Immersive Technology
Hull College approached IDNS with this challenge. After rigorous trials and exploration, the college chose Clevertouch as their classroom solution for interactive touchscreen technology. John Bayes, Director of ICT Services, said:
“Clevertouch was chosen based on the feedback we received from staff during the focus groups we ran. They loved the simplicity of the screen and how easy the software was to use even though they weren’t familiar with it.”
While major developments were going on throughout the college, over 100 screens were installed by IDNS. With the technology in place, IDNS and Hull College set about creating a unique training area to drive adoption – the iQLab. Head of e-Learning, Khaled Al-Ankar, explains the concept behind the iQLab:
“The whole idea was to create a safe place for teachers to come and play, be themselves, break down barriers and ultimately take a risk. Not all teachers can just get up in front of a class and start using technology.”
The largest audio visual refresh at Hull College
Touchscreens installed
Days onsite
Training hours delivered
Metres of cable installed
Staff trained
Classrooms completed
A dedicated launch day saw the iQLab open its doors to staff which was followed up with an intense training week provided by IDNS.
Lisa Davies, Quality Manager, said:
“Launch day involved everyone from the principal to governors coming and having a go with the technology, trying different stuff to get them engaged. We believed if teachers could see it being used here, they would have the confidence to deliver it in their classes.”
Since its launch the iQLab has become a hot spot of development that is feeding back right across the college as the quality team explains:
“We can have up to 30 tutors in at any one time, all with Lynx and Snowflake on their laptops. They work in groups, link to the screens and share ideas to see what others have done. We’re sharing best practice right across the college.”
“Now they are coming in and asking ‘can it do this’ - we get really excited when we don’t even know. Its breaking down barriers for staff that they can pass on to their students. They’re even bringing their own apps and getting them added to the Clevertouch. It’s great to see them innovating.”
And in the classroom the impact is being felt:
“Hair and beauty are enlarging images and filming the tiny details when they’re demonstrating nail painting. Lots of staff are using Snowflake to summarise topics and lessons to make sure students are on track.”
“The students are loving it too. The fact they can get up and get involved is much more engaging. It’s driving inclusion in the classroom. We’re even changing the layout of rooms so that the Clevertouch can be a focal point for collaboration – it’s all about trying to spark that creativity.”
