The Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board is proud to announce that it has been awarded a significant federal grant of $510,000 through the Future Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. This funding, made possible thanks to the support of Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, aims to enhance the educational experiences of students in public charter schools across Mississippi through the integration of immersive technology, including virtual reality headsets and software that will be provided to each school along with ongoing professional development for educators.
The grant will provide essential immersive technology resources for charter schools throughout the state, enabling educators to utilize cutting-edge technology to create engaging and interactive learning environments. Virtual reality experiences enable students to explore complex subjects such as science, mathematics, and history in an immersive way, fostering a deeper understanding and retention of knowledge.
MCSAB has contracted with Lobaki, a Mississippi-based company specializing in immersive technology. This collaboration aims to enhance the educational landscape across state charter schools through ongoing professional development for teachers and staff, as well as the development of custom content tailored to the unique needs of each school. Lobaki will provide comprehensive professional development focused on the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies, ensuring that educators can create engaging, immersive learning experiences for their students and maximize its potential to enrich the curriculum and promote student engagement.
Research suggests that virtual reality is transforming learning experiences for students by enhancing engagement, improving motivation, improving understanding of complex concepts and increasing retention and recall. “By providing innovative educational experiences through virtual reality, all of our scholars will have opportunities to engage in a risk-free inclusive learning environment that will enhance their educational experience in ways never before imagined,” stated Dr. Karmacharya, MCSAB Executive Director.
The initiative is set to launch this school year. The Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board remains dedicated to supporting innovative educational practices. With the implementation of this grant, charter schools will be able to harness the power of immersive technology, preparing students for the technological challenges of the future.