From October 24th to 28th, FCCN Open Week took place—an initiative that allowed approximately 250 students to tour the FCCN Unit's facilities and infrastructure. Ana Afonso, from the FCCN Unit's Marketing & Communications Office, explains the objectives achieved, emphasizing the impact of these initiatives: "Study visits are a great pedagogical tool for both teachers and students."
In 2019, we launched the Open Week project, bringing high school and vocational school students to the FCCN Unit to learn more about our work and mission, as well as associated projects and professions. The pandemic interrupted this activity, leading to an online edition in 2021.
In October 2022, we were able to resume in-person study visits, which we organized and attended with pleasure. In addition to a general presentation about the FCCN Unit and its services, dedicated to students, in 2022, Open Week included a visit to the FCCN Datacenter and to the FCCN Studio.
I've always believed that field trips are a great pedagogical tool for both teachers and students. They're not only an important complement to the school curriculum, but in many cases, they also allow for the consolidation of learning acquired in the classroom. I believe that these "non-formal" educational contexts are excellent spaces for acquiring and assimilating interests and knowledge.
During the 2022 Open Week visits, I noticed that even the most apprehensive visitors left captivated by the impressive Datacenter room and excited about the activities they could do in our Studio. From filming tests with virtual sets and teleprompters to audio-only recordings/voiceovers, the visits provided opportunities for learning, experimentation, fun, and positive learning.
The world of professions
Another objective of this initiative, the FCCN Unit, is to provide students with "more information about qualifications and career paths in the areas of ICT (Information, Communication, and Electronic Technologies). Therefore, the daily Open Week program also included, during each visit, a discussion by several FCCN Unit employees about their professional and academic paths, as well as their experiences as university students and their transition into professional life.
Through these interactive moments, students had the opportunity to learn more about careers in ICT, clarifying some of their doubts. We hope that understanding these realities will motivate students and provide guidance for their future.
After approximately 250 students from six different schools visited the FCCN Unit, I believe that Open Week fully achieved its objectives. This success would not have been possible without the professionalism and availability of several FCCN staff members, who managed to fit these visits into their schedules, introducing everyone to our work. To them, I extend my gratitude!
Next year, we will hold a new edition of Open Week, giving more secondary and vocational school students the opportunity to get to know us better, in the hope that we can also have a positive impact on their future lives as university students.
For a small preview of Open Week, watch the video:
