The Calcasieu Parish in Louisiana has recently introduced a new tech-savvy initiative called the Mobile Makerspace bus. This unique vehicle offers students the latest technology tools in a “makerspace” environment where they can explore and share their ideas.
At Oak Park Middle School, students are using iPads and coding language to program robots to follow specific routes, making learning a fun experience. The Chief Technology Officer for the Calcasieu School Board, Kim LeBlanc, explains that this makerspace bus allows students to engage in activities that enhance classroom learning by focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills. By collaborating with teachers, the bus enriches the learning experience by offering activities like programming drones for package delivery.
Inside the bus, students can experience a variety of technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. Students like Ca’leaa Simien are using augmented reality to create digital art, showcasing their creativity and technological skills. The Mobile Makerspace bus is now available for teachers to book for their students, providing a unique learning opportunity without having to leave the schoolgrounds.