The technology, protagonist in the 21st century class

In this article, Dick de Vaal, CEO de P2M/wePresent, highlights the foundations that will mark the path of what will be the training centers of the future. Some have already begun to modernize and have opted for flexible collaboration spaces that adapt to different uses and needs..

How is the way of learning changing in the 21st century classroom?? Really, evolution is being very important. At the moment, Environments are created focused on facilitating the learning of the skills necessary to achieve success throughout all facets of life. It is an environment where students internalize the needs demanded by the modern work environment.: resources regarding critical thinking, real collaboration and effectiveness in communication.

Innovation leaders in the educational sector seek to go one step further and have begun to implement new strategies that break with traditional methods. This new learning formula focuses one hundred percent on students, who lead their daily lives on the path to their own knowledge.

Adapting to the modern classroom is not a bed of roses

Schools and institutions have found themselves with the need to look for unique solutions to create learning spaces that truly adapt to the needs of these new educational styles..

Until now, some basic technologies such as interactive whiteboards were simply installed., document cameras or conference capture systems, but if what is really sought is to satisfactorily equip the current learning rooms, this is not enough.

Environments truly designed for 21st century learning require specific on-the-ground adaptation in every aspect, adapting from the projection of images on surfaces to the needs at the level of furniture or electrical installation.

Current teaching environments require exclusive planning, a budget realignment and a focus on higher value technologies to provide spaces that are truly effective for modern education. Some centers have opted for flexible collaboration spaces that can adopt different structures according to the style needs of each subject and the requirements of the students' evolution..

The differentiation is in the technology and its application

In the real world, flexible and well-adapted environments already exist today.. A good example is 'The Circle', en la University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Reid Library, the first in the state established in 1911.

The high preparation of its students has made it recognized as one of the most powerful in the country and since 2012 appears at the top 1% of universities according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS rankings.

The Circle is a unique space. Located on the ground floor of the Reid Library is a circular room with modern glass walls.

Designed to host exhibitions, seminars or other events, The Circle is a highly adaptable space that can accommodate up to 60 people and allows for many seating configurations to facilitate learning. This room adapts naturally to the different scenarios required in teaching such as discussion groups or collaborative activities..

It is clear that technology is the key element that allows us to create these innovative 21st century classroom environments., that need to continually adapt and modify with the use of each group. In the case of UWA they have of course implemented audiovisual technology to help provide real flexibility in the room. Offering built-in speakers, data connections for user devices, projectors and a wireless presentation solution made possible by wePresent.

Revolutionizing learning environments is a growing concern and need for educational institutions around the world.. So, Centers need to consider a shift towards the 21st century classroom and close the gap between traditional classrooms and the educational spaces of the future.