Pearl Junior High School adds AI robot dog for students

PEARL, Miss. —

Pearl Junior High School is using an AI-powered robotic dog named Atlas to give students hands-on experience with technology as they head back to class.

“The idea behind him and the purpose for the grant is that robots are coming. They are already in big cities, so where can we use it in Pearl?” said Assistant Principal Ashley Hinton.

The robotic dog is the latest addition to the school’s technology program and is designed to teach coding and explore safety mechanisms.

“He will be used for coding; for what safety mechanisms can he offer. We have bomb squads and police and fire using robots to go into scenarios that are dangerous for humans, so our dog has a camera and can show them to explore the careers,” Hinton said.

Inside the tech lab, students are learning about innovation firsthand. The program focuses on coding, problem-solving, and understanding how artificial intelligence interacts with the world.

“Not just consuming technology, but we are creating with it, and it’s the chance to give these kids a chance to get in here and create something,” said Principal Dennis Philebar.

“Our jobs as educators are to prepare them for jobs that don’t exist yet,” Hinton said.

Teachers believe the hands-on approach makes learning less intimidating and more engaging.

“They can get a math or English question right or wrong, but in here, it’s about growing and learning,” said Sunny Oberto, a Cyberfoundations teacher.

The program also emphasizes the importance of using technology responsibly and fostering teamwork.

“The technology is there, and we have to use it. That is just the way of the world, but the interaction with the students, that is just something we have to continue to do,” Philebar said.

“Teaching them to use it wisely is probably the most stressful part of my job because we don’t want to give them these tools and then have them not use them correctly because it can get them in a lot of trouble,” Oberto said.

As the school year begins, Pearl Junior High hopes combining fun and technology will prepare students for future success.