Build Collaborative, Safe Classrooms with Good EdTech

As the restrictions on Covid-19 activities eased, schools are looking at the best way to adopt a hybrid learning model, a combination of classroom and distance learning that will ensure both a safe in-person learning environment, as well as a balanced digital learning experience.

In early 2020, CDC identified hybrid learning environments as one of low- to medium-level of risk, while other supportive measures like social distancing are also recommended (see latest recommendations from CDC here). But in addition to keeping students safe, schools want to ensure effective learning and balanced learning to maintain a high quality of education. Besides the use of video conferencing platforms that is now commonplace in classrooms, there are now new tools that can be implemented into a classroom that can close the learning gap between remote and in-person learning- and don’t cost very much.

Until 2020, the majority of classroom taxonomy was based around proprietary software platforms such as Smart Notebook and a fixed display in a classroom. With companies such as Microsoft, Google, and others who are redesigning their software ecosystems, a more flexible approach is needed to ensure that schools can rapidly adapt to changes. For example, the OECD has published an extensive guide on different free and low-cost software systems that not only address cognitive skills but also intra-personal skills for remote learning. Find the OECD guide to continuation of teaching during COVID-19 pandemic here. These can be easily adapted to an interactive touch display in the classroom.

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to enable social distancing inside a classroom is to enable students to mirror their screen right from their desks. This eliminates unnecessary classroom movement, and the need to constantly clean cables. Schools can use a touch screen display with integrated wireless screen mirroring to enable a student to share content from their seat.

This is a new option that has become recently available for classroom interactive flat panels. Originally developed for medical applications, germ-resistant glass was first incorporated into interactive flat panels designed for international private schools. The glass is thicker than most other interactive displays and undergoes a process where a special coating is fused directly to the glass in a high-temperature process so it doesn’t wear off. This process has been tested and certified by TÜV and Japan’s SIAA as effective against multiple pathogens.