What will classrooms of the future look like?
Virtual classrooms will be a central feature at the Global Indian International School (GIIS) SMART campus in Singapore.
When the campus commences operations shortly, GIIS aims to optimise the technology-enabled classrooms in a functional way – hopefully boosting collaborative learning in the process.
The setting will enable a whole new learning experience for students. For one, students will be able to connect with educators and peers from around the world.
Tools are in place to enable students to experience live demos of field trips, for example.
It will also allow students to log in and tune in to classroom happenings when they’re not able to be physically present in class.
The classrooms will also give them the option of studying at their own pace and within the comfort of their confines.
Digital technology will be at the heart of these classrooms: each room is equipped with smart televisions, smartboards and a comprehensive audio-visual system to make sure every child benefits from the lessons.
“The idea is to eliminate physical and psychological borders for our students to allow them unlimited space to learn,” said Atul Temurnikar, chairman and co-founder at GIIS.
“Such collaborative and interactive learning is the need of the hour and our school will make sure this platform is provided to the students for their overall development.”
The classrooms will have many other facilities, like cameras which will record activity so that students will be able to revisit the material during examinations for revision.
It will also have projectors for better viewing of study material for all and collar microphones for teachers for audibility.
“Academics is one of our core focuses at GIIS. With the launch of the virtual classroom, our students are sure to experience a whole new level of learning with better time management and efficiency,” Temurnikar said.
Designed by award-winning educational architecture firm Fielding Nair International, the new GIIS SMART campus in Singapore incorporates multiple e-learning and technological features inspired by the Finnish education system.
These include campus-wide wireless connectivity, a digital TV broadcast studio, iPad tablets and docking stations in classrooms.
The campus’ reliance on technology in its curriculum and learning environment is intended to inculcate four key skills – critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity – in students.
GIIS considers these skills vital for 21st century education in an age of disruption, with automation and machine learning now playing major roles in the modern workplace.
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