Bridges Learning Center Includes 3-D Immersive STEM Technology

The brand-new Bridges Learning Center can be seen as a bridge between past and present: The land was the longtime location of the Bridges family farm, which dates back to horse-and-buggy days, but the new schools now located there feature state-of-the-art STEM technology that words wouldn’t have been able to describe to the people who once worked that land. Moreno Valley Online Academy (MVOA), one of the schools located at Bridges Learning Center, is currently the only school in Riverside County using the revolutionary 3-D immersive zSpace technology, which brings to life objects that can be manipulated in virtual reality. The zSpace virtual-learning platform can be used to teach a variety of sciences, including biology and anatomy. Imagine being able to dissect a virtual frog in 3-D, or study molecules and the structure of atoms and be able to manipulate them or create a physical model by sending them to a 3-D printer. “Many of us learn better when we can see and hold what we’re studying,” said MVOA Principal Dr. Tammy Guzzetta. “This technology allows students to interact with virtual representations that are as close to handling the real thing as possible.” Bridges Learning Center, which now brings together Moreno Valley Unified School District’s alternative-education programs (MVOA/Graduation Opportunity (GO), Bayside Community Day School and MV Community Learning Center charter school), is located at Cactus Ave. and Indian St. in Moreno Valley. Student-led tours will be offered.