22 March 2021
Facebook supports the University's initiative Tech for Youth
Facebook supports several initiatives at Luleå University of Technology to increase children's and young people's interest in technology and science. In the Tech for Youth initiative, schools can participate in technology challenges and collaborate with the university's students for remote-controlled experiments.
– We want more children and young people to find joy in and be inspired by technology and science. In the longer term, we want to contribute to a school where students, regardless of gender, choose areas of interest and education, which has a bearing on our own university. This involves more applicants for our educations as well as broadened recruitment, which in turn is important for our future knowledge society and labor market. This is an important issue for all of us, and together we can make a difference, says Cathrine Norberg, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Luleå University of Technology.
Variety of activities
Facebook contributes a total of SEK 1.3 million to Tech for Youth, which offers a range of fun and challenging activities aimed at students in primary school, and to the university's investment in the ArcTech Learning Laboratory, a hub for research on digital learning where researchers, teachers, companies and public organizations meet.
– At Facebook, we strive to be a good partner in the regions we operate, and to support initiatives that are important to the vitality of the region. Tech for Youth is a perfect example of such a project. It not only allows for teachers to further their education so that they can share their knowledge with their students, but it also focuses on inspiring children, particularly girls, to discover the world of science and technology, says Joel Kjellgren, Data Center Site Operations Director at Facebook Luleå.
Lifelong learning
At ArcTech Learning Laboratory, the researchers together with other actors want to experiment with technology, VR, AI and digital learning resources to see how future learning can be developed.
– The lab gives us an opportunity to create digital learning resources that are developed on a scientific basis and proven experience. We work for lifelong learning and a sustainable professional life, but also for school activities. We also study how VR technology and game elements can be used in teaching contexts, says Caroline Graeske, Associate Professor at Luleå University of Technology, who together with Professor Peter Parnes is responsible for research and collaborations within ArcTech Learning Laboratory.
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