VR and AI Coming to K-5 STEAM

The push for early adoption of advanced tech in classrooms is supported by organizations like the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), which sets standards for technology use in learning. These frameworks guide educators in using technology to foster skills like computational thinking and creative communication. The North Carolina Technology in Education Society (NCTIES), the host of the NCTIES26 conference, is the state affiliate for ISTE. Leading the charge in AI literacy for this age group is Robo Wunderkind, which offers a comprehensive K-5 curriculum. Their program uses modular, codable robots and a standards-aligned curriculum to teach foundational AI concepts like pattern recognition and supervised learning. The company emphasizes a hands-on approach, enabling students to build and train their own simple AI models. In the realm of virtual and augmented reality, zSpace provides AR/VR laptops that are notable for being headset-free, a key consideration for younger students. These laptops allow students to interact with 3D objects in a virtual environment using a stylus, making abstract concepts more tangible. Trusted by thousands of school districts, zSpace's technology is designed to make immersive learning accessible without the logistical challenges of individual headsets. Another major tool in this space is the Merge Cube, a foam cube that uses augmented reality to allow students to hold and manipulate 3D digital objects. This technology is often integrated into project-based learning, where students can, for example, design 3D models in programs like Tinkercad and then "hold" their creations using the cube. The Merge EDU platform provides access to over 1,000 digital teaching aids and more than 100 interactive science simulations. The integration of these technologies aligns with a project-based learning (PBL) approach, which centers on students actively exploring real-world problems. VR can serve as a powerful "entry event" to spark curiosity for a new project, such as taking a virtual field trip to an ecosystem before studying animal habitats. Similarly, AI tools can assist teachers in generating project ideas and managing timelines, freeing them up to focus on student engagement. Educator training is a critical component for the successful implementation of these advanced tools. A 2024 Education Week Research Center survey revealed that 58% of educators had not received any training on AI. Companies like Robo Wunderkind and zSpace offer professional development to help teachers gain confidence and effectively integrate these new technologies into their classrooms. These developments in educational technology are often showcased at conferences like NCTIES, which brings together educators and tech leaders to explore new tools and strategies. The 2025 conference featured numerous sessions on AI, indicating a strong and growing interest in these topics within the education community.