The University of Hawaiʻi’s Innovation Playground is a series of informal, interactive sessions focusing on discovery that encourages educators to explore practical, innovative, and emerging technologies like AI and VR/AR into their teaching practices. Learn about the implementation, success stories, and resources that can be applied in various contexts.

The rapid advancement of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and VR/AR (virtual reality/augmented reality) provides both opportunities and challenges for educators. The University of Hawaiʻi’s Innovation Playground addresses the need for faculty and staff across the system to test-drive different tools and technologies, enabling faculty to stay updated with emerging technologies and trends by offering synchronous exploratory sessions. Lightning Round Objectives By the end of the session, participants will: - Gain insights into the Innovation Playground concept and how the exploratory-focused synchronous sessions engage educators to discover emerging technologies. - Learn about the successes and iterative improvements of the Innovation Playground. - Obtain recommendations for future planning and strategies to adapt the concept for other institutions. Session Agenda Introduction and Innovation Playground Concept (4 min.) - Brief presenter introduction - Overview of the University of Hawaiʻi Innovation Playground. Implementation, Successes, and Iterative Improvements (4 min.) -Summary of Innovation Playground sessions from Fall 2023 to present. -Examples of tools and technology shared, focusing on emerging tools (e.g., AI, AR/VR). - Successes and participant feedback. - Iterative improvements. Sharing the Innovation Playground Concept with Others (3 min.) - Share an example of UH-external parties interested in implementing the innovation playground. - Explain how the Innovation Playground Collaborative Notes Template was created for adaptation by other institutions. Future Planning and Adaptability by Other Institutions (3 min.) - Plans for future sessions and new technologies to explore. - Tips and resources for other institutions to implement a similar concept. Closing (1 min.) - Invitation to connect and collaborate. Alignment to Session Track This session aligns with the “Innovative Learning Environments and Technologies” Track #1 by encouraging the exploration of AI, VR/AR, and other emerging technologies in education. It provides an avenue for educators to set aside structured time out of their busy schedules to focus on innovation and exploration alongside colleagues throughout the semester. Conclusion The University of Hawaiʻi’s Innovation Playground has been effective in supporting educators to explore and use new technologies. By sharing the concept, implementation, successes, and iterative improvements, this lightning session aims to provide useful strategies for other institutions to consider when encouraging innovation in online learning and teaching.