With the rise of hybrid learning comes new collaborative avenues that were once blocked by limiting technology. At Highlands Primary School in Ilford, England, faculty wanted to leverage hybrid classroom technology to bring global experts into the lesson, no matter where they were located, in a true-to-life and engaging learning format.
The class participated in Turtle Connections, a virtual program run by the Reef Authority’s Great Barrier Reef Aquarium and Turtle Hospital, designed to educate students on turtle conservation and marine ecosystems. With the Meeting Owl at the center of the experience, the session delivered an extraordinary level of interactivity, connection, and engagement for students and presenters alike.
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Students in Class 5Pa took a virtual deep dive into marine science through a live session with the Reef Authority in Australia, powered by the Meeting Owl.
The class participated in Turtle Connections, a virtual program run by the Reef Authority’s Great Barrier Reef Aquarium and Turtle Hospital, designed to educate students on turtle conservation and marine ecosystems. With the Meeting Owl at the center of the experience, the session delivered an extraordinary level of interactivity, connection, and engagement for students and presenters alike.
“Connecting to global experts via a video conference makes learning authentic for pupils,” says Mina Patel, co-ordinator and founder of the National Video Conference Education Group (NVCEG). “The experience is more genuine compared to just watching a video. Pupils can ask a question in real time and have it answered immediately which, in turn, consolidates their learning.”
In this case, the students connected with marine experts based halfway across the globe to learn about turtle species found along the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the threats they face, and the rehabilitation work done at the Turtle Hospital.
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The Meeting Owl’s 360-degree camera, speakers, and mics helped transform a simple Zoom call into an immersive classroom experience. Not only did it ensure remote presenters could clearly see and hear participating students, but it also allowed the presenters to monitor the entire classroom for engagement.
“The Meeting Owl as the primary camera in the classroom was great for engaging with a particular group of students at any one time,” said Craig McGrogan, Reef Education Officer at the Reef Authority.
“The 360-degree panoramic view of the entire class was awesome, as it allowed us to monitor the entire room for student engagement and even direct the classroom teacher’s attention to students who had their hand raised and were ready to ask or answer a question, enhancing interaction and participation throughout the session.”
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Highlands Primary School’s Year 5 teacher, Mr. Pandor, agrees:
“The Meeting Owl was fantastic. The ability to pan and pivot around the room with the app ensured the children all felt included and heard. The Meeting Owl allowed the children to have a more personal experience, making their acquisition of new knowledge more meaningful.”
For Highlands Primary School, the Turtle Connections program aligned with both their curriculum and values.
“As a school we feel it is vital that our children have the opportunity to connect to the global community and learn from experts from diverse experiences and backgrounds,” said Associate Headteacher Sandeep Kaur. “This is a perfect example of first-hand global citizenship skills and ways for our children to see the world from a range of perspectives.”
“At Owl Labs, we're singularly focused on creating the most engaging experiences for all participants through innovative technology,” said Ben MacDonald, Head of Global Channel Partnerships at Owl Labs.
“We were thrilled to be able to support such a powerful programme and connect curious students with important content, regardless of location.”