Maynooth University collaborates with Microsoft Ireland as part of the DreamSpace programme, and research at the ALL Institute has assessed the overall impacts of DreamSpace for students, teachers, and broader society.
Microsoft Ireland’s DreamSpace is an immersive, research-based STEM experience for students to enhance their STEM skills, develop their understanding of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts, promote an understanding of the technology sector career pathways, and support and inform classroom curriculum development. By creating and delivering authentic and experiential learning experiences, focused on teachers and students, the project is supporting the wider Government STEM strategy 2024.
The US-Ireland Research Innovation Awards which are a joint initiative between the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and the American Chamber of Commerce, to recognise excellence in research innovation, creation and invention by an organisation, as a result of US FDI in Ireland. This year marked the first year of the Innovation in Talent Development category
Speaking about the prestigious award win, Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland said: “We’re honoured to accept the US-Ireland Research Innovation Award in recognition of the innovative approach taken to the creation and roll-out of our DreamSpace digital skills experience. Since its development in 2018, DreamSpace has proven to be a catalyst for change in STEM education. The programme’s unique approach to learning has helped to equip over 40,000 young people and teachers across the island of Ireland with the coding, AI and computational thinking skills they need to participate fully in our digital world.
“The research framework underpinning DreamSpace and its impact to date is a direct result of the strong partnership which has developed between the Microsoft Education team and researchers within the Assisted Living and Learning (ALL) Institute at Maynooth University. By coming together to match in-demand digital skills with the creation of an immersive STEM learning experience, we’re empowering the next generation to succeed.”
Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, Digital Skills Lecturer at Maynooth University’s ALL Institute said: “This prestigious award to Microsoft Ireland recognises the innovation and creativity of its DreamSpace project. Maynooth University is delighted to collaborate with Microsoft Ireland and to apply our research capabilities to the DreamSpace project, to build STEM education activities which are evidence based and responsive to society’s changing needs.”
