TALLADEGA, Ala., June 24,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Talladega County School District, home to 16
schools with 7,100 students, is renowned for more than just the
Talladega Superspeedway. The district is making waves in education
through project-based learning and technological innovation,
achieving remarkable success with the introduction of a mobile
AR/VR lab.
With 71% of its student population qualifying for free and
reduced lunch and all schools eligible for Title I funds, the
district's mission statement emphasizes student-focused innovation
and authentic learning experiences. This mission fueled a
groundbreaking initiative to enhance learning across the county
through immersive AR/VR technology.
The Challenge: Increase student engagement in STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and CTE (Career and
Technical Education) across the district.
The Solution: Create a mobile zSpace lab that travels from
school to school, providing hands-on, immersive STEM and CTE
experiences.
In 2019, the district took its first step into the AR/VR realm
by installing one zSpace unit in each school's media center. These
initial units showcased the potential of immersive technology to
enhance learning. Inspired by a visit to a neighboring school with
a zSpace lab, district leaders envisioned a mobile lab that could
bring these deep learning experiences to every school.
Dr. Brooke Morgan and
Emily Nester from the Talladega County Schools Technology Department
spearheaded the innovation. With support from Superintendent Dr.
Suzanne Lacey and local resources,
their vision quickly took shape. Leveraging an old bus from the
district and various funding sources, including ESSER funds, they
transformed the idea into reality.
In the spring of 2023, the zSpace Immersive Playground (ZIP)
made its debut, impressing the League of Innovative Schools with
its groundbreaking approach.
Keys to Success:
Funding and Expertise: The project utilized diverse funding
sources, materials, and expertise. An unused district bus was
repurposed, with CTE construction students providing the labor to
gut, design, paint, and wire the bus. ESSER funds were used to
purchase the AR/VR devices and licenses. Maintenance and
transportation staff ensured the bus had power sources and
accessibility features.
Build Capacity: Dedicated leaders and experts at each school
received training to support the mobile lab. Media Specialists and
Technology Services staff at each site collaborated with teachers
to plan and prepare for the bus's arrival, ensuring smooth
integration into the curriculum.
Create a Schedule: ZIP operates on a two-week rotation, allowing
schools to pre-plan and maximize their time with the lab. This
advanced scheduling ensures effective use of the AR/VR technology
from day one.
Emily Nester, Educational
Technology Specialist, praised the zSpace team's contribution to
their success: "zSpace provided open lines of communication and
support." The partnership facilitated the district's training
needs, offering valuable insights and connections with experts.
"Knowing our purpose helped us utilize resources available,
allowing us to lean on experts and think outside the box for
funding and connections," Nester added.
Dr. Brooke Morgan emphasized the
importance of expertise and collaboration: "To be successful,
experts in each building, technology coaches, and teachers must
really know how to use the technology to co-plan lessons. Teachers
have the support they need to create engaging and purposeful
lessons to deepen student understanding."
The Talladega County School
District's innovative approach is setting a new standard for
education, demonstrating that with vision, collaboration, and
technology, transformative learning experiences are possible for
all students. To learn more, attend the Poster Session, Meet ZIP: A
Rural District's Approach to Experimenting & Innovating with
AR/VR on Monday, June 24 from 1:30 -
3:00 during ISTELive24 in Denver
or visit zSpace Booth 1640.
About zSpace
zSpace's evidence-based augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR)
platform with zSpace AI provides innovative hands-on, experiential
learning to improve achievement in STEM, CTE and career readiness.
Over 3,700 school districts, technical centers, community colleges
and universities use zSpace to provide equitable access to
instruction for learners preparing for success in college and
careers. Located in San Jose,
California, it has more than 70 patents. zSpace was named
"Cool Vendor" by Gartner, Inc., "Best in Show at ISTE" by Tech
& Learning Magazine for three consecutive years and ranked two
years in a row on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies.
Visit www.zspace.com, or follow @zSpace on X.
Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking
statements. Actual results may differ materially from those
projected due to various risks and uncertainties. zSpace disclaims
any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
For more information, please contact:
Amanda Austin
408-498-4050
379514@email4pr.com
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SOURCE zSpace, Inc.