X Labs
The Robert R. Taylor Network, Inc. based at the MIT Center for Educational Computing Initiatives (CECI) is piloting a project called “XLabs”. “XLabs” are virtual and hands-on science and engineering based laboratories at universities and high schools designed and built by high school- and college-age students for use and consumption by their peers and the general populous. RRTN “XLabs” will incorporate both MIT’s iLab platform, multimedia education through an “Open Course (X)change”, assessment and support tools, cultural profiles and research to black scientists, researchers, and pioneers from around the world in ASTEM fields, a learn-by-doing peer-to-peer teaching model, and an online social community. The RRTN “Open Course E(X)change” is an interactive, multimedia platform using Brainshark, Apple iTunes University, Socrato, and potentially MIT Stellar or Moodle to deliver classroom and lab instruction. Each of these modules are part of the larger RRTN ADIAS Technology Platform and XStudio experience.
RRTN student interns will work together with our network node site partners in Africa, the Caribbean and United States to recreate “XLabs” in region and provide 24 x7 access to virtual labs through the Network. “XLabs” are an important part of building a peer-to-peer network among high school age students around architecture, science, technology, engineering and math (ASTEM). “XLabs” and “Open Course E(X)change” are important components to building a virtual research science high school and elementary school experience for students in underserved or disadvantaged communities. XStudio, XLabs, Open Course E(X)change, and GO LAIV sessions comprise a rich RRTN node site suite offering called a “Taylor Lab”
The initial pilot lab will be around holography and an introduction to optics using diode pump solid state lasers and helium neon lasers in a Photonics System Lab at MIT. The lab set-up will allow for two kinds of labs to take place:
The five initial optics based hands-on, real-time and virtual Experiments will be: