Article

Create A Flexible Workspace With Smart Lockers

Denise Crouch

Denise Crouch

A flexible learning space allows a range of people to use the same space, in a variety of ways, to best suits their learning style.

For some universities this means creating social learning spaces or break-away areas for group study. Others create versatile environments to be shared by multiple faculties, giving tutors and staff freedom to use the spaces for a range of teaching styles, from lectures to workshops.

When planning flexible work space in areas such as libraries or common areas, you can be more creative with the space you have.

Offering a flexible and agile working environment which maximises space is essential and when building space is at premium cost getting the most out of the space an absolute must.

Why Flexible Learning is Important?

More and more universities are offering the same courses and information services these days, so information technology plays an important role attracting students to each university.

Creating spaces which cater for a variety of learning styles or teaching models allows students and staff to make the best use of the spaces available.

It is also, becoming apparent that students find it far easier to study on campus than go off campus. 

These spaces are particularly important when reducing the digital divide. Ensuring all students can not only have access to a laptop or similar device, but also a productive study environment.

Flexible study areas at Edinburgh Napier University

Why use charging lockers in flexible learning spaces?

Charging lockers can be used to manage a variety of devices giving staff and students the options to use the technology which best suits their needs, at any time.

Self-Service charging lockers take up minimal floorspace giving you the freedom to create the perfect environments for your students and staff.

Offering a variety of devices gives your users access to the widest range of technology as possible. This can be done easily with charging lockers which can house all types of items such as laptops, Chromebooks, tablets or just charging bays for students to use for their own devices.

Automating loans and providing self-services allow users to have 24 x 7 access to the technology they need with no staff intervention. This means students can access technology outside of library opening times. It eliminates the need to have staff manually loaning laptops, saving staff time and waiting time for students.

Managing Technology in Flexible Working spaces

We are increasingly seeing a trend for universities and colleges swapping PC’s for laptops or similar small devices. Not only does this free up space previously taken with PC desks and static workstations, these devices are ideal for collaborative and flexible working.

Fully charged devices such as laptops, Chromebooks and tablets can be automatically loaned to borrowers without staff interaction. What’s more each bay can be networked to allow IT Technicians the ability to update all the devices from a remote location.

The LapSafe® Diplomat™ always deploys ‘best charged device’ and the ‘Availability Dashboard’ allows users to see exactly what devices are available. The dashboard also allows administrators to run a range of reports such as what lockers are being used and what the peak times are.

So, if you are re-thinking you’re learning spaces and want to make the most out of the space you have, take a look at the LapSafe® Diplomat™, you won’t be disappointed.

Case Study

Edinburgh Napier University have created a learning space that allows students to easily work in small groups, or individually in small personal spaces. Self-service lockers loan devices to students 24 x 7 so that they have access to a fully charged laptop when they need it.

Read the full Edinburgh Napier University Case Study