What is TILE?
The University of Iowa offers TILE (Transform, Interact, Learn, Engage), a program designed to promote student engagement in active learning classrooms. TILE classrooms support a variety of layouts and can accommodate up to 81 students, with features such as flexible seating, whiteboards or glass boards, and Solstice wireless sharing technology that encourage students’ active participation.
TILE is not just about the technology in the room. It is a teaching approach that encourages collaboration, discussion, and active learning. Instructors are supported by both teaching and technology experts to make the most of the experience. To teach in a TILE classroom, instructors must become TILE-enabled by completing a consultation or approved workshop with experts from the Center for Teaching and ITS OTLT-Learning Spaces Technology.
Become TILE-enabled
We offer TILE consultations and workshops throughout the semester. Faculty can meet TILE-enablement requirements by attending a small-group TILE consultation, participating in an approved TILE workshop, or scheduling an individual TILE consultation.
Small Group Consultations
Small-group TILE consultations provide an opportunity to explore a TILE classroom, experience the space from a student perspective, and discuss strategies for teaching in an active learning environment.
To reserve a spot in a small-group consultation, email the TILE Program at tile@uiowa.edu.
- Friday, Sept. 25, 2:00-2:50 p.m. | LIB 1022
- Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9:30-10:20 a.m. | VAN 350
- Wednesday, Dec. 9, 12:00-12:50 p.m. | SH 40
TILE Guide on ICON
The TILE guide on ICON has support and resources for those new to teaching in TILE as well as experienced TILE instructors, including sample lesson plans, course design resources, and upcoming TILE events.
After You're TILE Enabled
Upcoming TILE Workshop
So, What Is Active Learning Anyway?
Friday, Oct. 16, 1:30-3:00 p.m. | VAN 350
The term active learning has been around for decades. We’ll explore what it means and why it matters, especially in the age of AI, share active learning strategies that work in any classroom, and highlight tools available in TILE classrooms. Leave with new ideas and a reimagined activity using active learning. This workshop is co-sponsored by ITS OTLT-Learning Spaces Technology.
Please register online to attend this workshop.
Individual Consultation
If the scheduled small group consultations or workshop listed above do not work for you, or if you would like to explore a different TILE classroom, email tile@uiowa.edu to arrange an individual consultation. Please include 2-3 times that typically work for you during the week (for example, Fridays between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.) and, if interested, the TILE classroom you would like to visit. Please allow at least two weeks' notice for scheduling.
Because TILE classrooms often have full schedules in the fall and spring semesters, individual consultations may be converted to small group consultations to include other instructors with similar interests or availability. If you prefer a private session, let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate this. We also offer group consultations or workshops for departments, teams, or colleagues who want to participate together.
After we receive your email, a staff member will follow up to confirm the details. Consultations bring together dual expertise: a Center for Teaching staff member will help you explore pedagogy, while an ITS-OTLT Learning Spaces Technology staff member will discuss room technology with you. Please come prepared to discuss your course activities as we brainstorm how TILE classroom features can help you support student learning.
After You're TILE Enabled
After the TILE consultation or workshop, you will be TILE enabled and can request TILE rooms for your courses through the Office of the Registrar. Please consult with your department administrators to reserve classrooms.
The Center for Teaching offers additional consultations on course design, assessment, supporting teaching assistants in TILE, and other topics at any time, while the ITS-OTLT Learning Spaces Team is always happy to assist with classroom technology.
Additional TILE Resources
The Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology and University Classrooms offer technology and classroom support for TILE.
Technology Support
OTLT's Learning Spaces Technology group provides A/V consulting, management, and support for 25 technology-equipped TILE learning spaces across campus.
TILE Classrooms
University Classrooms has details about the variety of TILE classrooms across campus, which range in capacity from 21 to 81 students and offer multiple different features and configurations.