BCPS celebrates new high-tech XR learning tools at Hollywood Central Preparatory K–8 to enhance student creativity and hands-on learning

Broward County, Florida – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is taking student learning to a whole new level with the introduction of high-tech XR tools at Hollywood Central Preparatory K–8. On Wednesday, January 14, the school celebrated the arrival of innovative technology that will transform classrooms and give students hands-on opportunities to explore science, design, and collaboration like never before. The event brought together Broward County School Board members, Superintendent officials, representatives from the Orange Bowl Committee, the College Football Playoff Foundation, the Broward Education Foundation, school administrators, teachers, students, and community stakeholders.

At the heart of the celebration were iPads equipped with Merge XR, a mixed reality platform that allows students to manipulate and explore 3D objects as if they were holding them in their hands. Students can now interact with virtual molecules, historical artifacts, and complex machinery in ways that make learning tangible and exciting. The school also received new 3D design software and printers, giving students the tools to bring their digital creations into the real world. To complement the technology, Hollywood Central Preparatory’s Innovative Learning Commons received a refreshed update, including colorful seating and collaborative spaces designed to encourage teamwork and creative problem-solving.

“These new tools allow our students to experience learning in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago,” said a BCPS representative during the event. “They’re not just watching or reading—they’re interacting, creating, and exploring in real time.” Students were quick to showcase the capabilities of the XR devices, demonstrating virtual dissections, architectural modeling, and interactive STEM simulations. The excitement in the classrooms was palpable as children engaged with the technology, discovering new ways to visualize and understand complex concepts.

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The new XR learning tools are part of a multi-year grant totaling approximately $500,000, funded by the College Football Playoff Foundation and Orange Bowl Committee, with support from the Broward Education Foundation. The grant provides a combination of monetary funding, equipment, and in-kind donations, allowing for the expansion of innovative learning tools to ten District schools over the next five years. Four BCPS middle schools—Apollo Middle School, Bair Middle School, Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy, and Silver Trail Middle School—have already been outfitted with XR headsets and Innovation Spaces through the same initiative.

“This grant represents a major investment in the future of our students,” said a BCPS Applied Learning Department coordinator. “By providing access to immersive technology, we’re preparing students to think critically, solve problems, and engage with learning in ways that mirror real-world experiences.” The program is coordinated through the BCPS Applied Learning Department with support from the Innovative Learning Department, ensuring that teachers receive the training and resources needed to maximize the technology’s potential.

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The celebration at Hollywood Central Preparatory K–8 highlighted not only the capabilities of XR learning tools but also the collaborative efforts behind the initiative. Community partners, educators, and students alike emphasized how technology can make learning more engaging, inclusive, and meaningful. “Hands-on immersive experiences like these are essential for preparing students for the future,” said a Broward Education Foundation representative. “We’re proud to support programs that bring innovation directly into the classroom.”

As the XR technology becomes part of daily learning at Hollywood Central Preparatory, BCPS students will have unprecedented access to tools that foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. With the support of local and national partners, the school district continues to advance its commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. From interactive simulations to 3D printing projects, Broward County students now have the chance to explore, experiment, and imagine in ways that will shape the next generation of innovators.

This initiative underscores BCPS’s dedication to providing students with modern learning environments that go beyond traditional instruction, emphasizing hands-on experiences, collaboration, and innovation as central elements of education. With XR tools in classrooms, the possibilities for learning are virtually limitless.