“This class is great. Each week we’re doing something new with technology.”
Those were the words of Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School senior Anthony Bambara as he worked on a recent virtual reality tour project for his emerging technology class.
The first-year class – which runs half the year – currently has about 18 students in grades 9-12. Students in the class spend time exploring new technologies, and how they are used in today’s society to manufacture, create content, build new realities, and entertain. See some links to student projects below.
The class has already completed projects involving 3D printing, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
“The technologies themselves are valuable to have experience with” said teacher Ryan Orilio.
“Especially now that technology is so prevalent across all aspects of our lives, home, work, school, entertainment, travel, etc.”
Orilio said that although the technology itself is important, it’s more important for students to learn how to approach new technologies.
“It’s important how to figure them out, how to teach themselves and learn a new technology, and how to evaluate its usefulness,” he added.
Anthony, who wants to pursue a career as a computer tech, calls the class “unique.”
“It’s really expanding my variety when it comes to modern technology,” he said.
Junior Noah Lewis feels the same.
“This class is great. We’re using technology we normally wouldn’t,” he said.
Links to student projects