Learning can be done in two ways: from a book, or by doing. For children who are especially fond of the latter, there is Practical lecture Zoetermeer† Thanks to the latest digital techniques, you learn, for example, welding or warehouse management, order picking and much more.
Practice College Zoetermeer is the new name of the former Professional College. But the name isn’t the only change. According to director Han van Beek, the school wants to become one of the most progressive in the region.
Assignments on your iPad
“We want to make education exciting and attractive,” he says. “That won’t work if you don’t keep up with the times. That is why we focus a lot on digitization. All students will have an iPad at their disposal, on which students can do interactive language or math assignments. But it doesn’t stop there. Practical education is all about working with your hands. That is why we have also invested in virtual learning resources.”
Welding without gases
He gives a few examples. “Think of a virtual welding machine. The student uses a virtual realityglasses in which he or she can virtually practice all kinds of welding, on different materials. The teacher and other students watch on a screen. You can set everything, such as the difficulty level and different materials. The advantage is that you can train without limit, without consuming materials or releasing dangerous gases.”
You ordered test paper?
Another example: students who follow the Trade & Economy profile work with a brand new cash register and warehouse system. “Up until now, this has mainly been used internally. For example, if a teacher needs test paper. He orders it digitally. The students receive the order, collect it in the warehouse and take care of distribution within the school.”
“In the future we want to link this system to a webshop, where students can sell everything they have made here, from flower bouquets to pastries. It is not there yet, but a lot is possible.”
Even more innovations
Han and his colleagues are investigating which other innovations can be introduced. “Think of a virtual forklift truck or driving simulator. We look closely at what is most suitable for the students and what the market demands.”
Come meet us!
Does this sound like a place where your son or daughter could feel at home? Practice College Zoetermeer regularly holds Open Houses, but you can always drop by outside of that too. Feel free to contact us if you want to know more.