OneRoom: the classroom that really brings together in-person and online teaching

Written by: K.J.J. Maes (Kasper) MA 18 December 2023

A language course that allows you to choose where you take part: on campus or online. Whatever option you choose, you attend the same class and have the same amount of interaction with the teacher and other students. This is now possible, thanks to our new Oneroom! This classroom is equipped with the most advanced technology specifically designed to teach on-site and online participants at the same time. We asked Kasper Maes, innovator at In’to, about what makes this space so special and how it differs from other hybrid teaching systems in use today.

Technological marvel

The term ‘hybrid learning’ probably conjures images of a class taught on location, with online participants having the additional option of watching and listening in via video call. Really joining in is usually not possible for online participants. Teaching in OneRoom, however, is a completely different experience, Kasper explains: “The technology makes it feel like online participants are present in the classroom itself. I call it next-gen hybrid. Both the technical installation in the room itself and the software have been specially developed for this way of teaching. Whether you are physically present in the classroom or online via your computer, OneRoom ensures that everyone has the same learning experience.”

“Thanks to eight cameras, six large screens and state-of-the-art sound technology, all participants are as visible and audible as possible. This allows for a lot of interaction and, as an online participant, you’re just as involved in the class as if you were physically present.”

Foto van les in de OneRoom lesruimte op de Radboud Campus
OneRoom classes at the Radboud University Campus

Interactive modes of instruction

A brand-new system like this one naturally requires teachers who know how to make the best use of all its features to give each student the best learning experience. Kasper: “Our teachers are specially trained to teach in this high-tech space. Not only do they learn how to use the technology, we have also developed new modes of instruction. For example, online and on-site course participants can work together on assignments using their smartphones.”

Foto van les in de OneRoom lesruimte op de Radboud Campus
The room seen from the other side

Choose your own location

So what exactly are the benefits of a state-of-the-art classroom? And how does it work? Kasper: “We want to offer our course participants more flexibility with this space. One person may prefer to join a course from the comfort of their own home while another may prefer to be physically present in a classroom. We can offer both in the same course using OneRoom.”

“We can offer our course participants more flexibility with this classroom”

We make an inventory of what participants want before the start of the course. “This helps us firmly assess whether the number of participants taking part online and on-site is somewhat balanced. If you attend the course on-site but are unable to make it to class one time, you can still join online.”

Innovation at its best

Thanks to In’to Languages, Radboud University now has this high-tech teaching space, which is really quite special. “There are only a few universities in the Netherlands that have anything similar. At In’to Languages, we believe it is important to keep innovating and experimenting. For example, we are also working on modernising our digital learning environment, developing an e-learning NT2 course and implementing AI into our courses. Innovation gives us energy and prepares us for the future.”

Written by
K.J.J. Maes (Kasper) MA
K.J.J. Maes (Kasper) MA
Kasper Maes studied German Language and Culture and Philosophy at Radboud University. He has been with In’to Languages for 13 years, where he acted as foreign languages coordinator and senior trainer in German for a long time. His focus in In’to Languages has been increasingly been on innovation since 2020 and the transition to online classes due to COVID-19. Today, as an innovator, he focuses entirely on setting up new projects to renew and improve our education together with his colleagues.