Workshops
Featured Bridging Eco-Crisis - XR’s Role in Green Pre-Apprenticeships for Underserved Learners: Empowering Exceptional BIPOC Youth in Clean Careers through Immersive Learning and Diverse Mentors
Workshop Presentation Dr. Paul A. Curtis, Rohana J. Swihart
This workshop explores the pivotal role of Extended Reality (XR) technology in addressing the urgent challenges posed by the ecological crisis within the context of green pre-apprenticeships for BIPOC exceptional learners. XR offers a transformative platform for immersive learning experiences, uniquely positioned to bridge educational gaps and empower marginalized communities in accessing sustainable career pathways. Through XR-enhanced pre-apprenticeship programs, exceptional underserved learners gain hands-on exposure to green industries such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. By simulating real-world scenarios and providing interactive training modules, XR facilitates experiential learning that is both engaging and effective, preparing exceptional learners for the demands of the rapidly evolving green economy. This study showcases innovative XR applications and best practices in green pre-apprenticeship training, highlighting successful case studies and collaborative initiatives from diverse regions and communities. Participants will engage in interactive demonstrations, explore XR-enabled curriculum development strategies, and discuss the potential of XR to promote equity and inclusivity in workforce development. Key topics include XR simulation techniques, project based learning, curriculum integration, mentorship models, and evaluation frameworks tailored to the needs of exceptional underserved learners. By bridging the eco-crisis through XR-driven education, this research aims to inspire collective action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Leadership for Sustainability: Innovative Tool to Measure the Inner Development Goals
Workshop Presentation Alicia H. Sprow
During this interactive session, participants will be introduced to a one-week leadership for sustainability study abroad trip for traditional college-aged students that uses a tool to assess student growth on the Inner Development Goals. Participants will have the opportunity to test this free, easy-to-use tool that measures individuals across the five dimensions of the Inner Development Goals (IDG): Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating, and Acting. Immediate results will provide an opportunity for valuable discussion. The IDG tool can be used for research, trainings, and more all of which work toward creating leaders for sustainability who have the mindset, as well as the skill set, to tackle the wicked problem of sustainability.
