Microsoft Launches In-Store STEM Program Throughout May, VR Curriculum

Microsoft unveiled several education offerings earlier this week, like the upcoming Surface Laptop and an education-specific version of Windows 10, as well as a few STEM-focused initiatives.

STEM Saturday's will take place throughout the month of May at Microsoft Stores. Image: Microsoft.

Starting Saturday, May 6, Microsoft Store locations around the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries will host “STEM Saturdays” throughout May. Teachers, students and parents are invited to stop by a store to participate in a 30-minute project-based learning experience.

The “Building Flex Sensors” experience is one of two activities within Microsoft’s “Building Machines Emulate Humans” lesson plan. While it is geared toward students ages 11-14, anyone can join in-store. Participants will build a flex sensor to control a robotic finger, learning “basic skills typically used by mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and data scientists.” (Participating store locations and times are available on the event page.)

Another STEM initiative comes from Microsoft's existing partnership with Pearson. The publishing giant has been working with Microsoft to integrate 3D and mixed reality (MR) into secondary and postsecondary curriculum, previously piloting MR educational content at San Diego State University and other schools. Now, by the 2018 school year, “Pearson will offer curriculum in health, commerce, history and STEM, on all Windows Mixed Reality devices,” according to a Windows blog post.

Further information on the Microsoft-Pearson partnership and VR content is available in the video below.

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • computer monitor with a bold AI search bar on the screen

    Google Rolls Out AI Mode in Search

    About a year after introducing AI Overviews for its flagship search offering, Google has announced broad availability of AI Mode in Search.

  • glowing shield hovers above a digital cloud platform with abstract data streams and cloud icons in the background

    Google to Acquire Cloud Security Firm Wiz in $32 Billion Deal

    Google has announced it will acquire cloud security startup Wiz for $32 billion. If completed, the acquisition — an all-cash deal — would mark the largest in Google's history.

  • 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.