How does COTF promote student-centered learning?

Observation from COTF: The tour of COTF is divided into five parts (café, laboratory, MRT, home and classroom).
The café is a very conducive environment for pupils to meet up to discuss projects. The wireless network allows students to do research online, collaborative learning and sharing of information with their counterparts worldwide. I was very amazed by the voice translation. It has removed the language barrier by translating French voice to English subtitle. I find it really useful in student centered learning especially when you need to upload any videos in foreign languages such as spanish or korean for lesson.

As for the laboratory, the part that attracted me is the video conferencing with a professor and that so much information about the bacteria can be found within such a short time through sample analysis with the professor. The dialogue session keeps the students physically and cognitively engaged. This has once again demonstrates the importance of ICTs tools in student centered learning.

The use of UMPC in the MRT allows users to copy any materials needed into it simply by tapping. I find this very time saving as compared to downloading.

The lights in the house are voice-operated.Parents can be updated on their child's progress in school via sms or email alert.

In the classroom, attendance is taken electronically by putting UMPC on the lap. Students are assessed through online quizzes and explanation is done by using videos for pupils to be able to visualise the question.

In conclusion, COTF helps to promote student centred learning to a large extent but we should also consider the long term effects of studying in this type of environment. Examples of the effects includes exposure to radiation and ergonomic problems due to bending towards the monitor which is placed under the table.