Special to Pelahatchie News
Pelahatchie High School (PHS) seniors Sam Till and Ben Burnham are taking a giant leap into the future of education thanks to a unique partnership with Lobaki, a Jackson-based software design and development company specializing in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology.
The partnership began with a chance encounter at the Accelerate Mississippi Horizons Conference back in August. PHS College and Career Coach, Eric Brooks, met Lobaki’s VP of Strategic Development, Alan Cole, and sparked a conversation about potential opportunities for students interested in software development.
Recognizing the potential benefits of Lobaki’s immersive VR educational software, Brooks connected Cole with Sam and Ben, both of whom expressed a keen interest in software engineering. After a series of virtual and in-person meetings, the students were invited to participate in Lobaki’s Student Ambassador Program.
“During my tour of Lobaki’s studio, I was blown away by the technology,” said Brooks, who recently joined the Lobaki Ambassador Program himself. “I experienced firsthand how VR can transform learning – from exploring the solar system to building a computer in a virtual environment.”
As Lobaki Ambassadors, Sam and Ben will receive in-depth training on the VR software and play a crucial role in introducing this cutting-edge technology to their fellow students and teachers at PHS. The Rankin County School District has invested in Lobaki’s VR headsets, demonstrating a commitment to providing students with innovative learning experiences. Training is set to take place this month for our Lobaki Ambassadors Sam, Ben, Brooks, Elizabeth Luker, Health Science CTE Educator; and Mrs. Kessie Key, CTE Department Lead and Computer Science CTE Educator.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for Sam and Ben,” said Brooks. “They’re not only gaining hands-on experience with VR technology but also getting a glimpse into their potential future careers.”
Cole was equally impressed with the students’ enthusiasm and knowledge. “We were so impressed with Sam and Ben’s passion for technology that we offered them summer internships at Lobaki,” he shared. “This will be a fantastic opportunity for them to further develop their skills and contribute to our company.”
The partnership between PHS and Lobaki highlights the growing importance of integrating technology into education and providing students with real-world experiences that prepare them for the future workforce. Ben stated, “During my tour of Lobaki’s studio, I had the opportunity to not only see where the technology is created but also to try out some of the software firsthand. In VR, I was able to explore the solar system, take virtual tours of American landmarks, see Newton’s Laws in action, and even follow step-by-step instructions to build a computer. It’s clear that Lobaki is helping to transform education by making it more engaging and offering students unique opportunities that may not be available in a traditional classroom setting.”
As Sam and Ben embark on their journey as VR ambassadors, they are paving the way for a new era of learning at Pelahatchie High School.
Comment
Comments