Maciá Abela Opens New Technology Class and Expands Active Learning
I.E.S. Maciá Abela is inaugurating its new technology class on Wednesday, May 17, at 7:00 pm, a milestone that aligns with the centre’s ongoing commitment to progressive education. This training cycle sits within the family of professional physical activity and is part of several projects that employ active methodologies and modern technologies inside the classroom. The initiative signals a broader shift toward hands-on, interdisciplinary learning that connects theory with practical application in sports and health disciplines.
State and European funding
The institute already operates a technology class (ATECA) that is financed by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and by the European Union through the Next Generation mechanism under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. The INNOVATEC program within the Novigi Network supports this effort. The aim is clear: turn the new educational cycle into a driving force for the school, encouraging families to embrace educational innovations and establishing the institution as a benchmark in the town for outstanding, state-of-the-art technological infrastructure. This perspective is shared by Cristina Cascales Maestre, a physical education teacher and head of the Physical Conditioning upper stage department at Macià Abela, who emphasizes the potential for a forward-looking learning environment.
The head of the program notes, “Through the introduction of this class and the adoption of developing and innovative methodologies linked to education, we aim to position our AP students as central actors in their own learning.” The institute provides a dedicated space for research, project work, and creation, forming a dynamic environment for active teaching that invites students to experiment and explore.
Working places
The ATECA classroom features two workspaces. One area is dynamic and reconfigures itself according to the stage the students are in, while the other zone focuses on diagnosis and evaluation. The room spans 53 square meters in total. Cascales highlights the room’s essential innovation: the equipment includes multiple interactive devices—both mobile and stationary—such as virtual reality simulators and ICAROS devices. These tools support postural control assessment, physical activity practice, and rehabilitation in a fun, motivating way that promotes health and well-being.
Additionally, a 3D body scanner completes the evaluation phase, along with diagnosis and the management of training plans. This equipment delivers reliable, accurate, and precise information to guide athletic training and sports practice.
The institute’s leadership explains that the new resources will be rolled out with the afternoon program launch, engaging company members and local government. Elite athletes, physiotherapists, nutritionists, coaches, and various local sports clubs will participate, alongside representatives from the Valencia Community’s Advanced Digital Center (CIDA) and the Xarxa Salud network of the Crevillent City Council. This collaboration demonstrates a comprehensive approach to sport, health, and digital innovation in the community.
Evaluation
Finally, the responsible teacher notes the importance of a classroom of this size for enriching the learning process and contributing to students’ future employment prospects. The program emphasizes high-quality, applied learning and the transfer of knowledge to local work opportunities. It also advocates for the use of original, innovative devices that can be applied to sports and health fields across the district, offering complementary benefits to ongoing education and community health initiatives.