Add as a preferred source on Google

Austin Peay State University Debuts New EdTech Studio

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/27/24

Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 11 to celebrate the opening of a new EdTech Studio on its campus. The space within the Eriksson College of Education will offer technological training for pre-service teachers through the use of virtual reality. A gift from Furniture Connection provided the university with VR headsets, 3D printers, LEGO Education sets, coding devices, robotics, and other tools, according to a news release.

The VR equipment provides an immersive learning experience allowing university students to observe local K–12 classrooms for lessons in classroom management, student engagement, technology integration, and lesson planning.

“We are thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking space that will play a pivotal role in preparing our teacher candidates for the classrooms of the future,” said Eriksson College of Education Dean Dr. Prentice Chandler. “The Furniture Connection EdTech Studio will provide our students with invaluable opportunities to explore and master the latest educational technologies, ensuring they are well-equipped to engage and inspire the next generation of learners.”

The project was the brainchild of Dr. Hanrui He, an assistant professor in the Eriksson College of Education, who brought it forward after observing the use of technology in local and regional schools. Its ultimate mission is to provide educators with practical and accessible resources, expertise, and support, the news release reports.

“Educator preparation programs in Tennessee are required to provide training in virtual instruction strategies for teacher candidates,” said He. “Teachers are expected to seamlessly integrate technology into the curriculum rather than treating it as an add-on or an afterthought. The role of EdTech is to make teaching more effective, learning more engaging, and professional learning more efficient. Our lab's various learning stations prepare teacher candidates for in-person and online teaching while also offering hands-on experience with emerging EdTech tools, ensuring that future educators are well-prepared for the demands of modern education.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Massachusetts K–12 District Selects Architect for New Junior High

    Swansea Public Schools in Swansea, Mass., recently announced that it has selected Finegold Alexander Architects to design a new junior high school for the district, according to a news release. The firm will create the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design for Joseph Case Junior High School after a lengthy selection process by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

  • UNL Kiewit Hall

    Designing for Engineering Excellence: Integrating Sustainability and Wellness at UNLs Kiewit Hall

    Kiewit Hall at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln exemplifies how academic institutions can integrate sustainability and wellness into modern learning environments. With an integrated and collaborative team approach, Kiewit Hall addresses enhanced learning and creativity, physical health, and mental wellness, and fosters a sense of community through innovative design, operations, and policy solutions.

  • Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

    The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students.

  • Round Rock ISD Completes New Early College High School

    Round Rock ISD near Austin, Texas, recently announced that construction is complete on a new, 46,500-square-foot campus for Early College High School, according to a news release. The new facility will allow the school’s students and staff to move from portables into a permanent building and increase its enrollment to 500.

Digital Edition