Sm4rt LOC
Sm4rt LOC – Learning Observation Classroom is a globally unique learning observation environment located on the Joensuu Campus of the University of Eastern Finland, in the Educa building (rooms E001 and E002).
The space was developed in collaboration between the University of Eastern Finland and SYK (Suomen Yliopistokiinteistöt) as a 2020 demo project. The pedagogical design of the space was created in collaboration with UEF’s Department of Applied Education and Teacher Training, the disciplines of Computer Science and Physics, and the Joensuu Media Centre.
Sm4rt LOC consists of three game rooms designed for implementing pedagogical escape games and a separate control room. The total area of the space is approximately 100 m², located in the Educa building (E001 and E002) on UEF’s Joensuu Campus.
The facilities support the design, implementation and observation of pedagogical escape games. Versatile technical equipment enables the creation of game‑based learning situations and the documentation of learning processes for research and development purposes.
Game Rooms
Sm4rt LOC includes three game rooms designed for pedagogical escape games, which can be used flexibly either individually or as a combined multi-room experience. The rooms support physical and hybrid escape‑game activities, as well as other learning, research and observation scenarios.
The rooms can be adapted to different needs. For example: One room can be used for instructions and post‑game debriefing, while the other two host the actual learning or gameplay situation for different groups. Alternatively, the escape-game experience can be constructed to progress through several rooms in sequence.
The adaptability of the rooms is supported by a wide range of props, allowing the spaces to be customised for various pedagogical and narrative themes. Objects, fabrics, and visual elements help create immersive, experiential learning environments.
The ICT solutions in the game rooms support flexible learning and gameplay. The lighting in the rooms can be adjusted to suit different situations, visual content can be displayed on the screens as needed, and various soundscapes can be introduced into the space through the speakers. Combined with the props, these elements enable experiential and immersive learning experiences.
The rooms are also equipped with air-quality sensors, which measure sound levels, lighting, humidity and CO₂ concentration. This sensor data can be used to observe and analyse learning situations as part of research and development work.
At the opening event, biology and geography teacher students solved escape room tasks. Photo: Varpu Heiskanen, UEF
Control Room
The control room enables real‑time monitoring, observation and documentation of the activities taking place in the game rooms. From the control room, these activities can be followed via audio and video feeds and recorded for use in learning analysis or research.
Observation supports the examination of learning processes, the evaluation of pedagogical solutions and the further development of pedagogical escape games.
The equipment also supports research data collection.
The control room includes separate screens for each of the three game rooms, three computer workstations, and centralised camera and audio control panels for monitoring, directing and recording activity in the game rooms.
From the control room, the game facilitator monitors and guides the activity in the game rooms via audio and video. Photo: Iiris Kangasniemi
Events in the game rooms can be followed in real time on the control room screens. Photo: Iiris Kangasniemi
Sm4rt LOC is suitable for a wide range of activities in teaching, research, and the design, implementation and observation of pedagogical escape games and other learning scenarios.
The space supports functional, experiential and interactive learning that utilises gamification, simulations and educational technology.
The facilities and equipment enable, for example:
- design and implementation of pedagogical escape games and game-based learning
- simulation sessions and simulation-based teaching
- group and individual work
- audio and video recording of learning situations
- recording podcasts and other learning materials
The aim of the project was to create a multifunctional environment that enables detailed observation of learning through high‑quality audio and video monitoring. A second aim was to design a space for implementing pedagogical escape games. The space was designed to serve teaching staff, researchers and students.
Modernising the rooms into attractive self‑study and multifunctional spaces was a key starting point for the project.
Project timeline:
- 05 Dec 2019: Project proposal approved
- Feb 2020: Steering group established and initial planning meeting
- Spring 2020: Space design
- Summer 2020: Renovation work
- 30 Sep 2020: Spaces handed over for UEF use
- 22 Oct 2020: Official UEF opening and presentation to staff
- 31 Dec 2020: Demo project completed
- 31 Dec 2021: Visitor statistics: over 1,700 visitors!
- 30 May 2022: Visitor count exceeded 3,000!
The opening ceremony was held on 22 October 2020 as an invitation only event due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the pandemic. Photo: Varpu Heiskanen, UEF
Rector Jukka Mönkkönen adjusted the room lighting during the opening ceremony. Photo: Varpu Heiskanen, UEF
The space before the project, January 2020 Photo: Ville Tahvanainen
The space after construction work and before furnishing, September 2020 Photo: Ville Tahvanainen
DEMO room after furnishing, October 2020 Photo: Matias Pitkänen
- Arto Partanen, Ramboll Oy
- Esko Ollikainen, SYK Oy
- Taro Malinen, SYK Oy
- Heikki Toivanen, Arcadia Oy
- Pekka Kukkonen, Granlund Oy
- Tarja Harjula, UEF
- Tarja Räsänen, UEF
- Kari Korhonen, UEF
- Matias Pitkänen, UEF
- Ari Paldanius, UEF
- Ville Tahvanainen, UEF
- Tuomo Parkki, Joensuu Media Centre
- Silja Penttinen, UEF
- Antti Jouppi, UEF