Facilities, and Services.

EduBuild 2018 is the APAC region’s leading trade show for educational facilities, featuring a host of designers, construction specialists, and educational suppliers. The event focuses mainly on building holistic educational facilities and spaces to enhance students’ classroom learning experience. It will feature a series of senior-level congresses, an open exhibition which will feature new educational technology and a collaborative space for the public.

What’s on the Agenda at EduTECH and EduBuild 2018?

EduTECH and EduBuild provides attendees a chance to work together and exchange industry knowledge from their respective fields. There will be a series of free activities and seminars, as well as esteemed keynote speakers delivering congresses and masterclasses.

EduTECH consists of  twelve congresses covering such  topics  as K-12 Schools ICT Management, School Business Management, Higher Education Leaders, and Tertiary Education Leaders IT. The masterclasses will be delivered by leading educational experts and include topics such as integrating digital technology in the classroom, school marketing and branding techniques, the Learning Power approach and integrating collaborative inquiry.  

There will also be a free international exhibition open to the public in the middle of the event. There will be free seminars and workshops such as Makers Playground and robotics demonstrations. Attendees can also meet with numerous education and building suppliers.

Finally, there will be a gala dinner where attendees can network with a whole host of leading industry figures. The dinner venue features a magnificent view of Vivid Sydney’s light show.  

We at Office Line are proud to be a part of this event, and we hope to see you there at Booth 1014.

Office Line supplies a wide range high-quality educational furniture. We have locations in Sydney and Perth. Contact us today.  

Flipped Classrooms: Is It the Future of Learning?

Researchers have been looking at possible ways to improve classroom learning and to help students learn more efficiently. One of the strategies that has recently emerged is the flipped classroom model — an inverted approach to the traditional lecture setting.

Studying at Home and Learning in School

In a common classroom setting, students listen to lectures inside the classroom and carry out most of the active learning at home. The flipped classroom model inverts this setup by devoting more time for collaborative schoolwork, experiential learning and other forms of active learning inside the classroom. Teachers prepare video lectures that students take home to learn at their own pace.  

The flipped classroom model is relatively new, and only a few of the top universities in the world have adopted this strategy. Studies continue to examine the effects of the model in the students' conceptual grasp of lessons. One study found that the grades of weaker students improved 10% greater than weaker students in traditional classrooms.

Advantages of the Flipped Classroom Model

The main advantage of the flipped classroom model is that the majority of the time spent in the classroom is devoted to active learning. In a collaborative environment, teachers assist students while they work on individual and group schoolwork.

Having more time for active learning allows students to understand concepts and lessons with the help of peers and teachers. This setup enhances comprehension and reduces the likelihood of students getting left behind.

At home, students are able to study the video lectures at a pace with which they are comfortable. They will attend classes the following day prepared and equipped with questions related to the lesson and effectively follow the lecture.

Disadvantages of the Flipped Classroom Model

The flipped classroom model requires teachers to prepare pre-recorded lessons in high-video quality. Meanwhile, the students should have access to proper equipment to watch lectures at home.

This requirement puts students living in low-income areas at a disadvantage, as equipment can be costly. Some students may also feel that they can skip class when they have already "learned" the lesson at home.

School Furniture Conducive to Collaborative Learning

For those schools looking to devote more classroom time to active learning, it is important to have school furniture that fosters peer-to-peer learning.

Office Line offers classroom and library furniture for educational institutions  Australia-wide. Our knowledge of various academic environments allows us to fulfil the specific requirements of our clients.

Our range of school furniture includes a variety of colours and functions that complement and enhance classroom interiors.  We also have high regard for safety and comfort when selecting furniture for our catalogues. Our selection of school furniture is ideal for group learning and study breaks.

Since 1988, Office Line has provided educational furnishing solutions and a high level of personal and professional customer service. We offer convenient delivery and installation services. For all your educational furniture needs, we are your one-stop shop.

Explore our range of school furniture or contact us today. Call us on 1800 333 116 or send us an e-mail at info@officeline.com.au. 

The Award-Winning EN Floor Chair for Modern Facilities

Maintaining good posture is not only beneficial to health, but it also aids in sustaining focus and concentration in class. Educational institutions are placing more emphasis on chair ergonomics as part of the thrust to promote good posture among students.

