Hosted by , contributed by Kyriaki_Vakkou on 15 September 2023
The high school of Joutsa purchased a 3D printer and several smart screens among other supplies as proposed in their original LfE-application. The main challenge that was addressed by this good practice was to organize workshops for teachers to train them in the use of the new equipment, as they had no previous experience with it. Without the workshops, the use of the new technologies would have remained limited.
A total of five workshops were organised for teachers to learn how to use the four advanced smart screens in their classrooms. It was mandatory for each high school teacher to attend at least one workshop. In addition, a number of high school pilot courses using the new GSuite Classroom environment were organised. The smart screens have already been used for parents' evenings and international cooperation. For example, the consortium of the LfE project visited the high school of Joutsa during the review meeting in Finland, and the high school had visitors from France this spring.
Two teachers were trained to use the purchased 3D printer and the printer was successfully used in collaboration with the university when a total of seven students attended the university course on 3D printing in April. Some smaller workshops on 3D printing have also been organised for students, such as 3D mathematics. The local newspaper published an article about the project and specifically about the 3D printing course. The school also initiated discussions with the local community college about the opportunities offered by their new learning environment.
As a result of the workshops, the smart screens and 3D printer have been in constant use in everyday teaching and other activities (e.g., parents' evening, international cooperation). The smart screens made remote teaching easier, and provided additional services, such as saving and sharing lecture notes easily using this technology. Overall, the integration of these technologies increased students’ interest in studying natural sciences and mathematics and it also facilitated the development of teachers’ skills and knowledge on how to appropriately integrate innovative technologies in the teaching and learning practice.
The 3D printing university course for students was very well received and it is expected to be the most popular university course in the future.
GSuite Classroom: https://edu.google.com/workspace-for-education/classroom
Already implemented by the following schools
Joutsan lukio (Joutsa high school)
This practice was implemented by our school!