Students from Monroe's Carroll High School recently visited the Louisiana Tech University College of Education and Human Sciences' Emergent Learning Research Institute (ELRI) as part of their career and technical education curriculum.
Organized by Carroll High School teacher Shirley Neal, the visit was designed to give students hands-on experience with innovative technology outside the classroom.
“Our students gained practical experience and knowledge that is highly sought after in today's job market,” said Neal. “The visit to ELRI provided our students with a unique opportunity to enhance their technical expertise, explore new college and career paths within the technology industry, and network with professionals in the field.”
ELRI integrates new technologies into educational practices to enhance teaching and learning. By introducing high school students to interactive workshops featuring artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), and coding, they will develop a deeper understanding of the future of technology.
“By introducing our visitors to these cutting-edge tools, ELRI is introducing them to the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital environment,” said ELRI Coordinator Dr. Lisa Flanders-Dick.
In addition to the student workshops, Missy Wooley, assistant director of the STEM Collective for Innovative Louisiana Stakeholders (SCILS), extended the coding sessions to allow participants to continue their projects using Co-Spaces for the remainder of the school year.
Teachers were invited back to ELRI's Create Studio this summer to use Synthesia software, which uses AI to create video content without a camera, microphone or studio. The software allows teachers to create digital representations of themselves that behave, feel and interact like humans.
“We want to provide educators in K-12, higher education, healthcare, industry and the military with innovative resources to develop their knowledge and skills,” said Dr. Don Schillinger, interim dean of the School of Curriculum, Instruction and Leadership. “The joy of learning that emerges when curiosity and guided play are encouraged was evident during our visit to Carroll High School, especially in an educational environment designed to enhance those traits.”
“At ELRI, we are committed to promoting and developing lifelong learners by providing resources to enhance skills through emerging technologies,” Flanders-Dick said.
For more information about ELRI and its programs, please visit here or contact Dr. Lisa Flanders-Dick at LDick@LATech.edu.
