Gareth Brewster is FIS’s Technology Director. His role is to promote the use of technology in the classroom and show teachers how to optimize technology for their lessons. He works closely with Humanities teacher Kathleen Ralf, who doubles as the Blended and Online Learning Coordinator at FIS. Kathleen’s focus is on helping teachers find the best technological solution for their hybrid classrooms.
Since early 2021, due to restrictions imposed by the German government surrounding class sizes, only certain grade levels have been allowed to attend classes on FIS’s campus each week. Some classes include multiple grade levels, and teachers have needed to make sure both remote and in-person students are receiving a more inclusive classroom experience. Similarly, when a classroom is at maximum capacity, the hybrid model supports students who are learning virtually from the overflow classrooms. Kathleen works with teachers to make sure they are well equipped to run their virtual classes smoothly.
After some research, Gareth decided to order several Meeting Owls for the campus. The Owls are primarily used to support hybrid classes, but they've also been used in the school’s board and faculty meetings to include remote participants.
Since implementing collaboration technology like the Meeting Owl, Gareth has noticed that the way people work together at FIS has grown even more effective. “Being able to leverage this level of communication and collaboration is new. Now, it’s easy to sit down and have a video call. People don’t have to find the available classroom and schedule time. It’s become a lot easier to connect with people.”
Kathleen uses a Meeting Owl in her classroom, and as a teacher, she appreciates how easy it is to use.
Other FIS teachers find that the Meeting Owl supports their natural teaching style. Kathleen says, "Teachers have never had a way to engage the student at home without standing in front of their laptop camera. They are so happy to be freed up to work the room, give instructions and support, and communicate with kids at home."
Kathleen is excited to keep using the Meeting Owl in a post-pandemic world. “There have always been situations in the past where kids have been stuck at home. Sometimes they’re in a different country and sometimes they’re just sick at home. Right now, if a student has to stay home from school for whatever reason, they expect to be able to come into class via Zoom. Giving them the option of joining in remotely is a great way to keep them included in the class.”