Dream Flight Adventures Building Simulators in Pittsburgh Schools

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 01/13/14

Two Pittsburgh schools will be adding simulation classrooms this year to provide students with creative ways to develop skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving while also studying several subjects, including science, technology, engineering, social studies, humanities and the arts. A new elementary school, set to open in June 2014 in the Penn Hills School District, and Harrison Middle School in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District are following the lead of Shaler Area Elementary in working with education technology company Dream Flight Adventures to set up the simulated worlds.

The simulators mix digital and real-world activities to create immersive, interactive learning environments. They support groups of four to 16 "players" at a time; each person maintains a different role on the team — captain, first officer, physicist, communications, security guard, hacker, and so on.

  Dream Flight Adventures uses tolls such as iPads, computers and lights to create simulation rooms for schools.
Dream Flight Adventures uses tolls such as iPads, computers and lights to create simulation rooms for schools.		  

The basic concept, according to company Director Gary Gardiner, is to "throw students into the middle of epic stories and create lasting memories." The learners enter a themed simulator and work together as a team to operate their technology controls and apply their knowledge in pursuit of cross-disciplinary missions.

According to the company site, the simulators are built with "everyday stuff like iPads, computers, lights and wood."

"We are committed to developing a comprehensive K-12 STEM initiative,” said Darlene DeFilippo, director of programs at the Baldwin-Whitehall district. "Dream Flight Adventures will engage students mentally, physically and emotionally in immersive learning experiences that will build student motivation, excitement and participation while aligning STEM connections to a variety of subject areas."

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, located in the same city, will be adding its own Dream Flight simulator this year as well and expects to collaborate with the two schools.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.