By Althea Peterson
The Norman Transcript

When educating future teachers, it's about technology and teaching for the future.
With this in mind, the University of Oklahoma's College of Education announced its $6 million capital campaign this fall to give a facelift to one of OU's older facilities, Collings Hall. Expansion plans include more classrooms with updated technology and a courtyard.

Joan Smith, dean of the College of Education, said she has been involved with education at all levels, from public schools to universities, for 35 years, including 11 as education dean. She said from first-hand experience, she knows how important updated technology is for teaching future teachers.

"It's amazing how quickly things change," Smith said. "You want to stay in the lead for teacher preparation in terms of the future of instruction. We want to be on the cutting edge of technology."

Collings Hall, first built on the South Oval in 1952, has been home to the College of Education for more than 50 years. However, Smith said it lacks classroom space, which forces teachers to use facilities across campus.

"It's about getting classrooms equipped the way we need them," Smith said. "We are really looking forward to adding more classrooms. It will be so much easier to teach these classes."

It's not just about added space, but making the most of the addition. Smith said Collings Hall also will be able to host a library of curriculum materials, currently located on the South Campus, and additional science labs, currently located in the Physical Science Center. She said these arrangements have sometimes forced faculty to try to transport resources across campus to teach classes.

"It will just be a great help to all of our faculty," Smith said. "I think (students) will feel much more comfortable and that they'll be leaders in technological instruction."

OU President David Boren said the 15,000-square-foot addition will promote the college to continue being a leader in the conference and country.

"The new wing for Collings Hall will enable our highly ranked College of Education to move to an even higher level of excellence," he said. "Up-to-date technology will also help us to compete with other Big 12 universities and those across the country to attract the most highly qualified students. The new wing will be far more than a brick and mortar facility. It will represent another important step down the path to national leadership."

When will expansion happen? Smith said she is very happy with the progress with fundraising so far, raising $2.45 million of the $6 million necessary. With this in mind, she anticipates construction could begin within the next year and a half.

However, she said she is unsure, as construction depends on raising private funds.
"We're just happy to have loyal, dedicated alums, and we appreciate all the support they give us."

And while the college looks to the future of teaching, it's also keeping with tradition. The building's design includes plans for a school bell tower, and bricks to match other Cherokee gothic-style buildings across campus.