2nd November 2017
South Devon College students Joel Stoddard-Turvey (Computing), Ben Baber- Hale (Computing) and Nikita Coombes (Art and Design) were announced the winners of Operation Innovation 2017.
Entrants were asked to develop a concept around the internet of things (IoT) and come up with a way to solve real-world problem using IoT technology with the problem occuring within one of three sectors: education, utilities and or manufacturing.
Of the 20 teams from the Fujitsu Education Ambassador programme took part in the competition, eight finalists were asked to present their project to a panel of judges and industry experts from Fujitsu and Intel at The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park.
The winning IoT product is ExPlus+ (Experience Plus) which is centred on providing a student with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) an improved learning experience. The team wanted to address three issues; inadequate staffing in lessons for students who suffer from ASC due to limited funding, the cost of having specialist staff and the third add value to the learning experience for students with an ASC.
The ExPlus+ utilises the Fujitsu Sensing Band that monitors the vitals signs of the wearer- which can vary depending on the feelings and emotions of the student with ASC within a lesson. The teacher can then act and change the environment for the student to ensure they are comfortable with a change of activity or an intervention. The ultimate goal is to allow students with ASC to be fully inclusive in the learning environment and with the reduction in support needed in sessions. Support staff can also be notified via the application if they are needed at any point in a session. The student can gain more independence from not having continuous support in lessons that they may not require, or want, all the time, making a better environment for them to learn and grow.
The judges were very impressed with the team’s collaborative approach to the project utilising google Classroom to house all project information and discussions as well as using Google docs to be able to collaborate on the final project ‘Proof of Value’ document. The judges were also very impressed with the inclusion of future developments to the product.
The team will fly as VIPs from Stansted airport to Munich on a Fujitsu chartered aircraft on 7th November to present their winning concept to a worldwide audience at the Fujitsu Forum 2017.
Congratulations team!
For more information on courses at South Devon College click here or visit our next Open Evening on Thursday 16th November 5pm-8pm at Vantage Point, Long Road, Paignton TQ4 7EJ.
Register your attendance here
