Evonik develops classroom of the future, Technopolis® is testing it out

The cyber classroom was developed in Germany by Evonik, one of the world's leading specialty chemicals companies. The virtual learning system is developed to encourage interest of young people in chemistry and make them enthusiastic about a future job in this sector. The chemical industry needs to attract young people. Technopolis®, the Flemish Science Centre for Science and Technology in Mechelen, was chosen to be the first one in Belgium to use the cyber classroom. “The cyber classroom is integrated in our new state-of-the-art laboratory ,“ says Erik Jacquemyn, managing director of Technopolis®. “Through original experiments young people can discover here that science and technology is great fun. ”

The new learning system gives a totally new dimension to the classic chemistry education. Working closely with teachers, Evonik developed chemistry modules customized for schools. The young people can experience these modules interactively with the aid of 3D glasses and the remote control of the Wii,
the most popular gaming console in the world. So gaming fun is turned into learning fun.

After the successful introduction of this new way of teaching in German schools, Evonik Antwerpen had the honour to be the first to launch this test project outside Germany. “Evonik has chosen Technopolis® because of the original and playful educational techniques they are using. Moreover, the presence of the Lab and a STEM-centre (information centre for teachers in science, technology and
maths) offers the perfect conditions ,” says Bart Van Roie, HR Manager at Evonik.

The cyber classroom will be used in the Lab of Technopolis®. Here students from the 2nd and 3rd degree of secondary education can take part in labs on themes such as DNA and lactose. The cyber classroom supports these labs visually. “We are very happy that Evonik has chosen for Technopolis®. Since more than 13 years we bring science and technology closer to the people in an original way.
The cyber classroom will certainly help us fulfilling our mission ,” concludes Erik Jacquemyn from Technopolis®.

About Technopolis®
The mission of Technopolis® is to bring science and technology closer to people. Technopolis® wants to go further than increasing public awareness or insight into science and technology. It wants to engage people in science and technology. As a Flemish platform for science communication with the Science Centre in Mechelen, Technopolis® is involved in numerous innovative outreach projects throughout Flanders. An average of 300,000 people pay a visit to the Flemish Science Centre and some 395,000 people are reached by the outreach activities. This means that Technopolis® communicates
with 695, 000 people (out of a total Flemish population of 6 million!) about science every year. Technopolis® is also involved in several international projects and was chosen to organize the Science Center World Summit in 2014.
Technopolis® is open every day from 9.30 am to 5 pm.
For more information: www.technopolis.be

Evonik
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2012 more than 33,000 employees generated sales of around €13.4 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.4 billion (excluding Real Estate in both cases). Evonik Antwerpen employs around 1,000 employees and is with 11 production plants one of the largest multi-user-sites of the international group.
http//www.evonik.com/antwerpen