Learning in Irving ISD is undergoing a transformation, thanks to a partnership with Verizon, Heart of America and Arizona State University.

On Thursday, a ceremonial ribbon cutting was held to unveil a cutting-edge Verizon Innovative Learning lab at Austin Middle School. Although the lab is housed at Austin, it will be utilized by students across the district.

The lab gives students and teachers access to emerging-technology such as augmented and virtual Reality (AR/VR), coding, circuits, 3D printing and artificial intelligence (AI). 

Powered by a next-gen, technology-infused curriculum, the lab will give students the opportunity to do more. In partnership with the non-profit, Heart of America, who worked with the district’s facilities and digital learning teams to construct the state-of-the-art space, and Arizona State University, who provided an immersive curriculum and training for the teachers, the space is home to the latest technologies.  

“When young scholars are passionate about and drive their learning, they own the outcomes, preparing them for their future – a future we can all be proud of,” says Angela Smyers, digital learning coach at Austin Middle School. “This lab is equipping them to do just that. As we walk through the doorway, we are walking through with our students, forward together, into a future of no limits.”

Photos from the ribbon cutting can be found on the district Photo Gallery.