The Kino-Eye Center proudly announces the roll-out of the Microsoft Drone Academy – a K-12 STEM education initiative developed in collaboration with Microsoft and facilitated by a network of community partners. For event requests or participation and sponsorship information, please complete the Interest Form for educators, parents, students, and community partners – MS DRONE ACADEMY INTEREST FORM.
As a vehicle for STEM learning, drones might be described as the “chemistry set” of the modern era – allowing students an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the engineering design process, while also experimenting with a wide variety of cutting edge technologies, including 3D printing, codin
g, augmented/virtual reality, and hardware design.
The Microsoft Drone Academy will impact thousands of students and educators nationwide, through a series of education outreach events, professional development workshops for educators, community-based coaching and mentorship, and an online learning platform.
Dr. Cesare Wright (Kino-Eye Center President) describes the new Microsoft Drone Academy program as a “leap forward in STEM education,” explaining that, “The Microsoft Drone Academy makes STEM learning real; it connects technology and engineering to solving real-world problems. We introduce students to a wide variety of engineering disciplines, technologies, and career opportunities, and we do so in a way that builds on their own intrinsic motivations and interests.”
Program Overview
The Microsoft Drone Academy is a multi-year STEM enrichment program that consists of formal instruction and authentic project-based learning encounters. The program supports core education standards in Math, Science, Reading, Social Studies/History, and ELA, while also allowing students to develop and apply technical, teamwork, and leadership skills in a real-world context.
Students who complete the academic requirements of the MS Drone Academy are eligible to receive E-badges and formal Microsoft technical certifications upon graduation from high school.
In addition to sessions for K-12 students, the Microsoft Drone Academy includes professional development training for teachers and administrators, as well as program development and consulting services for schools and community organizations.
Key focus topics include:
- Cutting edge technology
- Engineering design process
- Authentic project-based learning
- Automation and control systems
- Computer vision and virtual/augmented reality
- Sensor design and data collection
- “Internet of Things” applications
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Social and environmental impact of technology
- Teamwork and leadership
Launch Events - Houston & San Antonio
The Microsoft Drone Academy officially launched this summer with events in Houston and San Antonio. Each session focused on a different aspect of drone and robotic technology. Full details below.
Microsoft Digital Alliance with the City of Houston
The Microsoft digital alliance with the City of Houston will be supported by a series of MS Drone Academy events and workshops at Microsoft Retail Stores, schools, and community centers in the Greater Houston Area during Fall 2018 and Spring 2019.
Full press release on the Microsoft/COH partnership available HERE.
For information on upcoming events, please visit the Kino-Eye Center event calendar or check with your local Microsoft Retail Store.
