M-DCPS Unveils Innovation Space at Southwood Middle School

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) unveiled a redesigned, technology-rich, innovation space at Southwood Middle School’s media center this morning. The new space includes virtual reality (VR) headsets, a Makerspace area with robotics for hands-on learning, drones, and a gaming area with new furniture in an open area where students can engage in creative group activities. 

"This Innovation Space provides tools that will help you in your learning to compete in the world around you and to be an active participant, a citizen in your world, " said M-DCPS Chief Academic Officer Lourdes Diaz. "I can't wait to hear your stories of all the wonderful things you will do with this space."

The 15 VR donated headsets are designed to supplement students’ math and science curriculum. The Makerspace area includes robotics, as well as arts and crafts, and other hands-on technology. 

This innovation space also includes a dozen desktop computers specializing in gaming software and programs such as Minecraft and Roblox. Each desktop is matched with a gaming chair.

The project was funded by a $2 million partnership between M-DCPS, the College Football Playoff Foundation, and the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship Game Host Committee. 

“This Innovation Space gives es students a different, updated setting where students can be comfortable, allowing them to have different environments where they can be creative, with the robotics, gaming, VR headsets,” said Southwood Middle School Principal Daniel E. Barreras.

Another great update is that part of the renovation includes the addition of mini-drones that can be flown in the media center. These will be a great supplement for the almost 100 students that take part in the school’s robotics academy.

Over the next two years, a total of 18 M-DCPS middle school media centers will be redesigned to meet the unique social, emotional, and academic needs of students and teachers.

“It really captures the essence of a good learning place for students to relax and study. It brings an excitement, much more being in a regular classroom,” said eighth grader Lauren Trabanco. “You can create your own masterpieces, like with Legos which helps the robotics kids to perfect their craft.”

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TOP CAPTION: Southwood Middle School students testing out the VR headsets