MassXR: The Future of Education is Immersive and Augmented
Join us in revolutionizing the classroom experience through Extended Reality (XR).
Objective:
To create a cohort of Massachusetts schools/districts to serve as pioneers in integrating Extended Reality (XR) in K-12 education across multiple disciplines.
Program Vision:
To foster a dynamic environment that facilitates innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity in learning through Extended Reality (XR), ensuring that students and staff are prepared for the evolving demands of the 21st century.
Details:
Scale & Scope: The initial pilot will start with a minimum of 10 schools/districts in the first semester. Another 10-15 schools/districts will be added for the second semester.
Expected Outcomes:
- Staff trained on the fundamentals of XR
- Students trained on the fundamentals of XR
- Selected curriculum/program updated with the integration of XR technology
- Staff trained on how to incorporate XR technology into their curriculum or program
- A network of schools and districts integrating XR to enhance teaching and learning
What We Offer:
Technology: Deploy ten managed VR headsets per district, equipped with cutting-edge software tailored to support academic goals.
Content: A comprehensive XR curriculum focused on computer science, design thinking, 21st-century skills, and mental wellness exercises.
Access: The program is designed to ensure all students have access to this advanced learning platform and that it can be scaled further.
Guidance & Mentorship: Each participating district will be paired with a dedicated team of industry experts. These professionals will provide:
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- Subject-specific metrics to gauge and drive progress.
- A growth-minded approach, assisting educators every step of the way, ensuring they’re well-equipped to harness the potential of XR.
- Technical support on management, content, and deployment.
What Is Expected From the School/District:
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- A commitment of at least six months to experiment with, explore, and integrate XR technology into the academic fabric.
- Select at least one area of focus for development from the list provided. (see below)
- Time and support to train staff and students as appropriate according to the focus area selected.
Cost: Each participating school/district (a school/district may be able to have more than one focus area), will be responsible for $15,000, which will be matched by corporate sponsorship and philanthropy for an additional $15,000.
Application Deadline: September 29, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Let’s Shape the Future Together!
We invite Massachusetts school districts to join us in this pioneering effort. Let’s co-create experiences that will change the way students learn and prepare them for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.
Your participation can change the trajectory of education in Massachusetts. Become a part of the MassXR initiative.
Areas of Focus:
1. Use the power of XR to Continue Building 21st-Century Skills
Of the following list, bring focus on skills that are priorities for participating districts:
- Learning Skills
- Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication
- Literacy Skills
- Information literacy, Media Literacy, Technology Literacy
- Life Skills
- Flexibility, Leadership, Initiative, Productivity, Social Skills
2. High School Upskilling
- XR Foundations Academy (aka ’The Astronaut Course’) – curriculum that introduces the core concepts of XR development and is a hands-on, scalable solution for students to gain real experience in VR/AR development and design
- Use other tools to encourage students to build, code, and explore their own creations in VR or AR, while learning essential digital skills
3. Middle School Upskilling
- XR Foundations Academy (aka ’The Astronaut Course’) – curriculum that introduces the core concepts of XR development and is a hands-on, scalable solution for high school students to gain real experience in VR/AR development and design)
- Use other tools to encourage students to build, code, and explore their own creations in VR or AR, while learning essential digital skills
4. Teacher Professional Development – up to 16 hours of PD
- Intro to Extended Reality/Demystifying the realities: VR, AR, MR – an overview of real world applications
- Differentiating XR from traditional media and technologies
- What is the Metaverse and its potential in education?
- Transforming the learning experience into an immersive and interactive one
- The impact of XR on student learning
- Benefits of VR/AR in the classroom
- Examples of XR applications in education
- Introducing XR skills to students
- Adding Cultural Relevance to the Curriculum/Program Through XR
- Future career paths – preparing students to be ahead of the curve
- Open workshops / Q & A
5. Career Technical Education (CTE)
- VR simulations can mirror real-life scenarios
- Allow students to learn how to perform specific tasks in a low-risk environment
- Accessible for students at schools without specific programs
6. Extended Reality for Health and Mental Wellness
- Teachers – coaching, meditation, support groups, stress release
- Students – coaching, support groups, social interaction, stress release, artistic programs
- Families – participate in activities with students, support groups, community building, English language skills
7. English Learner Education (ELE) Program
- For both students and their families
- Practical conversation practice
- Simulation of real-life situations/scenarios
8. Career Exploration
- Use immersive and interactive experiences to explore careers
- Introduce career pathways and identify new fields of interest
If you have any questions, please contact Hakan Satiroglu: 617-901-0301 | hakan@xrterra.com
