Magic Lab: Where Art Meets Technology

An Emerging media intensive empowering

today's youth to build the world of tomorrow.

 
 
““Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.””
— arthur c. clark
 
 

Make Tech Magic

This interactive workshop series empowers students from historically marginalized backgrounds to harness emerging media and technology tools. Through playful, hands-on sessions, students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the XR workforce of the future while also learning to think critically about the impact of these technologies on today's world.

 
 

Todays Youth in a Snapshot

  • They are the groundbreaking first generation of true digital natives.

  • They are the most diverse generation in history, representing a vast spectrum of backgrounds and cultures.

  • They have an abundance of emerging media tools at their fingertips.

  • They can transform their imaginations into reality faster than ever before with emerging media.

  • They need to develop their visions to tackle today's most urgent challenges, like inequality and climate change.

 
 
 

Session Breakdown:

Across four hands-on classes, participants will explore virtual reality (VR), motion capture, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI).

 

LESSON 1: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

  • Learn how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of work, education, and daily life. Explore key concerns around bias, misinformation, and the ethical implications of AI in society.

  • Discover the purpose of large language models and how they function. Get hands-on experience by interacting with my own large language model.

  • Create your own custom chatbot by choosing its personality, how it talks, and using your own ideas to make it unique, just for you!




LESSON 2: VIRTUAL VERSE

  • Gain a solid understanding of VR, including key terminology, its current applications, and its potential uses. 

  • Explore impactful VR projects like Traveling While Black and Cirque du Soleil's “O” to understand how VR can create meaningful, transformative experiences.

  • Collaborate to design their own VR experiences, share their ideas, and receive feedback on how they translate to VR.






LESSON 3: MOVEMENT CAPTURE

  • Learn how motion capture has transformed animation—from lengthy manual work to using just a phone to map character movements instantly.

  • Download and use motion capture technology using mobile devices, seeing their own animations appear on screen in real-time with unique avatars.

  • Explore the best use cases for motion capture technology and reflect on its future direction, gaining deeper insights into its evolving applications.







LESSON 4: ENHANCED REALITY

  • Also known as augmented reality, we’ll explore how AR impacts everyday life—from face filters to virtual try-ons.

  • Participants will create their own AR overlays and experience them firsthand using an augmented reality platform.

  • We will then see it be turned into AR using Snapchat’s Lens Studio. They will have filters they can play with throughout time. 

 
 

HIGH INTERACTIVITY

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Each class lasts 90 minutes, with 30 minutes of instruction, 30 minutes of hands-on creating, and 30 minutes for sharing and feedback.

  • Students will leave with practical knowledge and skills in VR, AR, motion capture, and AI. They'll also develop critical thinking skills, understanding both the benefits and challenges of these technologies, preparing them to succeed in the XR workforce.

  • No prior experience is required! The workshops are designed to be accessible and engaging for beginners while offering deeper insights for those with some background knowledge.

  • Students will only need a laptop or tablet. All software and resources will be provided during the sessions.