Secondary School of Automotive and Informatics in Hostivař, Prague
There are four new highly equipped classrooms here. These classrooms have been designed to create spaces equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art technology and to be used for as many different subjects as possible.
Therefore, by all teachers, and no one has to be afraid of them. Much attention has therefore been paid to creating a teacher-friendly workplace - an educational guide that represents the ideal standard for the 21st century.
The teacher therefore has a desk with a powerful computer, two displays, its own backup storage, a multifunction printer, a mobile visualiser that also functions as a webcam to provide remote access to the classroom, for example during the blended learning. In addition, some classrooms are equipped with a 3D printer. Teachers then have not only an interactive whiteboard and mobile interactive display for presentation in their classrooms, but also a digital whiteboard that allows them to save all their whiteboard notes digitally or share them in real time on any device from smartphones, tablets, laptops to desktop computers.
The goal of the Interactive Learning Centres was to create four differently equipped classrooms that will help to acquire and develop modern key competencies - communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking in teaching at all types of secondary schools in the capital city of Prague. The high societal importance of the project is acknowledged by the involvement of the Chamber of Commerce, which is actively trying to ensure that students have the appropriate skills and competences to successfully join the workforce in the near future.
All classrooms are equipped with modern technology, but the aim of the project is to train and develop teachers towards modern forms of teaching. Their mutual inspiration, transfer of experience between different subjects and also between different types of vocational training. The project replicates our 4 pillars of successful integration of modern technologies into teaching - appropriate technologies are complemented by teacher training and development, digital content and all secured by technical support, remotely and on-site.
Competency development in a virtual 3D space is supported by a 3D classroom
Students learn how to prepare technical 3D visualizations and virtual simulations on modern equipment. Each student has an HP Sprout 3D workstation to take a scan of any object. On a computer with a touch screen, with a special projection tablet and appropriate software, they can modify the object or model a completely new object in the virtual environment. The created object is then printed on a 3D printer. The only modern technology missing in the classroom is 3D glasses, such as ClassVR, which would allow students to view the created object before printing.
Multimedia classroom
Multimedia classroom is used for teaching specialized SW tools for various professions and industries, teaching graphic SW and creating technical drawings. Each student has a powerful computer integrated into special furniture and a high-resolution slide-out monitor. Although it is a computer room, the slide-out monitors allow working even without a computer, for example, in the case of classical technical drawing or the development of other classical skills. By equipping all the seats with high-quality headsets with microphone and video camera, , the classroom can, thanks to the proven SMART Class+ software, also be used for studying foreign languages and training of common as well as professional and professionally oriented communication and conversation.
Mobile digital classroom
The mobile digital classroom is used to develop STEM competencies in an exploratory way. The goal is to teach students skills in science, physics, biology, chemistry, math, basic technology, as well as robotics in a group and project-based manner. The classroom is equipped with portable computers and PASCO data loggers. Groups of students work on individual assignments and projects and present the results of their work, as well as individual milestones, to the rest of the students via a central interactive display. The concept of the mobile classroom also allows students to go out into the countryside, the field or directly to practical training sites to complete individual tasks. The aim is to develop not only theoretical but also specific practical skills of the students.
Multimedia classroom for face-to-face and distance learning
The latest multimedia classroom for face-to-face and on-line learning focuses on communication skills and interdisciplinary cooperation. At first glance, it might seem that the classroom responds to the current coronavirus situation, but the intention of this classroom was conceived much earlier. The classroom creates a modern space that encourages creativity, collaboration and communication. Thanks to the mobile furniture, the classroom can accommodate one or two classes that can work together on their projects. Students again work in groups, now using large 21" All-in-One computers that are suitable for groups of three to five students. They again share results via a central touch screen display. In addition, the classroom is equipped with a second display that can easily connect to a partner site or even multiple sites at other schools. The classroom will thus serve to support interdisciplinary collaboration between students from different schools and disciplines. Both in person and remotely. To facilitate remote communication and collaboration, great attention has also been paid to the acoustics of the room and its improvement with special acoustic panels and elements.