Defining Technology Education...for me.

Entrepreneurs (Engineers) for Good

Innovation(ors) for Good

In recent months, I have re-examined my philosophy &  need to become more involved in developing technology courses that engage our students in "more" authentic research & development. I have identified the following as being crucial, the upper school division and perhaps the middle level as well, conditions required to make a strong program flourish:

1. Requirements for technology that are not negotiable. That is, graduation requirements. Not having credit requirements for technology is tantamount to saying that it is important, but only for those who pursue such disciplines. If we want every student to be conversant in the technology around us, and not simply as a consumer, but also, as creators, we should be willing to make a stand and require that our students be exposed to the disciplines carefully defined. This, of course, will involve adjusting current curricular requirements. Courses should be rigorous and relevant, collaborative and project-based. This does not necessarily require  AP as the same rigor can easily applied to non-AP courses but with greater flexibility and creativity. 

2. Students should be allow to be engaged in projects that actually address real world issues. Project based learning is a powerful, and frankly, ancient form of learning, but it should have more meaning for the student and carry with it a purpose that goes beyond frivilous entertainment or singular motivations. Such programs would involve students who have demonstrated a strong desire to innovate, collaborate and dedicate.  Perhaps a final year project would begin in Junior year and due by mid-Senior year. Could include humanitarian, service trips to locations where the project specifically targets.

A special endorsement in technology should be created for students who have dedicated their educational concentration in technology, which should involve design, engineering and programming. Of course, this will require that #1 be mandated, in my opinion. 

3. Incorporate a STEAM philosophy and not just STEM. The idea is to encourage more human beings into the realm of technology and one obvious way is to get some of the more creative students who are often hesitant, to see technology as a way to expand their creative expression or toolset. 

4. To maximize and encourage a diverse user group, it is counter-productive to insist that any single platform be mandated. This importance is particularly important for those of us who believe in using open-source applications to enhance and accentuate the toolset for both MAC and PC users. Open-source allows students access to programs that are often compatible with the commercial applications and w/o having to purchase.

5. Adding an entrepreneurial element to innovation is also a possible way to encourage students to engage in real world problem solving. I am not suggesting that we help students create the next million dollar product for profit's sake, rather ownership, credit for a design that could redefine human lives. Patent rights(?).

6. Having "current" professionals involved in the ideas above in the form of mentorships, advice, sponsorship, guest speakers/instructors, etc. Inviting parents is especially a great way to muster community, school buy-in and support.

7. A dedicated space for innovation and new ideas should be established to allow teachers of differing disciplines to co-teach, exchange ideas. Encourage traditionally non-technology subject(s) to be taught in the space surrounded by technology and technical instruction...

8. Engage all divisions to innovation and establish a special day(s) or week to showcase the ingenuity of the student and faculty body. This should be a community supported and particpated event. The entire community should buy into the philosophy of innovation for good.

9. Innovation, design should be incorported into the curriculum. Not simply included as a extra-curricular activity or event. 

10. There needs to be time given to such innovation and creativity.   

Also have another itch to go back to my life sciences/research roots. Perhaps some bio-informatics or authentic research??? Hmmm...