In a world driven by technological advancements, the importance of exposing high students to the latest innovations cannot be overstated. Recently, a group of students from Borah High School embarked on an eye-opening field trip to Boise State University, delving into the realms of large language models, robotics, cybersecurity, and the exciting world of esports. This immersive experience not only broadened their horizons but also ignited a spark of curiosity about the possibilities that lie ahead in their academic and professional futures.
Machine Learning
The day kicked off with a fascinating exploration into the realm of large language models (LLM) and robotics. The students had the opportunity to witness firsthand the power of artificial intelligence as they interacted with cutting-edge language models, programming, and how robotics is making waves in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and space exploration. Hands-on activities allowed them to control robots and experience the thrill of bringing machines to life.
Cybersecurity Workshop
In an era where digital connectivity is ubiquitous, understanding the importance of cybersecurity is crucial. The students participated in a workshop led by Computer Science faculty who demonstrated the significance of protecting information in a hyper-connected world. From ethical hacking to understanding the anatomy of cyber attacks, the students gained valuable insights into the measures required to secure our digital future.
Unleashing the Gaming World – The Local Esports Team
Esports, a rapidly growing industry, took center stage as the students discovered the world of competitive gaming. The university’s esports team shared their experiences, training routines, and the strategic elements that go into competitive gaming. The students even had the chance to participate in a mock esports match, witnessing the skill, coordination, and dedication required to succeed in this dynamic field.
As we stand at the forefront of a technological revolution, exposing students to the latest advancements is essential for shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. The high school students who visited Boise State University not only broadened their understanding of technology but also discovered the exciting possibilities that await them in the ever-evolving landscape of AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and esports. The students had an outstanding time with one student saying “This was the best day I’ve had in the past two years I’ve spent at Borah.”
Postscript: One Year Later – One student reflects on their experience
“Hello, My name is Zach Munson, and last year I was part of a group at Borah High School that was able to come in and tour the computer science building and the esports building on the Boise State campus. At the time I was enrolled in AP computer science, but I didn’t really know what to expect from college when it came to facilities, and people who were overseeing the program. After first arriving, our class split into separate groups that went into a few different classes and got to see different programs including robotics and cybersecurity. Fun activities were laid out with professors there to explain everything. The professors had a certain passion about their subjects that drew me in, and I took a specific liking to the cybersecurity station. My last thing of the day was to go with my group over to the esports building which I was especially excited for due to being on my high school’s esports team, and having heard things about the facility and how the teams have been really good. The employees at the facility had our group all play a game on the computers, and they asked for two volunteers to commentate the game. I raised my hand, and I was selected alongside another girl to give it a try. I was a little intimidated by the professional set up, but I had fun doing it. After we were done with the game, the manager of the program Mr. Haskell came up and offered me a business card, saying he was super impressed with us and wanted us to contact him if we ever enrolled as he would love to have us on the team. After a few months, I was fully enrolled in Boise State, on track for a computer science degree with an emphasis in cybersecurity, and I was able to use my contact to get employed at the esports arena doing broadcast and production for the games. My field trip experience left me not only knowing what to expect as I started my education at Boise State, but also gave me a perfect opportunity to get more involved with something I love on campus. I think my main takeaway from this experience was to always look for opportunities and don’t shy away from new experiences, cause you may find something that you’re passionate about.”