I Tech You Pavilion

Timeframe

Early 2012 to 2016

Role

Co-initiator, program leader and ambassador for co-creation in education.

Purpose

I Tech You is an educational initiative that aims to increase involvement and awareness of technological concepts among secondary school students in the South of Rotterdam. Through an in-depth and hands-on process, students, teachers and professionals from different industries were involved in the co-creation of a High Tech Pavilion in the middle of the historic working-class neighbourhood Vreewijk - an innovative architectural and educational project.

Duties and Responsibilities

My role as co-initiator and educational program leader meant that I was deeply involved in the coordination and supervision of this project, which led to a multi-year educational program. I was the liaison and boundary spanner between the students, teachers, various education teams, and the architects and industrial partners, facilitating the co-creative processes. Students from different educational levels within secondary vocational education (MBO and HBO courses), including Carpentry, Plastering, Electrical Engineering, Installation Engineering, Human Technology, and Architecture, actively participated in the realisation of the High Tech Pavilion.

Core Values in Practice

Justice and respect were embodied by giving every participant an equal voice and influence in the co-creative process. Courage was shown in the ambition of all involved to introduce a new approach to technology education, while honesty, honour and loyalty emerged in transparent communication and commitment to the project's goal. Self-direction and self-restraint were necessary to navigate through the challenges of this complex project and repeatedly reaffirm the focus on the long-term goal.

Impact and Results

The program had a significant impact on the students involved. They were able to share their insights and ideas on sustainability, social cohesion, and technology. They were directly involved in the construction of the High Tech Pavilion. The program also contributed to the professionalisation of (engineering)teachers within my teaching teams spread across different locations in the Rotterdam region, by involving them in this challenging and innovative project. This created a multi-year education program that can respond to constant change. In addition, the project contributed to the positive perception change of South Rotterdam, by putting the region on the map as a place of innovation and technological development.

Learning moments

The I Tech You project highlighted for me the potential and value of co-design and co-creation in education with it's societal surroundings. Engaging students in all phases of the project, from design to construction, led to an enriched learning experience for them and a final product that was truly responsive to their needs and interests. In addition, the project highlighted how crucial open communication, flexibility and resilience are when navigating complex projects with diverse stakeholders.

Skills developed by participants

Skills in project management, design thinking, educational and servant leadership, stakeholder management and interdisciplinary team coordination were further developed during this project. Moreover, experience with the co-creative process and fostering co-creation within the education system gave valuable insights on how to use this approach effectively. The I Tech You experience was a valuable journey that highlighted how education, society and industry can come together to create hands-on, relevant and engaging learning experiences. By applying the principles of agile co-creation, we created an environment where technology is not only accessible, but also inspiring and engaging.

References

Download information on the I Tech You Pavilion: downloadlink

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