Creating an Innovative Learning Hub Institute of Technology
Creating an Innovative Learning Hub
Client:
South Central Institute of Technology
Project
CPC Supplier Excellence Award and AV News 2024 Education Project of the Year WINNER! CPC member the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) aims to revolutionise education by creating learning spaces aligned with modern pedagogies and industry needs across its three campuses...
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Background
A member of the Crescent Purchasing Consortium, The South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) aims to revolutionise education by creating learning spaces aligned with modern pedagogies and industry needs across its three campuses. The SCIoT is a collaborative effort between Milton Keynes College Group and key partners including:
Microsoft
KPMG
Activate Learning
Cranfield University
The aim - to offer higher-level technical qualifications, apprenticeships, and short courses to prepare a new generation of digital visionaries.
Partners
Highlights from the brief
Integrated Learning and Collaboration.
Blending Physical and Digital Environments.
Create an aspirational, urban and fun learning workplace.
Provide a focal hub event space for the IoT, MK College, and the community, promoting community engagement.
Deliver high-quality, well-equipped facilities with a focus on sustainability and adherence to BREEAM 'Very Good' standards.
Agile and Adaptable Spaces.
Wellbeing and Health.
Integrate building design and operation with the curriculum, showcasing IoT community work and achievements.
Enable collaboration between IoT sites and partnerships with employers/academics across different locations.
The Project
With centres in Oxford and Reading, the flagship newbuilding at Bletchley Campus in Milton Keynes was granted planning permission in January 2022. The aim - to provide opportunities for education and training in crucial tech skills, meeting the needs of businesses and inspiring digital futures.
Roche AV were appointed as consultants for the Audio Visual element of this build and the Oxford site having worked with SCioT on their Reading Campus which was completed in mid-2022. The aim was to bring the campuses together as one innovative learning hub.
Key Features
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The Clevertouch IMPACT GEN 2 facilitates easy log-in through a QR code scanned with a smartphone, eliminating the need for additional devices like laptops and streamlining access via Microsoft 360 credentials.
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Integration of Clevertouch panels and room booking solutions across all campuses ensures centralised management, promoting uniformity and adaptability in the educational environment.
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Clevertouch IMPACT GEN 2 seamlessly transitions to display digital signage and messages when not used for teaching, enhancing communication across campuses.
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The CleverLive app allows centralised management of digital signage and messaging, optimising resource utilisation and management across campuses.
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Clevertouch's technology has enhanced learning experiences by creating interactive and dynamic workspaces, promoting greater student collaboration and communication.
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Integration of room booking solutions streamlines operational efficiency, ensuring effective use of resources and spaces within the institution.
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Clevertouch's user-friendly interface and seamless integration has significantly reduce technology-related challenges, saving time and enhancing operational efficiency.
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The QR code feature on Clevertouch panels empowers educators to easily access their accounts, allowing efficient classroom setup and reducing stress associated with technological hurdles.
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The work carried out by Roche AV has contributed to a more efficient and productive educational environment through simplifying tasks for teachers and staff.
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The project effectively met its aims, creating flexible, agile, and collaborative learning spaces aligned with modern pedagogies, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes and reducing non-productive workload for both educators and support staff.
Spotlight: Top-Tec Furniture
Blending physical and digital environments
Integrated learning and collaboration
Agile and adaptable spacesF
Facilitates secure, and integrate the preselected AV/ICT equipment
Incorporates SCIoT branding within the new space
TOP-TEC Kit List
5x Synergy Desks (6-seat) Featuring Mast HDMI connectivity for BYOD purposes to share content on screen and worktop power to help students charge devices for longer seminars.
1x Rubi Mono AV Lectern featuring Control panel housing for easy worktop connectivity (2x HDMI + control panel). Lectures can quickly connect their laptop and cast content to each screen saving time at the start of lessons. Ergonomic monitor arm can be moved to the ideal viewing position for each individual lecturer. 16U (horizontal/350mmD) 5U (vertical 500mmD) rack space. 4Us open for secure access to AV to reduce the chance of cable tampering viewing position for each individual lecturer. 16U (horizontal/350mmD) 5U (vertical 500mmD) rack space. 4Us open for secure access to AV to reduce the chance of cable tampering.
Decision Process
Following several project meetings with ourselves, TOP-TEC and SCIoT, it was decided the Synergy collaborative tables would be the best solution for the new learning environment. SCIoT appreciated how the Synergy range would help support their objective of integrating learning and collaboration into the brand new building. To help maximise the space within the room, TOP-TEC worked with Roche AV and SCIoT to develop 2D room layouts featuring the Synergy Plectrum and Synergy Quad, helping provide a working space for up to 30 students. Once a layout was agreed upon, 3D room renders were then supplied by TOP-TEC to help SCIoT fully visualise what the new space would look like.
The Plectrum and Quad worktop shapes were decided upon as both promote collaboration between students, whilst using the screen as an aid for group work. SCIoT were keen on implementing their brand throughout the new campus space and discussed how we could work together to achieve this. Liaising with the chosen architects, TOP-TEC were able to provide some 3D renders of how each product would look incorporating SCIoT’s orange and black colourways.
Solution
The TOP-TEC Synergy tables feature a screen at the end of the table that can facilitate video conferencing, online and blended learning. This enables online students to work alongside students physically seated at the table, giving lectures a choice of how to teach the class. Synergy is specifically designed to enhance student communication and teamwork, ideal for collaborative learning spaces such as this one. Additionally, when the screen is not used for hybrid group work or casting content, the plectrum and quad worktop shapes naturally point towards the front of the room so that the lecturer can provide traditional classroom teaching if required on the day, giving tutors the tools to teach however they like.
With TOP-TEC furniture solutions, the AV/IT aspect is the focus from the start, rather than as an afterthought and they tailor their solutions to seamlessly integrate AV and IT creating an easy to use all-in-one solution. Internal cable management, worktop power options, secure PC cages and screen mounts result in a fully integrated solution for an improved user experience. We were able to collaborate with TOP-TEC to take all of the recommended AV equipment and integrate it into the Synergy tables and Rubi AV lectern.
The Result
Since the launch of the brand new building, SCIoT is now home to over 1000+ learners within the campus space. We have received some great feedback from lecturers and students who have been using the room for a variety of courses. The colourways really give the wow factor when you walk into the room and it gives students a professional space for education and training in crucial tech skills, meeting the needs of businesses and inspiring digital futures. SCIoT were happy with this solution that helps support their overall goal of blending physical and digital environments into dynamic and flexible teaching spaces.
See How We Can Help
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