Health and Posture Issues with Regular Chairs

Past research has revealed that the human body is not built for sitting in chairs. In fact, the widespread use of chairs only happened around 200 years ago; and in some countries, sitting on the floor is still the norm.

Most regular chairs come with a fixed chair width and depth. Manufacturers usually set the width and depth of the chair according to the height of an 'average' person, leaving people who are taller or shorter than their estimates at a disadvantage. Regular chairs also come with fixed backrests. This means that you cannot adjust the backrest to suit your specific needs which can lead to back complications or injuries.

Employees who sit in poorly designed chairs for prolonged periods of time suffer a host of negative effects, from distraction to discomfort in the workplace. Some of the dangers of sitting on a non-ergonomic chair include:

• Stiffness and numbness
• Impeded circulation
• Cramping
• Muscle fatigue
• Neck/back/hip pain
• Uneven pressure distribution
• Lack of focus at work

Office injuries due to poor posture occur gradually and often go unnoticed until employees experience significant pain and discomfort. This shows the importance of chairs to be built ergonomically. Ergonomic chairs reduce muscle and joint strain that can lead to serious wear and tear. More importantly, it reduces the risk of chronic lower back muscle strain and axial back pain.

Ensuring Back Support with Floor Chairs 

Ergonomic floor chairs are one way to address the problems associated with sitting in regular chairs. This special type of chair allows people to sit naturally on the floor while receiving necessary back support, even when they lean back and relax.

Floor chairs are built to be flexible so you will not have to worry about tipping over when you lean against your seat. They also need to be durable and well-designed. Since they are in constant contact with the floor, floor chairs must be scratch-resistant and should not damage your flooring.

Fun and Comfortable for Learning Spaces

Versatile seating options such as floor chairs can be huge motivators for students. Floor chairs give them the autonomy and flexibility to control their environment, allowing them to stay more engaged and focused. This leads to better academic performance, as well as improved overall behaviour. Floor seating options can also make individual reading time a much more enjoyable prospect for students.

Additionally, floor chairs offer the opportunity for increased collaboration among students because of the open space. They can communicate more effectively during team works and classroom discussions as well as work in small groups or pairs.

Ideal for Maintaining the Perfect Meditation Posture

Maintaining good posture during meditation is vital because it helps you remain rooted in the present and fosters awareness. The ideal posture for meditation has three essential characteristics: straight, comfortable and stable. However, discomfort and pain can be major distractions when you're trying to meditate.

For that purpose, finding the best meditation chair is an important part of your practice. Floor chairs are low and incredibly comfortable, providing proper support to your bum and lower back. The chairs are cushioned to protect rear ends from the discomfort of a hard floor. They are also designed and shaped to support standard meditation positions, helping supplement your practice.

With floor chairs, you will be able to focus on your breathing, mantra and visualisation because there aren't any unnecessary aches in your body disrupting your concentration.

Award-Winning Floor Chair for Modern Facilities

Office Line proudly presents the EN Floor chair, one of the newest additions to the EN range of chairs in our catalogue. Ideal for modern school and office facilities, the EN Floor chair is constructed to a high specification that meets ergonomic requirements.

Made from polypropylene, the EN Floor chair is durable yet lightweight. Its composition is also fully recyclable, which is ideal for clients who are looking for sustainable furniture. The EN Floor chair comes in 16 colours, offering a wide variety that will match the interiors of your establishment.

The EN Floor chair was recognised by the GESS (Global Educational Supplies and Solutions) Education Awards and won in the Innovative Product — Floor Chair category.

The annual awarding ceremony highlights and celebrates high-quality and innovative contributions to the education sector, with the objective to raise the standards for educational products and services.

High-Quality Products from Trusted Brands

Since our launch in 1988, Office Line has been steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality classroom and office furniture sourced from trusted brands in the industry.

Our catalogue includes the EN brand of chairs that we displayed at the National Future Schools Conference and Exhibition in March 2018. We were excited to introduce this range of classroom chairs as an innovative, ergonomic and eco-friendly option.

