NCS and FLVS hold signing ceremony at I/ITSEC

Story by Kate Finkel, Staff Writer

The National Center for Simulation (NCS) and Florida Virtual School Foundation (FLVS) participated in a signing ceremony that commemorated a memorandum of understanding (MOU) during the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 5, 2024.

I/ITSEC is the world’s largest modeling, simulation and training (MS&T) event that occurs every year during the week immediately after Thanksgiving. It draws thousands of MS&T professionals to the Orange County Convention Center, to include high-ranking civilian and military government officials, C-suite industry executives, and senior academics from leading research institutions.

NCS and FLVS leaders actually began this collaborative effort a few months prior to I/ITSEC, when they signed the MOU earlier in 2024. This agreement brings the power of teaching with simulation to teachers and students in full-time FLVS programs. The initiative provides FLVS students enrolled in the school’s full-time option with virtual tools like augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D printers, robotics, and various simulators, giving students in the online learning environment more experience in STEM studies and help them develop problem-solving skills.

To kick off the partnership, NCS spearheaded a series of virtual workshops for a cohort of FLVS teachers, offering comprehensive guidance on incorporating modeling, simulation and training (MS&T) concepts across various grade levels and subjects. FLVS has supported teachers attending the workshops with stipends and acted as a support system in organizing logistical concerns, such as registration for the training.

“NCS is excited about this agreement with FLVS, which will expand our already successful STARBASE program,” said George Cheros, president and CEO of NCS. “Our program has touched almost 3000 fifth grade students since 2021, ranging from disadvantaged to honors students. For some, it’s an introduction to STEM and MS&T. We’re proud to continue to inspire their love of MS&T.”