Problem:

Rapid technological advances have amplified disparities among Los Angeles Unified schools. Limited exposure to new technologies, coupled with learning challenges, puts students from vulnerable communities at risk of being left behind in an increasingly digital world. Even with school issued devices, these students are unable to access high quality emerging technologies that can engage young minds and accelerate success. These challenges make it hard for students to enhance their learning and can cause them to fall behind and lose confidence in their abilities.

To address this inequity and accessibility gap, Los Angeles Unified has developed mobile learning labs with cutting-edge technology that provide innovative and immersive hands-on learning experiences to the most fragile school communities, after school, during intersession, and summer school.

We aim to ignite, inspire, and innovate learning with use of the latest technology and engaging experiences to navigate the digital world.

Solution:

The iDREAM (Immersive Delivery of Rigorous Experiences for Academic Mastery) Mobile Learning Labs provide LAUSD students with a new, fun way to learn and build confidence in reading, writing and math while steeped in technology. With the iDREAM, students in vulnerable communities can access an immersive, hands-on learning experience through a mobile lab that brings emerging technology directly to their schools. The iDREAM exposes students to technologies such as AR/VR headsets, robotics, esports, and artificial intelligence. The technology is tightly coupled with standards-aligned content for literacy, numeracy, and social emotional wellbeing, and tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are focused on a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future. This approach is designed to help students realize their potential, build skills for world readiness, imagine possible career paths, and continue to develop future ready skills to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

How we are different:

The heart of the iDREAM Mobile Learning Labs lies in its mobility. The mobile labs will serve as roving hubs of education, delivering innovative and immersive IT materials and resources to schools, ensuring accessibility and seamless integration of instructional technology-driven learning experiences. Flexible furniture is included to facilitate dynamic learning environments, promoting collaborative learning experiences.

Students will visit the mobile learning lab for hands-on learning instruction outside of the regular school day. Students will use cutting-edge technology to deepen their learning with support from both Instructional Technology Facilitators and Instructional Technology Support Technicians who are trained on these tools. This teacher-tech collaboration is unique and differentiates us from all other afterschool programs. By eliminating educational and technological inequities, we aim to graduate all students ready for the world to thrive in college, career, and life.

Results:

The iDREAM Mobile Learning Labs represent a pivotal step towards reimagining education through technology-driven, hands-on learning experiences. Pilot surveys indicate 99% of students and teachers felt positive about their experience with the iDREAM Mobile Learning Lab. Through this innovative approach, hundreds of students at selected schools in Los Angeles Unified will have access to advanced technology for enhanced learning outside of traditional classroom spaces and beyond regular instructional hours. The iDREAM brings quality, real world educational experiences and excitement about learning to students in our most fragile communities, students who might not otherwise have access to emerging technology – all while addressing educational and technological inequities. This innovative approach will enrich the way we educate students and bring joy to learning. The mobile learning labs will leave a lasting impact and inspire generations of students to be ready for the world.