We have more creative and functional solutions for your school and office needs. Based in Perth, we extend our services to Western Australia and other areas in the country. We offer fast delivery for all orders and assist in setting up your furniture.

Feel free to browse the comprehensive range of products in our catalogue. Let us know how we can help you by sending us an e-mail at info@officeline.com.au. You may also call us on 1800 333 116.

Sir Ken Robinson Speaks at the National FutureSchools Conference 2018

Office Line recently attended the 2018 National Future Schools Conference and Exhibition held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 20 to 22. The annual event aims to discuss the future of education in Australia by gathering industry leaders and agents of change. 

Sir Ken Robinson: A Leader in Global Education Reforms

Amongst the esteemed roster of guests and speakers was Sir Ken Robinson, a renowned figure in educational reform. His ideas on creative and cultural education have made him one of the most sought-after speakers in TEDx conferences. His 2006 talk, 'Do Schools Kill Creativity' has garnered over 40 million views on YouTube.

His views came from being a professor of arts education at the University of Warwick in the UK for 12 years. Now, Robinson is a professor emeritus at the university. Politicians in Northern Ireland have adopted Robinson’s ideas documented in his book, Unlocking Creativity. Robinson has also worked with several governments, education systems and businesses all over the world.

Notable Publications on Education

His book, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything (2009), is a New York Times best seller and has been translated into 23 languages. An accompaniment to The Element was published in 2013, titled Finding Your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life, and became an acclaimed New York Times best seller.

Robinson's 2015 book, Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution That's Transforming Education, discusses the world's troubled educational systems and the significance of rethinking approaches to education.

Robinson's most recent publication, You, Your Child, and School (2018), tackles the challenges, rewards and gratifying experiences of parents who are deeply concerned about their children's education. The book debunks the myths and controversies surrounding educational concerns and aims to inspire parents, educators and policy makers to reevaluate the purpose of education.

Sir Ken Robinson held a live question and answer forum on the first day of the National Future Schools Conference. He met with attendees at a book signing event after his talk.

Office Line's Classroom Chairs Exhibit

Apart from a series of talks from various guest speakers, industry leaders were also present at the conference and displayed technological advancements in education.

Office Line participated as an exhibitor and presented a line of ergonomic classroom chairs and tables for schools in Australia. Amongst the products displayed was the EN classic, a classroom chair with an ergonomic shell support that provides lower back support and posture. The EN One was also on display and offered a streamlined design similar to the EN Classic.  Office Line was excited to showcase the new, award-winning EN One Floor chair which has gained a great deal of interest for its innovative design concept.

The EN One range of chairs boast exceptional space-saving, stackable features. They are manufactured from completely recyclable materials, providing the education sector with eco-friendly options for their choice of furniture.

Since 1988, Office Line has been a trusted source of high-quality classroom and office furniture in Western Australia. We source our wide selection of products from brands that offer modern and innovative designs and ergonomics.

Feel free to contact our office for more information or explore the range of educational furniture in our catalogue. Call us on 1800 333 116 or drop us a line at info@officeline.com.au. 

How to Improve Student Learning with Active Classroom Design

Every educational institution wants to improve educational outcomes in and out of the classroom. The way to achieve this remains an object of continuing debate and research. According to academic studies, a student’s academic success is influenced by many factors, including socioeconomic background, personal motivation and influence of different teaching styles. Together, these factors impact a student’s ability to achieve academic success.

There is, however, another factor that schools need to look at — classroom design. After all, students spend most of their time inside the classroom. And it’s no longer a question of if the class environment affects learning but how and how much it affects the learning outcomes of students.

The traditional layout — a teacher’s desk in front of rows of student chairs and desks made from natural wood — is a teacher-centred classroom furniture arrangement. Students take a more passive role, sitting still during lessons. The environment doesn’t allow them to be very collaborative or interactive with each other.

Also, the traditional classroom layout doesn’t consider the fact that students learn in different ways. For instance, some students with ADD and ADHD participate better if they are given choices with how they want to complete a class activity. Group strategies and paired learning are often more effective for them. But the traditional classroom environment makes it difficult for teachers to switch things up when they feel they need to.

