Welcome to my personal blog – a digital tapestry weaving together the threads of my professional journey in the dynamic world of technology and education. Here, I chronicle my adventures and insights as an educator, tech enthusiast, and AI advocate. This blog serves as a living archive, capturing the milestones, challenges, and triumphs of my career. It's a space where I share my experiences in integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI into education, my explorations in the realm of esports and game design, and my endeavors in professional development and community outreach. Whether you're a fellow educator, a technology aficionado, or simply curious about the intersection of teaching and tech, this blog offers a window into my world. Join me as I navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, sharing my learnings and reflections along the way. Let's embark on this journey of discovery and innovation together.

Navigating the Future with AI: Insights from the Shangri La Panel

Recently, I had the extraordinary opportunity to be a part of the "AI in the Open: Responsible Innovation for Access, Accountability, and Discovery" panel at the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design. This event, set against the vibrant cultural backdrop of one of Hawaii's treasured institutions, was not just an occasion but a profound exploration into the world of artificial intelligence, its vast potential, and the critical ethical landscapes we navigate within it.

The panel brought together a distinguished group of thought leaders and experts in the field of AI, including Lance Askildson, Deep Ganguli, Marietje Schaake, Helen Toner, with Alondra Nelson steering our conversations as the moderator. Each contributed their unique perspectives and insights, weaving a comprehensive dialogue that was as educational as it was inspiring. 

Our dialogue spanned the spectrum of AI-related topics, from the intricacies of its development to its cultural and ethical ramifications. We delved into the ways AI can augment our daily lives and professional environments, while also emphasizing the importance of approaching its challenges with a thoughtful, ethical mindset.

Being a part of "AI in the Open" reinforced the value of collaborative insight and the power of diverse voices in shaping the trajectory of artificial intelligence. It highlighted the essential role of open, inclusive discussions in crafting a future where AI aligns with our collective values and enriches the human experience.

As I reflect on the event, my sense of inspiration and optimism for what lies ahead in the realm of AI has only deepened. Contributing to such a crucial conversation was a privilege, and I am eager to continue this dialogue with peers, students, and the wider community.

To all who attended and engaged with us, your curiosity and participation are the bedrock of meaningful advancement. As we forge ahead, let's embrace AI's possibilities with enthusiasm, tempered by a strong sense of responsibility.

For those unable to attend, I encourage you to seek out the event's key insights and join the ongoing discourse on AI's role in our society. Together, we can steer the evolution of this dynamic field in a direction that amplifies the best of what it means to be human.

Participating in the Shangri La panel was a momentous occasion to discuss the fine balance between AI's openness and the imperative of ethical use and privacy protections. Representing 'Iolani School in these discussions was an honor, contributing to the narrative of responsible AI innovation and application. For further reflections and insights from this pivotal event, please visit the Shangri La event page.

I am continuously seeking avenues to enrich our collective understanding of AI through workshops and educational sessions. If there are upcoming opportunities to delve deeper into AI's possibilities together, I am keen to contribute and share in these exploratory journeys.

Reflecting on the "AI in the Open" panel has been an invaluable journey, underscoring our shared dedication to leveraging AI in a way that respects privacy, ensures ethical usage, and fosters positive societal impacts. I extend my gratitude to the Shangri La staff and its director for facilitating this important dialogue. Their commitment to promoting responsible AI practices is exemplary. For more details and insights, please visit the Shangri La event page.

Shangri La Website 

This intensive summer course offers students the opportunity to develop the technical and leadership skills necessary for building and managing their own esports program. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on experience, participants will learn about various aspects of esports, including game selection, team management, event planning, and community building. Students will also have the chance to put these skills into practice by working on projects such as establishing an esports club, organizing and hosting an esports tournament, and more. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the esports industry and equip students with the tools they need to succeed in this rapidly growing field.

In this engaging series of lessons, students will use Minecraft to collaborate and build in a virtual world while learning about the Hokulea and its global voyage, as well as various STEM concepts. Through a variety of projects, students will have the opportunity to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design their own voyaging canoe, using resources provided by the Polynesian Voyaging Society and its partners. These lessons are suitable for students in grades 3-8 and are led by Gabriel, who also provides free resources for sharing these lessons online.

In these workshops, Gabriel uses Minecraft to spark students' interest in STEM through an exploration of various Mars missions conducted by NASA and planned by Space-X. Students will learn about the challenges of surviving in space and use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build their own rockets to take them to the surface of Mars. Once there, they will be tasked with constructing a NASA Mars colony and conducting experiments to thrive in this harsh environment. These lessons are suitable for students in grades 3-8 and are led by Gabriel, who also provides free resources for sharing these lessons online.

VIDEO GAME DESIGN (Grades 7-9) is a course that guides students through the process of designing and programming video games. Throughout the course, students will learn about computer programming, graphic design, animation principles, psychology, project management, and teamwork as they work on a range of coding projects. The course begins with an introduction to block-based language in MIT's Scratch and progresses to more advanced programming languages like C# in Unity3D and C in Unreal Engine. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in the skills and knowledge needed to create their own video games. 

INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL DESIGN AND FABRICATION (Grades 7-8) is a course that provides an introduction to digital design and fabrication techniques. Students will learn to use 2D vector graphics software and safely operate an industrial laser cutter. They will then move on to 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D fabrication using 3D printers. As they progress through the course, students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects that require the use of CNC, laser cutting, and 3D printing skills. By the end of the course, students will have gained a strong foundation in digital design and fabrication techniques and the confidence to apply these skills to a variety of projects.

To create a welcoming and supportive environment for female students interested in exploring the fabrication lab and enrolling in STEM courses, Gabriel has partnered with several of his students to establish a cosplay club. This club serves as a safe space for students of all backgrounds to learn the basics of EVA foam prop and armor building, 3D printing, and laser cutting. As they develop their skills, students will have the opportunity to work on service projects in partnership with a local female engineer, such as creating wheelchair costumes to donate to organizations such as the Shriners Hospital for Children and the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The goal of this club is to provide a supportive and inclusive community for students to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in their community.

Gabriel has been using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in his projects since obtaining an Oculus DK1. Some of his notable projects involving VR and AR include VR Minecraft showcases at the Hawaii State Capitol, VR/AR coding courses at 'Iolani and Punahou schools, and professional development workshops on AR/VR tools for the classroom at various conferences. Gabriel is committed to integrating these innovative technologies into his work to provide engaging and immersive learning experiences for students and educators.

In this after-school class, Gabriel teaches elementary and middle school students the fundamentals of creative writing, drawing, communication, and collaboration through the lens of Dungeons & Dragons. Through this popular table-top role-playing game, students will strengthen their written and verbal communication skills and exercise their creativity and public speaking abilities. In addition to playing the game, students will also have the opportunity to design their own adventures and practice their teamwork and problem-solving skills.