Ed Farm is launching a new learning concept with Birmingham City Schools.
Birmingham-based tech education initiative Ed Farm, in partnership with Birmingham City Schools, has unveiled the South Hampton Innovation Library, the first learning space designed by the organization through its spaces initiative. Spaces aims to further the organization’s vision to create an inventive world where all people have access to the tools they need to fill or create the jobs of the future and provide cutting-edge STEM opportunities for students and teachers in Birmingham.
“Where students learn matters, and our goal is to create spaces – where traditionally underserved students learn – that inspire creativity, imagination and collaboration,” said Waymond Jackson, president of Ed Farm. “Modern technology and industry require modern teaching and learning. The South Hampton Innovation Library is the first of several innovative learning spaces that will be designed by Ed Farm and use technology and dedicated Ed Farm programming to prepare students and teachers for the future of work. Ultimately, these spaces will help remove barriers to technology and training that often prevent traditionally marginalized populations from successfully entering the innovation economy and can be replicated throughout Birmingham and the state of Alabama.”
The goal of spaces is to have teachers and students, within the school, experience and expose themselves to new subjects in learning. With an emphasis on technology-based learning including coding, design, collaboration and cultivating change, these spaces are designed to incorporate the Ed Farm curriculum and hands-on guidance from Ed Farm staff into the learning process.
The South Hampton Innovation Library includes learning labs throughout the space that place a focus on making, tinkering, engineering and design thinking. Students will be immersed in activities that use a range of technologies including 3D printers, STEM kits, coding kits and VR headsets, among other tools. The technology is designed to have students think more critically about their learning and develop new ways of problem-solving. In addition, the space leverages innovative technologies from Apple, including MacBook, Apple TV, iPad, Apple Pencil and other products.
"I am excited about this latest development in our BCS/Ed Farm partnership," said Birmingham Schools Superintendent Mark Sullivan. "I know that this future-focused learning environment will make a significant difference in the continued academic achievement of our scholars."
