Empowering Future Engineers with SmartClass at UPI Bandung

 

How a top Indonesian university transformed technical English learning with SmartClass. The Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) in Bandung faced a challenge familiar to many institutions: outdated, textbook-heavy English instruction that failed to prepare students for global, industry-specific communication. Determined to modernize, UPI adopted SmartClass by Robotel, revamping their language lab with cloud-based software, interactive tools, and customizable technical content. The goal was ambitious—to equip future engineers and technologists with the English skills they need to thrive in international workplaces.

 

 

1. The Challenge: Outdated Methods for Modern Needs

Before SmartClass, English lessons at UPI were limited by traditional, lecture-heavy approaches that didn’t reflect students’ real-world needs.

  • Lessons lacked interaction and practical relevance to technical fields

  • Large class sizes made it difficult to deliver individualized feedback

  • Students were disengaged and unprepared for global workplace communication

  • Faculty needed a scalable, flexible solution that aligned with 21st-century learning

2. The Solution: A Purpose-Built Digital Language Lab

UPI selected SmartClass Hub and Live to create a cutting-edge learning environment tailored to vocational education.

  • Fully outfitted language lab with 11 student stations, 1 instructor console, Robotel headsets, and an interactive display

  • SmartClass software enabled speaking, listening, and pronunciation activities with industry-specific English content

  • Instructors could monitor progress in real time and provide automated, personalized feedback

  • Simulations and real-life scenarios boosted student confidence and engagement

3. The Results: Relevance, Confidence, and Future Growth

In just one year, SmartClass delivered measurable improvements in both teaching and learning outcomes.

  • Students became more confident using English in technical and professional settings

  • Motivation and participation increased thanks to interactive, real-world content

  • Instructors gained tools to teach more efficiently and assess student progress more accurately

  • UPI is now exploring expansion into additional languages for broader multilingual career preparation