FCL Ambassadors Meet in Ankara to Promote Digital Education
On October 21-22, 2024, Future Classroom Lab (FCL) Ambassadors gathered in Ankara, Türkiye, for their bi-annual meeting to discuss ongoing initiatives and enhance international cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Education. This event also marked the 10th anniversary of the FCL Ambassadors network.
The focus of the meeting was on supporting the Digital Education Hub Accelerator and exploring Türkiye’s national digital transformation strategies, including the establishment of 500 Innovative Classrooms across the country. Ambassadors were introduced to the Ministry’s Department of Digital Skills and various EU-led projects like eTwinning and Scientix, which aim to foster a collaborative, technology-driven teaching community.
A highlight of the event was a tour of two innovative Future Classrooms in Ankara, where Ambassadors observed modern educational practices and exchanged ideas with local educators. This meeting strengthened partnerships and set the stage for future collaboration, reinforcing FCL's dedication to advancing digital education.
Active Learning Toolkit for Innovative Learning Spaces
In September, the General Directorate held "Active Learning in Innovative Learning Spaces Trainer Training" courses in Van and Balıkesir, involving 220 participants, to promote active learning and optimize innovative IT spaces nationwide. As part of the training, participants received the "Active Learning in Innovative Learning Environments Training Set" developed by the FCL Türkiye Team. This comprehensive set includes 13 modules covering topics such as:
- Innovative Learning Environments, Classroom Models, and the 4Cs in Education
- Integrating Digital Technologies, Web 2.0 Tools, and Scenario-Based Learning
- Investigate, Exchange, Create and Present with Tech Tools
- Assessment, Feedback, and Communication in Active Learning
- Designing Technology-Supported Learning Activities and Applying Learning Scenarios
This training set aim to equip educators with the skills needed to design and implement engaging and effective learning experiences in innovative classrooms.
An "Active Learning and Innovative Learning Spaces" course was also created for the ÖBA (Teacher Informatics Network) platform, offering educators resources to implement active learning strategies.
A Practical Guide to Maximizing Innovative Classrooms
To ensure the effective utilization of the "500 Innovative Classrooms" established by the Ministry nationwide for promoting technology-enhanced active learning, training programs for educators have been organized, and a "Practical Guide for Teachers and School Administrators" has been developed. This guide serves as an inspiring and supportive resource, focusing on the use of innovative classrooms, their impact on learning, and their sustainability. It aims to highlight critical considerations for school administrators and teachers, share best practices, and incorporate recommendations and insights from experienced educators.
Activities Conducted by Local Ambassadors
In October 2024, two FCL introduction sessions were held in Tokat at ZFCL for students and teachers, covering the FCL classroom model and flexible learning spaces. And in December 2024, 60 student teachers from Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University participated in FCL training at ZFCL, focusing on digital technology integration in language education.
A STEM Basic Level Course was conducted in Denizli from 4-8 November 2024, highlighting innovative classrooms and STEM integration, with teachers creating technology-oriented learning scenarios.
A meeting in Giresun introduced eTwinning and FCL concepts, highlighting their role in supporting innovative learning environments.
Between 4-18 November 2024, FCL classroom planning sessions took place in İzmir, focusing on innovative environments and accreditation processes for school administrators and teachers. On 18 November 2024, an FCL session was held, discussing the integration of FCL practices into broader educational goals. An informative meeting for an active learning course in innovative learning spaces was held on 21 November 2024 in İzmir, aiming to support active learning at the provincial level.
A training session was held at Eskişehir FCL for teachers on the Harezmi Model and its integration with FCL. The training covered the implementation of the Harezmi (National STEM Education) Model and explored FCL learning spaces.