Natural Ventilation Characterization in a Classroom under Different Scenarios

The COVID-19 pandemic has pointed to the need to increase our knowledge in fields related to human breathing. In the present study, temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, and median particle size diameter measurements were taken into account. These parameters were analyzed in a computer classroom with 15 subjects during a normal 90-minute class; all the subjects wore surgical masks. For measurements, Arduino YUN, Arduino UNO, and APS-3321 devices were used. Natural ventilation efficiency was checked in two different ventilation scenarios: only windows open and windows and doors open. The results show how ventilation affects the temperature, CO2 concentration, and median particle diameter size parameters. By contrast, the relative humidity depends more on the outdoor meteorological conditions. Both ventilation scenarios tend to create the same room conditions in terms of temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, and particle size. Additionally, the evolution of CO2 concentration as well as the particle size distribution along the time was studied. Finally, the particulate matter (PM2.5) was investigated together with particle concentration. Both parameters showed a similar trend during the time of the experiments.

Implementation and Commercialization of the Results of the “Multidisciplinary Mobile Computer Classroom Based on Raspberry Pi” Project

This paper describes the developed technology for using the Raspberry Pi micro-computer to teach practical skills on computer networks and operating systems. The effectiveness of acquiring skills using the proposed technology is due to the fact that it allows organizing the workshops with personal support with the necessary special tools. The paper presents a largely implemented project on an initiative basis, preceding the work on commercialization of the described results. In the present work a full detailed content of the steps for implementation and subsequent commercialization of the solutions presented in the project is given. There was assembled a prototype of the hardware-software device. There were developed individual training kits for distribution to students in the classroom. To study the disciplines “Computer Networks” and “Operating Systems”, methodological recommendations on the operation and maintenance of the described computer class were prepared; a methodological manual is being prepared for studying these disciplines using these training kits; the guidelines for operation of devices and components were developed. The work also prepared boot files with the predefined working environment for each discipline. These files include the needed operating systems, the needed preinstalled software, a customized user interface, the needed literature, a training manual, and methodological recommendations. In terms of commercialization, the calculations were carried out on the costs of organizing a computer class based on the Raspberry Pi: implementation of the developed technology; the effectiveness of its implementation was evaluated. A commercial plan was drawn up and calculations were made on the current date with the reference mainly to Kazakhstan; the trial design and layout of the packaging case, information stickers and cover (as well as layout) of the training manual were completed; industrial designs were developed in order to prepare the project for commercialization. The results are practically significant, when they were received, widespread methodology and development tools were used, they can be universally used, including in the field of education without any restrictions.

Contingent teaching through low-tech audience response systems

For one-shot instruction sessions, formative assessment is the most feasible method for gathering data to aid contingent teaching, the practice of adapting to learners’ needs. Various technologies aid in the quick and efficient gathering of data on student learning in the classroom that can be used for formative assessment. Outside of a library teaching space or computer classroom, it is difficult to know what technology is available, what technology students can access, and how best to aid data collection that engages students, provides meaningful data to allow for contingent teaching, and is not dependent on student technology ownership. A low-tech audience response system has provided an opportunity to collect data on student learning and enable contingent teaching. This project report contributes to the field of information literacy research describing how a low-tech audience response system supports contingent teaching and innovates practice in different classroom situations.

Lighting as an Important Factor of Students’ Work Environment

Good work conditions for students at the university are important for education quality and that is the reason why we should pay adequate attention to the factors of work environment in those particular places where students spend most of their learning time. Monitoring of the current state of illumination within school facilities can be performed by two principally different approaches. The first one deals with the exact measurements of illumination and their evaluation in regard to laws, acts, regulations and norms. The second approach is based on subjective perception of lighting in particular work place that can be confirmed via qualitative research methods. In this contribution we combine both approaches. Authors evaluate the actual lighting state in a computer classroom by means of exact measurement of sunlight and compound lighting. The article also offers subjective reactions of students regarding possible improvements of views through the window as one of some factors that influence the state of well-being of students and it also serves as prevention against eye strain, especially when working on computer. The measurement outcomes have confirmed that the overall amount of daylight illumination is insufficient, what leads to the deployment of compound lighting, especially in winter months.