So today, we’ll discuss the environmental features that can improve learning and engagement in the classroom. Let’s tackle the ideal classroom design and environment for today’s generation of students:



Classroom Design

Again, one of the factors that is underemphasised or often overlooked is the impact of classroom design. Studies have shown that factors in a classroom setting can affect attention, retention, motivation and academic achievement. Active engagement in the classroom is recognised as a probable predictor of a student’s academic achievement. Based on studies by universities, classrooms that are strategically designed to support active learning increased student engagement compared to classrooms with traditional layouts. So, what can you do to make your classroom design more conducive to active learning? Here are a few simple ways to achieve a more collaborative, active classroom:

• Stay flexible. Make sure that teachers can easily re-arrange the classroom layout to support the students’ learning goal for the day. Replace wooden desks and chairs with modern and moveable classroom furniture, such as stackable chairs and sit-stand desks. Anything that gets students out of their seats and lets them move around with their classmates promotes an active classroom.

• Increase interactivity. With the traditional classroom set-up, only a few students at the front actively participate in the lessons. Many students are passive listeners or completely disengaged. Get rid of the rows and choose roundtable or horseshoe or semi-circle set-up, instead. Make the layout easier for students to chip in and be more interactive with the teacher and with each other.

• Give students a choice. Create zones where students can choose to stay alone or with a partner or groupmates and complete an activity. Some students thrive when they’re left alone, while others perform better when they’re working with others — the important thing is, you give them a choice.

Classroom Environment

Classroom design is critical for effective learning. To develop a successful classroom design, you must find the balance between learning styles and teaching methods. For example, if the teaching method employs collaborative thinking, students must be placed in group assignments that encourage teamwork and cooperation.

Classrooms should be designed such that they provide the spaces needed for students to separate into groups and communicate with one another. A classroom design conducive for collaboration not only stimulates students to engage, but also participate.

And again, choice plays a key role in creating a successful classroom environment. Besides giving them a choice on how they want to learn and participate in class, let them decide on their learning environment, as well. Ask them about which classroom layout, paint colour and decors best suit their class. Consider a school project on classroom design at the start of the school year and see how your students respond.

Classroom Acoustics

A classroom’s sound levels, temperature and lighting are also critical to a classroom’s overall design. To find a suitable sound level in your classroom, background noise must be minimised. You can also adjust sound levels by adding notice boards, baffle boards or soft furniture.

Temperature Levels

Temperature affects a student’s level of focus and concentration. An ideal classroom temperature and a sufficient supply of fresh air help keeps students alert, whereas poor temperature levels may lead to irritation, drowsiness and loss of concentration. To achieve optimal attentiveness, students must be comfortable with the room temperature at all times. In rooms without local control of the thermostat, space heaters, air-conditioning units or fans can help regulate the temperature.

If there’s an air quality issue in the classroom, consider decorating the space with plants. Indoor plants improve air quality and brighten up the room.

Classroom Lighting

There is no alternative to natural light when it comes to ideal lighting. However, if sunlight is limited, make sure that there’s sufficient artificial light. Proper lighting allows for better concentration and prevents eye strain. When choosing suitable lighting, consider the changes and variations needed to create different learning experiences. For instance, in a science classroom, incandescent or adjustable lighting for a dim environment may be required for some experiments. Also, students with sensory issues may find the buzzing or flickering of fluorescent lights distracting. You can use lamps with natural light bulbs, instead. 

Classroom Furniture

Consider finding furniture that will not only provide comfort, but also provide an enhanced learning experience. Collaborative furniture that can easily be re-arranged and connected with each other motivates engagement, communication and collaboration. And flexible seating options, such as bean bag chairs, standing desks, individual workstations and sofas and couches, can give students a feeling of ownership.

Officeline provides modern and functional classroom chairs in Australia. We offer the Eduflex™ Collaborative Trapeziodal Table designed to facilitate and support group collaboration. We also carry the Eduflex™ Quadrum Pod that is designed for educational areas where students can interact and relax.

Our chairs are available as one-piece units or with a range of base options that are built to provide maximum comfort and enhance the overall learning experience. For more information on our supplies of classroom furniture, call 1800 333 116.