From Augmented Reality to Robotics: Calcasieu Parish’s Mobile Makerspace Bus Revolutionizes Learning

Calcasieu Parish now has a “Mobile Makerspace” bus that offers the latest in technology to students. This bus provides a “makerspace” for students to explore and share high-tech tools to learn. At Oak Park Middle School, students are using iPads and coding language to program robots to take specific routes. Student Ava Fay finds it to be a fun and engaging way to learn.

The Mobile Makerspace bus is equipped with various technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, all of which aim to enhance classroom learning through activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Kim LeBlanc, the chief technology officer for the Calcasieu School Board, emphasizes the importance of preparing students for the future job market by developing a diverse set of skills.

One activity on the bus involved programming drones to drop packages. Students learned how to control the drones to deliver Amazon packages, requiring them to land at a specific target to complete the delivery. Another activity allowed students to explore augmented reality art, as demonstrated by Ca’leaa Simien, who created digital art on an iPad.

Teachers can now book the Mobile Makerspace bus for their students, providing a unique opportunity for a hands-on learning experience without leaving the school grounds. This initiative showcases the school board’s commitment to integrating technology and innovation into education to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.