Workshop Description

The STEM Extended Reality Challenge will require groups of students to solve real world problems using extended reality technologies. Students will build their technology and critical thinking skills to problem to problem solve, ideate, create, communicate and collaborate using a Design Thinking model.

The challenge is open to classes from Years 7 – 10 and schools may register an expression of interest for up to 2 classes.

The STEM Extended Reality Challenge will consist of 3 days learning at the STEM Innovation Lab. Day 1 will be solely for teachers participating in the project, and Days 2 & 3 will be for students and their class teachers. At school, classes are encouraged to utilise a Design Thinking process to research their STEM problem, ideate & prototype solutions, and refine & test solutions.

Day 1: Introduction - Thursday 25 February (Teachers Only)

In this workshop teachers will immerse themselves in the extended reality technologies available for the student project and pedagogies to support the project’s implementation. This experience is designed to build teacher capacity and confidence to work with students on designing future focused solutions to STEM problems.

Day 2: Technology Immersion Experience (Empathise and Define) (Students)

During this day students will attend the STEM Innovation Lab to experience and engage with extended reality technologies. This will include using handheld VR goggles to explore content relating to their STEM problem through software such as Google Expeditions, as well as using Immersive VR technologies, where students are surround by imagery and sound providing the feeling of being immersed in a virtual world.

Day 3: Create and Innovate Solutions (Prototyping) (Students)

At the STEM Innovation Lab students will bring their designs to begin building their extended reality solutions to their problem. Students will be supported at the lab by TFE staff to discuss designs, problem solve issues and help students bring their ideas to life. There will also be an opportunity for students to test their solutions in the Immersive VR environment.

The challenge will run throughout 2021, allowing schools the flexibility of implementation in either Semester 1 or 2, or across semesters.

Schools in rural locations may opt to cover the costs for Lumination to travel to them or participate via a remote learning option, rather than travelling to Kent Town for the excursion. However, attendance at the teacher PD Day on 25 February is required.

Core FOCI and Priorities

• CESA Living Learning Leading Framework
• STEM Pedagogy
• Design Thinking

AITSL National Professional Standards for Teachers Include

Standard 2: Know the content and how to teach it
Standard 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning

Intended Audience: Secondary Teachers

Facilitator: Lumination and CESA Learning & Curriculum Team

System Accredited Module: No

Workshop Enquiries: deborah.kroeger@cesa.catholic.edu.au / T: 8301 6832

Registration Enquiries: adeline.mcloughlin@cesa.catholic.edu.au

Deadline for Expressions of Interest: Friday, 5 February 2021

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