The School of Computer and Information Sciences (SCIS) at Drexel University welcomed more than 40 attendees to its inaugural Drexel AI Immersion Day, a one-day, hands-on experience designed for incoming and prospective undergraduate students and their families.
Open to students across all SCIS majors, the event provided an in-depth look at how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of technology, education and innovation within Drexel’s College of Engineering and Computing (CoEC).
Participants engaged in a full day of programming that combines academic exploration with interactive learning. The schedule included lunch with Dean’s Ambassadors, a student organization meet-and-greet and a dedicated Q&A breakout session for parents and guardians.
Left: Student org meet-and-greet; Right: Q&A breakout session
The centerpiece of the event featured two immersive AI activities. One experience traced the evolution of artificial intelligence by examining early computing tools and their influence on today’s technologies. Students interacted with devices such as the 1984 Drexel Macintosh 128K, Macintosh iBook, Macintosh PowerBook 140, ArcadeStick F101, a PDP-8 minicomputer from the 1970’s and a Tilt Five augmented reality headset. The faculty presenters discussed how these early technologies have led to innovations in AI and computing today.
Left: Students at the “AI Tools for the History of Computing” session; Right: Students playing on the 1984 Drexel iMac
A second activity introduced participants to smart-fabric sensors, demonstrating how wearable technology can be used to control games and even small drones. The students experienced a demonstration of a drone controlled by smart fabrics, presented by Yusuf Osmanlioglu, assistant teaching professor of computer science.
Left: Students at the “Smart Fabrics” session; Right: Smart fabrics that can be used to control drones
Together, these experiences offered attendees a hands-on understanding of the progression from foundational computing systems to modern AI applications.
“This inaugural event was a highly successful experiment in engaging our incoming students and their families in a meaningful manner,” stated Ali Shokoufandeh, PhD, interim dean and distinguished university professor. “The energy and curiosity we observed today provide a clear roadmap for the future; we intend to utilize the insights gained from this session to generate similar immersive experiences for prospective students throughout upcoming admission cycles.”
In addition to technical programming, students had the opportunity to connect directly with faculty, current students and campus organizations, gaining insight into academic pathways, student life and career outcomes.
“Our first AI Immersion Day was a spectacular success,” said Dario Salvucci, PhD, interim associate dean of academic operations and professor of computer science. “It was a joy to introduce students to the many fun AI-related activities we do here at Drexel, and I especially loved seeing our visiting students meet and chat with our current students, to talk about how AI is shaping their own experiences with coursework and co-op opportunities.”
The inaugural AI Immersion Day reflects SCIS’s continued commitment to experiential learning and early engagement, offering prospective students a meaningful preview of the collaborative environment that defines Drexel.