College gains UKs first Further Education HP Learning Studio
A partnership between Hugh Baird College and multinational technology company HP has resulted in the UKs first Further Education HP ‘Learning Studio’.
As part of HP and Microsoft’s ‘Reinvent the Classroom’ initiative, a global network of Learning Studios are being established in order to facilitate student-centred, experiential learning. Each Learning Studio is equipped with the very latest technology in order to keep pace with the fast moving digital age.
The HP Learning Studio at Hugh Baird College boasts the following technology:
- A HP Sprout G2 – a unique 2D/3D immersive PC computing experience
- 10 x HP ProBook x360EE laptops – the education edition of the business-standard convertible notebook
- Dremel Idea Builder 3D40 – a market leading education-focussed 3D Printer
- 2 x HP Classroom Manager licences - A classroom management software that provides control, collaboration, and real-time assessment at the click of mouse
- SAM Labs STEAM Kit – consisting of software, apps and building materials that allow students to discover the fun in coding and tech creation 20
The studio creates an environment where students can engage in activities and projects that expose them to skills and concepts such as advanced design thinking, 3D design, modelling and printing, enhancing the students’ learning in order to provide them with the digital skills employers are increasingly looking for.
Hugh Baird College Computer Science student, Kane Tyler said:
“The Learning Studio is amazing. Having the opportunity to learn how to use the latest digital technology will really help me with my career. This morning we’ve used the 3D Capture Stage to scan a model of a brain and then print an exact 3D replica of it on the Dremel Printer.”
Yana Williams, Hugh Baird College Principal and Chief Executive, said:
“With the Liverpool City Region being one of only three significant Internet of Things (IoT) areas in the UK and the UK’s 2nd fastest growing digital and creative cluster, it’s important that we equip our students with the digital skills they will need for their future careers.”
“Our partnership with HP further solidifies our commitment to ensure our students are fully prepared with the skills they need when they enter employment or progress to university.”
The HP Learning Studio at Hugh Baird College was officially opened on the 16th November 2017.
“The STEM worker shortfall is estimated at 40,000 in the UK. With more jobs being created to meet the shifting demands of the digital economy – such as in robotics, programming and engineering - this gap is only going to widen”, commented Neil Sawyer, Channel and Education Director, HP UKI.
“HP believes it can boost STEM learning by reinventing the way we teach these skills in schools and colleges, taking a more technology-driven approach. Early access to this technology teachers and students is critical to the UK economy. By working alongside forward-thinking institutions like Hugh Baird College, HP hopes to inspire people to be the inventors of tomorrow.”
To find out about the global network of HP Learning Studios, visit http://global.digitalpromise.org/learning-studios
