Beginning fall 2026, the University of Iowa will implement updates to TILE classrooms to simplify room terminology and align classroom technology resources with current student device use patterns. This page provides details about the naming changes, redeployment of in-room laptops, and answers to frequently asked questions.
TILE
Updating TILE Naming
To simplify terminology, TILE, TILE-Flex, and TILE-Flex-Plus spaces will now be combined into a single category, referred to as TILE. These technology-enhanced classrooms offer additional monitors, equipment to project students’ devices in the room, and multiple seating configurations.
TILE-Lite spaces will be recategorized as multipurpose rooms. These rooms offer flexible seating using movable tablet-arm chairs, but do not provide the additional technology offered in TILE rooms.
TILE Classroom Features
To review features available in each room and decide which are most important for your class, visit the TILE Classroom Comparison chart.
TILE Laptop Removal
Use of TILE laptops has declined as students regularly use personal laptops for course work. Due to this, all laptop computers are being removed from TILE classrooms after the end of summer 2026 classes.
TILE Software
Students will still have access to software through the Azure Virtual Desktop.
Timeline
Fall 2026
Laptops removed from TILE classrooms; removal of TILE-FLEX and FLEX-PLUS designations; all TILE-Flex and Flex-Plus spaces recategorized as TILE; reclassification of TILE-lite classroom as multipurpose classrooms.
Spring 2027
Schaeffer Hall 40 redesignated as TILE; TILE-enablement consultation with the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology and the Center for Teaching required for Room reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need my students to bring laptops to class?
We encourage you to add technology requirements to your course’s registration information in MyUI and communicate with students in advance when devices are required for in-class activities. Personal devices are often selected and configured to fit students’ preferences, which supports their learning.
What if my student doesn’t have access to a personal computer?
Students may check out laptops from several locations on campus, including the UI Main Libraries and the Hardin Library for Health Sciences.
What will happen to the laptops being removed from TILE classrooms?
Laptops removed from TILE spaces will be used in other areas of campus. The Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology is also collaborating with campus partners who have indicated that they wish to keep the laptops for specific program use in TILE spaces.
Will this affect how to schedule a TILE space?
No, TILE classrooms will still be requested through the Office of the Registrar. Instructors will continue indicate that they want a TILE room and/or a room number in the Room Preferences field.
TILE consultations are required for instructors who wish to teach in TILE classrooms. Learn more about consultations at the bottom of the Registrar TILE page.
Will support for the TILE program change?
No. The Center for Teaching and Learning Spaces Technology are happy to meet with instructors to consult on technology usage, course and activity design in TILE rooms, and more. Email tile@uiowa.edu.
TILE Consultation
To request a TILE classroom space, instructors and event facilitators must first become TILE enabled.
The TILE consultation process examines the foundational concepts and skills in active learning teaching practices supported in TILE classrooms. Training is coordinated by staff in the Center for Teaching in the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology.
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Become TILE Enabled
Visit the TILE Training page for additional steps to start the process.
Connect with the TILE Program
Request a consultation, additional information, or a TILE refresher.