ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern Innovation and Startup Center—now called Thunder Labs—will host an evening of emerging tech on Feb. 27 beginning at 5 p.m. at Northern State University.
“Emerging Tech: Gamifying Education,” which is free and open to the public, will showcase emerging technology that can inspire local innovators and contribute to an emerging tech startup ecosystem.
The event will take place in the NSU Student Center Centennial Room and Mezzanine. Parking is available in the Washington Street Lot.
At 5 p.m., Kaleb Dschaak, CEO of Fenworks, will share his company's startup journey and discuss the role gamifying education plays in developing a tech startup ecosystem. Fenworks is a tech startup from Bismarck, N.D., that specializes in esports and drone racing for K-12 schools in the Dakotas and Minnesota.
Attendees can try esports and drone racing for themselves with tech demonstrations from 6 to 7 p.m.
“This hands-on experience is a unique opportunity for attendees to witness how gaming and education can come together to create an immersive and engaging learning experience,” said Josh Latterell, Director of Thunder Labs. "We believe that gamification can help energize aspiring tech entrepreneurs in new and exciting ways, and we look forward to sharing our experience with the community."
Additionally, from 7 to 8 pm, the NSU Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning will host a ChatGPT panel discussion for educators in the CETL Pedagogy Lab (Beulah Williams Library 141A). This session will provide an opportunity for professionals to learn about the latest advancements in AI and its applications in the classroom.
Remote participation via Zoom is also available for the Gamifying Education event at this link, and for the ChatGPT panel discussion at this link. For more information, visit the NSU Emerging Tech Event Page, or contact Latterell at 605-626-2815 or startup@northern.edu. Follow Thunder Labs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sdthunderlabs for updates.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.