Grzegorz Kowalski - MAC Group S.A. President of Board. MAC will showcase its offer at this
year's Expo of Technologies & Equipment for Education
Targi Kielce: Why have you decided to take part in the Expo of Technologies & Equipment for Education?
Grzegorz Kowalski: The latest Ministry of Education plans to introduce changes in the education system require constant offer adaptation and development. Needs of students keep changing; they were all born and have been growing in the digital world. Kielce event provides an excellent opportunity to present our offer; our portfolio encompasses hard-copy publications as well as innovative educational solutions. We are a family-owned company, Polish capital only Kielce is the company's registered seat; for 27 years we have supported Polish education. We are pleased that the Świętokrzyskie capital will be the presentation platform for MAC Group SA latest offer and that the Educational Expo is in line with great changes in education launched this year.
T.K.: What will be put on display at the your expo stand
G.K.: We will present the latest and truly innovative offer for education - interactive whiteboards, software, pupil registration system for kindergartens, printers and projectors. This is just a sample of our broad-scale portfolio; this has been crafted out for all stages of education - from the youngest children at the nursery school through kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools.
Visitors to the MAC Group expo stand will be have the chance to visit the colourful world of fascinating books for children complemented with a number of teaching aids and equipment. We are open for all visitors interested in education. For example parents may acquire publications which support home schooling. There will be attractions galore for teachers, parents, and children. Our Expo stand is worth visiting as this is a showcase for cutting-edge education. The products have been developed by a team of professionals who boast extensive experience.
T.K.: This year's Expo has changed the format of the previously held educational trade-show. Now Targi Kielce's expo focuses upon new technologies for education. MAC Edukacja has a section devoted to new technologies - MAC technology and interior design section - MAC Teaching. From the publisher's perspective, what is the significance of new technologies for education?
G.K.: The world has been changing rapidly. Today's students are so-called digital natives. The world without the Internet is foreign to them; they use computers, tablets, smartphones. A publishing house is also responsible for children's development: not only do we follow the changes. We actually create new solutions. We are the only publishing house that is the Ministry of National Education's partner. Upon the request of the Education Development Centre we have developed a set of free e-textbooks for primary school - classes 1 through 3. Since September last year students across the country have been using a rich set of interactive materials. The importance of new technologies will increase with every education stage. Skilful use of resources can effectively contribute knowledge acquisition. This is especially important for children who learn through play. Use of innovative solutions is the duty exercised by adults, experts, people responsible for the education of the youngest.
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This year's Expo has changed the format of the previously held educational trade-show.
Now Targi Kielce's expo focuses upon new technologies for education
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T.K.: Has the book, i.e. each student's basic tools become obsolete? Or should it undergo a metamorphosis? What is your opinion on e-books system?
G.K.: Hard-copy materials, in the face of technological progress and multimedia developments have faced a difficult time. However we cannot say that there is writing on the wall. A wise teacher and parent will combine the world of print with the digital world in the way students find attractive. This symbiosis is necessary in order to learn in different ways. E-books prepared by our publishing house upon the request of the Ministry of Education and ORE are not used "instead of regular books" and "instead of printed textbooks." They serve as a perfect complement to the course. For several minutes you can delve into the fascinating world of mathematics and natural sciences. The attractive world Zgrzyciaki that exist in the e-book take you on this journey. The MAC Group offers a range of printed publications on e-books. The student is engaged in the heroes' lives; knowledge is acquired parallel from the animated world presented on an interactive whiteboard as well as from the rustling pages of the books.
T.K.: What are schools, kindergartens and education centres prosper for? What tools and products do you offer?
G.K.: The needs of educational sector actors are diverse. This regards teaching materials, textbooks adapted to the new core curriculum, quality of teaching equipment, multimedia, financial support. Therefore the MAC Group's offer is comprehensive and all inclusive - this is the response to all major needs of education.
The good news for education centres units directors is the EU's financial perspective which allows you to obtain funds for schools equipment. The process in not easy, but it produces measurable benefits. In response to school owners and head-masters, the MAC Group expo stand at the Educational Expo will include a special section with expert on EU funds acquisition. We will suggest how to raise the funds to acquire equipment. In this area we boast rich experience and know-how we are willing to share. We look forward to seeing anyone who is interested in these issues.
T.K.: Today's development is associated with dynamic changes. The changes have also affected the educational sector. We can see that the new government has also resolved to introduce further education-sector reforms. Pre-high schools will be phased out, eight-year primary school and four-year secondary school will be reinstated. This will bring about another change in curricula and textbooks. How does your publishing house embrace the change? Is it for you a kind of revolution?
G.K.: We have been in the education market for 27 years. This has been over a quarter of a century when Polish education system has undergone many rapid changes. The changes presented in June by the Ministry of Education will see implemented from September 2017 on. We are ready to adapt to the new guidelines, to core curricula. We have necessary competence, experience and a team of high-class authors. In response to changes we always bear one thing in mind: support teachers and children's education.
The Expo of Technologies & Equipment for Education will be held in Targi Kielce from 5 to 7 October 2016. Leading education sector's companies, innovative projects crafted for education and experts in the field will be brought together to discuss best practices and effective teaching methods. This is the first time when the offer on display is combined with the European Education Forum - New Technologies & Innovations in Education
The event is targeted at entrepreneurs which offer products and services which support education, at school principals and training centres heads, representatives of public administration, local governments, teachers, educators.
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