BDN, WABI report on Maine Learning Technology Initiative conference
The Bangor Daily News and WABI (Channel 5) reported on the 13th Maine Learning Technology Initiative Student Conference held at the University of Maine. About 900 middle and high school students from across the state attended the event, which aims to help students and teachers discover new ways to learn and create on their school-issued laptops and tablets. It focused largely on the popular video game Minecraft. Maine Learning Technology Initiative’s director told the BDN the theme was inspired by a UMaine study that seeks to explore how Minecraft can influence children’s future career paths relating to STEM. Bruce Segee, the Henry R. and Grace V. Butler Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UMaine; and Craig Mason, a UMaine professor of education, are leading the three-year study, which was awarded $2 million from the National Science Foundation. At the close of the conference, a dozen students received $1,000 scholarships — 10 to UMaine and two to Husson University, which also was involved in the event, the BDN reported.