Though women and non-Asian minorities are woefully underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field, many companies are working to diversify the STEM workforce. One example is Verizon,which has implemented student programming to attract underrepresented youth to STEM careers. Intel, another well-known tech company, recently announced the launch of its mobile Tech Learning Lab, which is designed to bring high-tech opportunities to students across the country.
Intel’s mobile Tech Learning Lab, housed in a container truck, is equipped with several leading-edge technologies, including virtual reality (VR) stations, high-powered personal computers, augmented reality (AR), and SMART Boards. These represent the technologies that will be used in future STEM careers. Intel hopes that introducing students to the tools in the Tech Learning Lab will help them to be better prepared for employment in rapidly changing workplaces.
Along with the technologies contained in the Tech Learning Lab, Intel provides an integrated curriculum that includes interactive workshops on artificial intelligence (AI), coding, and robotics. Students can learn how to use AI to code and fly drones, for example.
Moreover, HTC VR headsets give students the opportunity to dissect frogs, explore space, and visit the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.
The mobile Tech Learning Lab promotes the use of skills that are important in STEM careers. These include communication, collaboration, self-awareness, problem-solving, and critical thinking. It is believed that by using the Tech Learning Lab, students will become more curious about the role of technology in society, and hopefully, go on to explore the impacts of technology on the world.
Along with impacting students, Intel’s Tech Learning Lab aims to impact educators. Teachers and administrators at schools and other educational institutions, such as museums, have been invited to participate in the Tech Learning Lab program. Educators are given ready-made lesson plans that they can adapt as needed to their individual classrooms. Intel hopes that empowering educators to introduce students to these technologies will lead to more interest in STEM careers.T
The mobile Tech Learning Lab made 10 stops around the country in 2018. In October, the Tech Learning Lab visited the Bronx Academy of Letters (BAL) in New York, New York; Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey; and the Rockwell Museum in Corning, New York.
In November the tour stopped at Weston High School in Weston, Massachusetts, and Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. In December it moved east to California, where it stopped at Design39 Campus in San Diego and McClymonds High School and Oakland Technical High School in Oakland.