The Challenge
Rather than standard classrooms, with no breakout spaces, St Bernard’s trialled combining 2-3 classes in one open area. Students with similar skills sets collaborated in small groups or worked independently on individual tasks. “We started with teaching maths in this new, energised environment,” says Jason Blakey, Head of Information Systems at St Bernard’s College.
In a consultative approach between teachers and the school’s IT team, decisions were made as to what technologies would drive learning for the future at St Bernard’s.
“What the teachers wanted was given weight in how the in-the-round learning areas were designed and fitted out. Having experienced earlier iterations of smart touch screens, they were clear that they wanted the latest wireless, interactive touch displays to complement their lesson plans,” says Jason.
The school’s IT team knew that some third party display solutions have connectivity challenges. “Our stipulations were for a solution that would work seamlessly in our Apple Mac environment, be reliable and give us access to Airplay,” Jason says.
“Budget was also a large consideration, particularly as there were 3 spaces being fitted out. If we hadn’t been able to get the right price, we would have had to compromise and take smaller panels rather than what we actually needed to collaborative-teach our large groups of students,” he says.