SMK Puchong Batu 14 recently opened its new Frog Classroom.
The classroom was launched by YTL Foundation, FrogAsia Sdn Bhd and the design and architectural department of Syarikat Pembenaan Yeoh Tiong Lay Sdn Bhd.
YTL Foundation projects director Datin Kathleen Chew said the idea of transforming the classroom came about when she was invited to conduct a Teach for Malaysia session for the students.
“The students were responsive and eager to know more about the world, and I could not help but think how much it would help them to learn in an environment that was clean, bright and fun, where they could be motivated to channel their energy positively.
“YTL Foundation believes that technology can level the playing field in the everyday learning process. The Frog Classroom will allow the students to have access to information far beyond the physical limits of the classroom,” she said.
School principal Lee Poh Eng said: “Projects like this make the students feel special and I am grateful and touched by the effort.”
Lee hoped the new Frog Classroom would encourage the students to adopt exemplary behaviour and become the ambassadors of the school.
YTL Foundation programme manager Alexander Au-Yong said learning came from three sources — the teacher, fellow classmates and a conducive environment.
“The new Frog Classroom would help change the learning environment and through this, we hope to change the attitude of teachers and students in the areas of teaching and learning,” he said.
Syarikat Pembenaan Yeoh Tiong Lay Sdn Bhd senior interior designer Myra S. Leong said the planning and design, including conceptualisation, took about a month.
She said the classroom had tables made of a medium-density fibreboard strong enough to take rough treatment and a punching bag for students to vent their frustration.
Leong estimated the total cost of the classroom to be RM25,000.
To support the Frog Classroom, YTL Foundation donated a Chromelab, which consists of 41 Chromebooks. The Chromebooks comes in a mobile Chromecart to enable charging and safe storage.
The Chromelab is equipped with Internet connectivity.
FrogAsia further supports the initiative by providing training on the use of the Frog Virtual Learning Environment as well as teaching and learning resources from the Frog Store.
Other sponsors include Kian Furniture, Ica Innovation Sdn Bhd, Regal Ambience Sdn Bhd, Ascon & Services Sdn Bhd, Goodrich Global Sdn Bhd and Bristol Technologies Sdn Bhd.