Albany High students in Vincent Kemp and Thomas Dobush’s Automotive Technologies I class had the unique opportunity to see an autonomous car up close and personal in class on Thursday.
During an onsite visit from WAYMO, our Falcons had the chance to observe and learn about an all-electric Jaguar I-PACE WAYMO!
WAYMO presenters Aimee Privitera, Drianna Labissiere and Dimitri Labissiere facilitated an informative lesson on self-driving vehicles, giving an overview of the various types of technology that work together to make autonomous cars get from point A to point B.
“I learned a lot about WAYMO and how it is able to drive by itself with the lasers that show depth perception,” shared Sam DiStefano. “What really surprised me was that the cameras can see three football fields in advance. That was really cool to learn about.”
Students also had the opportunity to ask questions, and the group was quite eager to learn! Questions ranged from how long the car’s battery lasts before it needs to be re-charged to what happens if someone is having a health emergency when they are utilizing a WAYMO for a ride share.
Not only did students get to dialogue with the guest presenters about WAYMO technology, they also got to sit in the parked autonomous vehicle and observe the features on both the inside and the outside of the car.
DiStefano is extremely grateful for the opportunity to study automotive technologies at Albany High, and he recognizes what an amazing opportunity it is for students to get hands-on training through a pathway that can lead to a job right after graduation if a student chooses.
“I’ve always had an interest in cars, and I love working with my hands,” he stated. “I love this course, because it’s an opportunity. Once students graduate, they can have a job working in an auto shop.”
Automotive technology is one of the eleven Career and Technical Education subject areas offered at Albany High designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs, college or both upon graduation.
Source: www.albanyschools.org
