Creating an Innovative Learning Hub
Project:
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.
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
- Seamless User Experience: 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.
- Centralised Management and Uniformity : Integration of Clevertouch panels and room booking solutions across all campuses ensures centralised management, promoting uniformity and adaptability in the educational environment.
- Digital Signage and Messaging Capability: Clevertouch IMPACT GEN 2 seamlessly transitions to display digital signage and messages when not used for teaching, enhancing communication across campuses.
- Efficient Resource Utilisation: The CleverLive app allows centralised management of digital signage and messaging, optimising resource utilisation and management across campuses.
- Enhanced Learning Experience: Clevertouch's technology has enhanced learning experiences by creating interactive and dynamic workspaces, promoting greater student collaboration and communication.
- Streamlined Operations: Integration of room booking solutions streamlines operational efficiency, ensuring effective use of resources and spaces within the institution.
- User-Friendly Interface: Clevertouch's user-friendly interface and seamless integration has significantly reduce technology-related challenges, saving time and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Empowering Educators: 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.
- Enhanced Productivity: The work carried out by Roche AV has contributed to a more efficient and productive educational environment through simplifying tasks for teachers and staff.
- Positive Educational Outcomes: 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.
Partners
Project Feedback
"The impact of the Clevertouch technology on our daily school routine is strikingly noticeable. The intuitive room booking systems, accessible via my phone, ensure that I have a booked classroom without any surprises upon arrival. Utilising my mobile to scan the QR code and activate the Clevertouch panel couldn’t be simpler. All my essential resources and tools are readily available, eliminating any need to ponder over requirements or search for resources each time I enter a classroom. This seamless and effortless experience significantly amplifies my efficiency and, most importantly, alleviates unnecessary stress—an aspect of this technology that I truly appreciate." - Lecturer
"The Clevertouch eco-system has been a game-changer for our organisation. Previously, we spent considerable time assisting staff who struggled with technology—whether it was difficulty getting it to work or challenges with downloading files or booking classrooms. Since implementing Clevertouch, we've seen a remarkable reduction in these issues. The user-friendly interface and seamless integration have significantly saved us time, enabling a much more efficient operation. This time saving has empowered us to focus on higher-priority tasks and enhance overall productivity within our IT landscape." - Lynette Potgieter, Project Manager
"The ability to use a QR code on the Clevertouch panel, granting instant access to my Teams account, has been a paradigm shift for my classroom routines. I no longer have to arrive excessively early to set up, ensuring our classes start on time. This has significantly reduced the stress associated with hurried preparations upon arrival. The simplicity of the process means no fumbling with laptops or calling the support team, allowing our lessons to kick off smoothly and engage students from the get-go. It's a seamless and stress-free way to begin each class, resulting in a more productive and focused learning experience." - Digital Technologies Coach
SAMPLE GALLERY: SHOWING THE SPACES IN USE
(Photos: Jim Nowell)