Promethean helps Yewlands create the Classroom of the Future
After successfully bidding to be part of the DfES Classroom of the Future (CotF) initiative, Yewlands Secondary School in the north of Sheffield wanted to make their concept of a state-of-the-art teaching and learning space a reality. They recognised that pupils learn in different ways and at different speeds, and so, working closely with its students, Yewlands designed a flexible learning space with a core teaching area that could be opened up to provide a larger forum of five zones. To make best use of the space, they needed to incorporate state-of-the-art technology.
What was needed?
Yewlands needed a partner that could help them develop their classroom of the future, and also support them in developing their use of the technology. They needed an advanced multimedia solution that would enable the efficient monitoring of student activity and dissemination of information. After consulting several suppliers, they chose Promethean.
The solution
Working closely with Yewlands, Promethean’s Advanced Solutions team used their vast knowledge and experience of developing educational ICT applications. They created a tailored multimedia suite that met and exceeded the design specification. A key feature of the system is a flexible learning environment that allows students to work independently whilst the teacher retains overall control.
For whole group learning, the main teaching area incorporates a central display wall with an Activboard in the centre and two large plasma screens either side. In addition, individuals can choose their own programme of work by studying at different multimedia stations around the broader teaching space. At any time, the teacher can alter which source appears on which screen using the Activtablet, a wire-free LCD touch-screen panel that allows easy control from anywhere in the room. A video conferencing system driven by a central ClicktoMeet server software package was also installed in a dedicated VC room.
The verdict
Centre Technology Development Manager John Innes says: “The potential of the technology is just amazing.” The design of the multimedia solution allows students to take control of their own learning; they can learn at their own pace but still have access to a collaborative learning environment. And if a student is struggling with the work they can access a different area and study at a level more appropriate to them, in their preferred learning style.”
The advanced multimedia solutions in the CotF also makes learning more accessible, allowing students to check at their current work station whether the next learning area they want to use is free, greatly reducing the amount of time wasted queuing for equipment.”
The freedom of learning for students in the Yewlands CotF is extensive, but using the central control panel, teachers are able to easily maintain control of the lesson agenda. John continues: “The security of being able to monitor all the computer screens using the control panel means that the teacher is always in charge of the lesson. It does also mean that if a group or pupil is tackling a task in an innovative way, the teacher can share it with the whole class by displaying work on the plasma screens.”
The Classroom of the Future project also encourages exploration of different teaching and learning methods. John describes a literacy lesson in the CotF: “When studying Romeo and Juliet, the lesson objectives and key questions that need to be addressed can be displayed on the Activboard, when the whole class is together. This can then be supported by a short compare-and-contrast session using the two plasma screens. One screen would display a modern version of the play and the other a traditional rendition. By being able to display this content simultaneously, the students can immediately draw their conclusions rather than having to wait to watch them consecutively.”
Staff and students at Yewlands are exploring teaching methods that will help shape the way lessons are taught in the future. John sums up the plans they have for the technology: “New schools nowadays provide a pleasant environment, but they are still based around 30 desks and a board at the front. Working with Promethean’s Advanced Solutions team is helping us to push the boundaries of the teaching environment and use multimedia technology to help students achieve the ultimate in flexible learning.”