Previous articles (such as one published by FE Week in 2017) highlighted that if colleges want to stay competitive, they must provide students an exceptional learning experience. That is delivered by learning technology and collaboration.
Embracing The Use Of Technology | Blended Learning
Many higher education facilities are embracing the use of technology. In addition, are implementing this into the way they teach, offering students a ‘blended learning’ approach. Blended learning is a combination of traditional methods with new interactive methods which combine the use of technology.
This pedagogy allows students to take control of the way they learn instead of just having to sit and listen. Students can use their personal devices in an education environment. This is proven to increase their engagement and productivity. It also allows students to develop their digital skills that are required within the workplace. Most importantly, using technology in learning allows students to work collaboratively and more creatively.
A tracker survey highlighted that 70% of students feel that technology allows them to be more independent in their learning. In addition, fits in with their lives easily, but how many colleges are actually implementing this?
Collaboration Technology Can Facilitate Blended Learning Styles
In a previous case study, TOP-TEC worked with Newham Sixth Form College on creating a collaborative area within a newly developed Learning Resource Centre. NewVic wanted to create a university space with a professional feel for the college students. As well as, the space needed to encourage collaboration between learners. NewVic intended to integrate technologies to ensure learners could study in any manner that suited their requirements.
It was key that the furniture could facilitate technology that would provide a more independent and interactive learning experience. TOP-TEC SYNERGY collaboration tables were selected for this project. This is because the range allows for integration of a PC, screen and connections in the mast. Therefore, allowing students to access relevant software via the PC and screen to work on a project collaboratively. The connections also allow for personal devices to be connected to the screen to share ideas seamlessly. This type of collaborative furniture enabled students to add a new dimension to their learning.
The students were also in control of booking the space and decided how they would use it. The use of integrated furniture allowed students to collaborate more and take responsibility for managing their own learning.
Get In Touch With Us TOP – TEC | Collaboration Technology
If you are interested in creating a more engaging learning space that facilitates the use of technology, please speak to a member of our team today on 0121 783 3838, alternatively get in touch via sales@top-tec.co.uk
You may also be interested in our previous blog post Form Meets Function: Our Design Process For Collaborative Office Furniture.