Reflection

        Dr. Thornburg stated that educators should challenge students educationally by incorporating technology into their lessons that maximizes student engagements and learning potential.  After the completion of this course, I took time to reflect on the information and technology discussed. I have benefited from the exposure to technology, such as Wikispaces, blogs and podcast; and the various possibilities to integrate them into my classroom setting and lessons. As a teacher that takes pride in "thinking outside of the box", I found myself being stubborn and being narrow minded.
        My views have changed on the technology discussed, and have started developing lessons that incorporate blogs and pod casts. My openness to new ideas and flexibility in utilizing new technology has allowed me to continue to practice a facilitators teaching style. I believe digital native student's knowledge of current technology allows them to explore information and apply their knowledge using various forms of media.

Integrating Technology Goals (2 years):

        As I strive to become a professional educator, I must continue to expand my technological pallet and integrate my knowledge into my classroom.  Educating myself through workshops and online tutorials, I can develop an understanding of the technology and begin to apply the knowledge into my personal and professional routines.  During my personal exploration and learning stage, I can determine if the technology can be utilized and to what extent.  If the technology is available, I must validate the purchase of the equipment by creating lessons that promote higher level thinking, maximize student engagement and develop skills used in industry.

Profiling the Students of Tomorrow

Here is the Youtube link for my Podcast:
http://youtu.be/WTkERdxCjcw

21st Century Skills: Website Review

Partnership for the 21^st Century Skills: Website Review

The Partnership for the 21^st Century Skills (P21) is a nation organization aimed at creating a partnership between education, business, community and governments that prepares K-12 students for the future workforce. P21 believes that narrowing the gap of current and future workforce’s skill-set and technological needs is possible, if K-12 schools incorporate the 3Rs and 4Rs educational format. The 3Rs places emphasizes on subjects such as English, reading, math, science etc. while the 4Rs emphasizes the need for critical thinking and problem solving, communication and innovation. The P21 website offers a plethora of links to various resources, publications to further understand and incorporate their concepts.

While P21 makes a great case for the need for schools to apply to the 3Rs and 4Rs, I personally feel that placing the responsibility solely on K-12 education is misguided.  K-12 education responsibility is to education the youth the basic skills to be productive members of society and stress the importance furthering their education. The individual needs to become a “life long learner” and continue their education at colleges, trade schools or educational workshops.  Business interrogating new technology should also carry the burden of educating and financing the current workforce or provide aid to new employees.

As a Career Technical Education instructor, I incorporate concepts like P21 3Rs and 4Rs in to my courses. Students are learning and practicing techniques currently used in industry. Following graduation of high school, my students have the necessary skills to earn entry level jobs in fields of auto, drafting and woodworking. It is the responsibility of the individual to make the necessary sacrifices and iron out a path that will make them relevant in the 21^st century.   

The Partnership for 21^st Century Skills (P21)

http://www.p21.org/

Use of Blogs in my CTE classes

Use of Blogs in my CTE classes

CTE Instructor: Mr. Jarvinen

8^th-12^th grades

Courses: Auto, Computers, Drafting, Wood Working

Over the past week, I have been brainstorming ways to incorporate blogs into my classroom.  After some thought, I have decided that any blogs or website that I incorporate will be for the sole purpose of strengthening the Career and Technical Education department.  The site would recognize any student achievements, awards, current / future projects and contests.

To increase the blogs / website usage in my lessons, I could post instructional videos and blue prints for viewing and downloading.  In addition, students can upload images and blueprints of projects they created in the future. Eventually, the blog will become a nice archive of past and present projects and like-minded individuals.

Future of CTE programs

Are CTE programs going to fall victim to budget cuts?