In collaboration with VMASC and Digital Shipbuilding, Ann M. Kumm, Lecturer of English for Academic Purposes, co-designed a learning experience for 50 Mexican Naval Cadets from Heroica Escuela Naval Militar studying at the English Language Center using experiential and content-based language learning theories.

Streamlining data-rich efficiency to the design and build process creating a 3D-model of a boat. What Floats Your Boat is an inquiry-based engineering design process experience, immersing guests into Digital Shipbuilding technology and materials.

This workshop introduced our Mexican Naval Cadets to the engineering design process in Digital Shipbuilding, utilizing digitized, data rich technology. Students were exposed to various extended reality and simulations through 3D design and modeling to empower “learning by doing” innovations. Students were engaged in real-world applications of STEM modules through technology associated with Digital Shipbuilding. ‘What Floats Your Boat” allowed learners to utilize collaboration, problem solving, sequencing, English language skills/communication, and critical thinking skills to engage in hands-on digital instructions/design of a ship amongst peers. Learners developed a 3D-design prototype of a ship and simulated the build process through virtual reality.