ACTE PACE Summit 2024

Discover how educational leaders across the US use creative approaches including AI, AR, and VR to engage and inspire students. This session will highlight how students at State Fair Community College research, learn, and experience a variety of concepts and the associated career pathways in STEM, Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Science, Transportation and more. Based on this exploration, students are able to develop plans for post-secondary study and/or earn valuable certifications.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the AI/AR/VR landscape and its role in supporting STEM curriculum and CTE certifications
- Discover clinical evidence supporting learning gains through learning with AR/VR
- Consider funding sources for the integration of new technology

For many students, exposure to postsecondary career pathways that can lead to a living wage is not happening until senior year in high school. They need more effective support along the work-based learning continuum, at a much earlier stage, so they can make informed decisions about their future. Four leaders at the intersection of education and workforce development delve into some of the innovations and promising programs they have been involved with, to provide students with earlier and more hands-on practice across the construction trades, healthcare, and IT industries. They will discuss a summer immersive CTE experience at Microsoft that amplifies career exploration; workshops for students interested in Propel America’s accelerated postsecondary training program in allied health; the Chicago Public Schools' innovative Health Science Pathway; and CPS’ approach to broadening understanding among school counselors and students about construction trade pathways. They will share insights from the perspectives of students, teachers and counselors, district leaders, and employers, about the need for deeper engagement with career opportunities; the importance of cultivating employer partnerships across industries; preparing for the emergence of AI; and broader recognition of persistent obstacles. Lastly, they will share recommendations on policy changes to improve postsecondary CTE outcomes.

Join us for a discussion about California's approach to AI. Learn about their action plan, including how they harness the potential of AI and emerging technologies to enhance learning, operations, and student support services. This discussion will center around anticipated impacts, challenges, and strategies for ensuring AI augments rather than replaces human touch and expertise in education.