I3D Circuit Pilot Program Unveiled

By Jane Smith, Ph.D, Program Manager for Education

Imagine this classroom scenario: 
A teacher projects a 3D model of a human head into the room.  Students use a wireless mouse to virtually dissect the head, examining and discussing each of the layers and their functions.  The teacher points out that the muscle in the back of the neck has a name.  The student right clicks over the muscle and “trapezius” appears on the screen. 

One student opens her laptop and googles “brain injuries.”  She reads that “blood vessels between the brain and skull can rupture and bleed.”  She asks if they can see the blood vessels in the head.  The classmate continues to reveal the inner structure of the brain.  The students ask more and more questions. 

When the students arrive the next day, a nationally acclaimed psychologist from Baltimore, Maryland is hosting a videoconference in the classroom.  The information is fascinating and with each reference he makes, the students scroll over the 3D model to associate the injury with the correct anatomy. 
           
This scenario describes a glimpse of how the networking of the All American Center for Workforce Innovation will work with the addition of i3D technology in 11 pilot high schools in our region. The i3D units were made possible by a grant from the GoldenLeaf Foundation and will be in each of the schools this spring. 

The first step will be to establish pilot “circuits” within the regional network.  The circuit connects the core partners in each county including one high school.  In Cumberland County, Pine Forest High School will be the centerpiece of the circuit.  Teacher Wayne Lee is working with Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, and industry partner Applied Research Associates to demonstrate the concept in his Architecture and Drafting classes. 

Other counties have begun to brainstorm their circuits in the areas of health sciences, biotechnology, and agriculture and also explore partnerships with a local firm on the project.   Each school will have the summer to integrate the i3D equipment into their plans for the 2009-2010 school year.  

Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) will be the focus of learning experiences in high tech, high school classrooms.  Teachers will use the latest technology supported by subject matter experts in higher education, research, and industry making instruction both relevant and rigorous. 

The business partnership is the unique thumbprint in these collaborations.  Through the networking, students can learn about the needs and requirements of today’s high tech business world and the businesses can guide the development of the next generation of their workforce.

If your business wants to be a part of the circuit program as a partner, please contact Jane Smith at 910-436-1345 or jsmith@bracrtf.com.