During the summer break, Harlow College transformed its library space into a technological and innovative iHub.

E-learning Development Co-ordinator and part of the Digital Innovation Team Dave Monk said: ‘We no longer refer to the area as the library, it is now the iHub. It is about trying to represent to the College and the community that there is more to this space and the area than it being a library.

‘It’s a much better space. It’s more up to date and more in keeping with our needs now.’

Karen Spencer, Principal of Harlow College commented: ‘As a College we recognise the importance of good digital skills for our students and staff. The iHub provides a focal point - bringing together digital resources, champions, virtual reality technology alongside traditional methods of learning. Well done to the digital team for bringing it all together.’

The iHub is open Monday to Thursday from 8:45am till 5pm and on Friday from 8:45am till 4:30pm. There will also be a tutorial and a conference area and will be the new base for the IT support team.

The facilities include presentation screens, 40 desktop computers, six MacBook’s and two touch tables that will allow more than one student to take part in collaborative activities. In addition, it includes an interactive robot called NAO and two powerful PC’s running an Oculus Rift Virtual Reality set up.

Once developments have been made the facility will also introduce a green screen to one of its pods. Dave added: ‘We are keen to encourage students to become more creative and more involved but are working with our teaching colleagues to ensure that what we do is productive and useful work’.

The iHub was honoured to officially open on December 7 by NAO and our Governors Myrtle Prodger and Chris Christofides.