4F Research
When the UK education system went into lockdown in March 2020, 4wardFutures needed to revise their programme delivery model to transfer the delivery of their projects entirely to online.
A key aspect of this online delivery model has been our creation of a server-based online platform. Our system provides access to a range of open-source and licence free applications and a virtual collaborative environment. Students with access to only rudimentary computing equipment such as Raspberry Pi, tablet or older laptops can access both the virtual collaborative environment and applications that traditionally required high specification specialist computing equipment. This is made possible by the fact that the necessary processing capacity required by applications such as video editing or 3D modelling applications is based on the server. Additionally the processing taking place in the server provides access to real computing power to the students without the need for a large capacity broadband connection as only instructions and images go through the student’s broadband connection.
The development of this cloud-based server has led to 4wardFutures planning two areas of research:
· Overcoming Barriers
· Virtual Collaboration
Overcoming Barriers
The cloud-based server 4wardFutures has developed means that students can access their learning remotely from home through domestic broadband connectivity using low-spec computing equipment to use applications which require a high level of processing power. Using a £35 Raspberry Pi, a £10 keyboard and mouse and a television or monitor, or an older low spec laptop, students can by utilising this system use applications such as 3D modelling or video production applications that traditionally required a £2000+ PC or laptop with high level processing power.
4wardFutures is planning to carry out further research into how this cloud-based server system can be expanded so that a wider cohort of students can access both the applications and the virtual collaborative environment using rudimentary computing equipment and a basic broadband connection. This will include increasing the number of beneficiaries, addressing a levelling up with respect to minorities, the economically excluded, disabled and the neuro diverse communities.
Virtual Collaboration
The cloud-based server 4wardFutures has developed gives students access to a virtual collaborative environment. Within this environment students can collaborate with other students on team-based workshops remotely from home through domestic broadband connectivity. The cloud-based server also means students can be supported when all are accessing their learning remotely from home by both their teachers and external tutors working with them on specific projects.
4wardFutures are planning to carry out research into how the virtual collaborative environment they have developed could be used across a wider range of both school curriculum and vocational training areas. The research will also explore how providing students with access to virtual collaborative environments can help them develop the skills and qualities that will be increasingly valued in a future workplace that is being transformed by the impact of both digital technology and post COVID remote working practice.