UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — This semester, Penn State University Libraries’ Teaching and Learning with Technology introduced a brand-new, hands-on experience for students and faculty to explore artificial intelligence (AI) in fun and creative ways. The AI Arcade, located in the Media Commons on the ground floor of Shields Building, is an in-person, exploratory space designed to showcase what’s possible when learning and play collide.
The AI Arcade experience is built around three core elements:
- Premium AI apps — access to industry-leading AI tools with full features unlocked
- Crafted AI experiences — guided activities and prompts designed to spark creativity and discovery
- Retro arcade classics reimagined — favorite games rebuilt with AI and customized in surprising ways
The AI Arcade is the next step in exploring how AI can empower creativity, enhance learning and inspire curiosity.
“We've received great feedback from early users of the space. Faculty are excited about giving students access to premium features that support tech equity. For many, it’s their first time seeing what these tools can do, and the Brain Beats experience has quickly become a favorite,” said Emily Sikora, Media Commons consultant and TLT specialist. “Two teaching assistants, Mary Ribbeck and Alexis Otstott, from Dr. Daniel Foster’s 'AEE 216' course recently stopped by the AI Arcade. They explored how to integrate it into the class and left with a song about parliamentary procedures to share with their class.”
Schedule an appointment to see the AI Arcade in person in the Shields Media Commons. For more information, visit the AI Arcade website or email aiarcade@psu.edu.