How Cook Schools are Incorporating Technology into the Classroom

Technology has become an integral part of the classroom experience for many students. It can help them to develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. As technology advances, it’s quickly becoming a must-have in any school—even cooking schools!

Cooking schools across the country are now incorporating technology into their classrooms as a way to teach their students the skills they need to succeed in the culinary field. From robotic chefs to virtual reality cooking experiences, these schools are using cutting-edge tech to give their students an immersive learning experience. Here’s a closer look at how some cook schools are utilizing technology to enhance their students’ education.

Robotic Chefs

One of the most exciting ways cooking schools are incorporating technology into the classroom is through the use of robotic chefs. Robotic chefs, also called “robochefs”, are kitchen robots that can prepare meals with minimal human intervention. The robots are programmed to carry out specific tasks, from measuring ingredients to chopping vegetables and frying food.

Robochefs allow chefs-in-training to focus more on their culinary technique rather than spending hours preparing ingredients and cooking. This also allows students to learn advanced techniques, such as confit and braising, which require precise temperature control.

At San Diego Culinary Institute’s Del Mar College Campus, they use a robotic chef named TrueChef to allow students to practice their culinary techniques. They can program the robot to perform specialized tasks, such as tempering chocolate or glazing pastry.

Virtual Reality Cooking Experiences

Another way cooking schools are incorporating technology into the classroom is through virtual reality (VR) cooking experiences. These experiences allow students to “travel” to different restaurants and complete challenges, such as preparing a meal for a dinner party. This type of experience helps students get an understanding of what it’s like to work in a commercial kitchen, without actually having to be there.

The Institute of Culinary Education uses VR technology to give its students an immersive culinary experience. Students are placed in a virtual kitchen where they can practice their knife skills, learn new recipes and experiment with different ingredients. The Institute also offers a sushi making experience, which allows students to roll their own maki and nigiri sushi.

Online Courses

Cooking schools are also using the internet and online courses to teach students the fundamentals of cooking. Online courses are convenient and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Most courses consist of videos and interactive activities, including quizzes, hands-on assignments and group discussions.

At Durham Technical Community College, students can sign up for an online course titled “Culinary Arts: Food Science.” The seven-week course covers topics such as food chemistry, food safety, nutrition and sanitation techniques.

Online courses are convenient and cost-effective, allowing students to learn at their own pace and gain the skills they need to become successful chefs.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) can transform the way students learn. AR technology overlays digital information onto real-world objects and environments. This allows students to explore new experiences, such as cooking in a simulated environment or seeing how ingredients would look in a dish before cooking it.

At the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California, San Francisco, students use AR technology to explore the anatomy of various cuts of meat. The school also utilizes AR technology to give students a more immersive experience in the kitchen.

The Bottom Line

Technology is changing the way students learn in cook schools. From robot chefs to virtual reality cooking experiences, these schools are utilizing cutting-edge tech to give their students an immersive, hands-on learning experience. With the right tools and technology, students can cultivate their culinary skills and expand their knowledge of the culinary industry.