Time for a change

1
Time for a change

• Tech Engineering Lab Upgrade 2007 ..

2
Now is the time for change!

• Present lab is 14 years old
• Technology changes exponentially
• We have not kept pace with change
• District Tech/Engineering Science cycle is upon
  us
• We can be a lighthouse school again..

3
Tired? or Wired!
4
Milestones for change

• Envision the change
• Share the vision
• Ensure framework congruence
• Focus on systems not product
• Commitment to fund the change
• Redesign the curriculum
• Redesign the Tech/Eng Lab
• Outreach interdisciplinary projects

5
Envision the change

• Build on what we know works
• Change what is outdated
• Enlist the help of experts
• Retrofit for the future
• Reflect the trends in technology
• Implement authentic learning
• Enable more depth of learning

6
Share the vision

• Engage the decision makers
• Get expert help from business
• ID alternate funding sources
• Inform all about the design/build, hands-on
  nature of Technology Engineering and base all
  decisions on this basic premise.

7
Framework congruence

• Systemic alignment with the MA middle school
  frameworks.
• Surpass weaknesses in the frameworks (ie.
  Biotech)
• Enrich learning experiences to overcome present
  program weaknesses.

8
Focus on systems not product

• Higher order thinking
• Transference of knowledge
• Technology trade-offs
• Greater adaptability to new technologies
• Greater understanding of any technology system

9
Technology Systems Model
GOAL
INPUT
PROCESS
OUTPUT
FEEDBACK

• APPLIED TO ANY SYSTEM

10
Fund the change

• Budget for up-to-date tools, materials,
  workstations and processes of technology
• Remedy storage shortcoming
• Update outmoded technologies
• Provide budget for curriculum change
• Seek grants where appropriate

11
Redesign the lab

• Provide additional storage options
• Provide additional modular workstations for mfg.
  prototyping electronics
• Provide high tech look and feel for lab including
  signage decor

12
Redesign the Tech/Eng Curriculum

• Engage mentors from the business sector to
  evaluate curriculum (adopt a module??)
• Ensure design/build authentic, hands-on
  activities for all modules
• Computer based assessment and feedback for
  teacher and students

13
Interdisciplinary projects

• Bring back the rigor gained with emersion in
  subject matter provided by multi-dimensional
  authentic learning.
• Provide the breadth and depth of understanding
  necessary but now missing due to microscopic view
  of curriculum driven by short sighted frameworks