Conference for teachers: „Technology – the field of the future“ (MěKS Vimperk)

This event was of great significance to us, as one of the speakers was our headteacher, Mgr. Jaroslav Koreš, Ph.D. In his presentation entitled „Are children really not interested in technology?“He focused on the important topic of pupils’ interest in technical subjects in education. In his talk, he demonstrated that an interest in technology can be sparked in children and young people relatively easily – all it takes is enthusiasm, imagination and, above all, dedicating the necessary time to young people.

As well as our director’s presentation, the conference’s packed programme featured a range of other inspiring topics:

• Inquiry-based learning – Representatives of the ‘Elixír do škol’ project (Ing. Petra Prošková and RNDr. Irena Dvořáková, Ph.D.) presented methods to engage pupils in research and, taking on the role of pupils themselves, demonstrated the practical application of Archimedes’ principle.
• The use of chatbots in schools – Eva Nečasová from the organisation AI dětem demonstrated how generative artificial intelligence can help teachers formulate learning objectives and support formative assessment.
• Links to professional practice – Ing. Michal Štěrba (GZ Media) presented the nationwide call for proposals „PLAY THE RECORD“, which involves pupils in the construction of functional mechanical devices.
• STEM Framework – Lukáš Rokos, MSc, PhD, from the University of South Bohemia, described the STEM approach as a brilliant opportunity to foster an interest in the natural sciences and technology.

The technical part of the day concluded with a panel discussion featuring the speakers, moderated by Vladimír Kořen.

A visit to the Rohde & Schwarz production plant in Vimperk provided a wonderful rounding off to the day for our teaching staff. What captivated them most in this state-of-the-art facility was the extensive use of modern automated machines and robots in the production process itself. Our teachers returned from Vimperk not only proud of the headteacher’s presentation of our school, but also with a wealth of inspiration that they will pass on to our pupils in their lessons.

(Ing. Jiří Vastl)