Calling Digital Divas

Girls who are interested in computing can win $500 in cash; a laptop computer; a trip to Charlotte, NC for the Bank of American Technology Showcase and Awards Ceremony; and an engraved award for the student and her school. The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing requires that girls who enter be in Grades 9-12, are citizens of the United States, have a good academic history, show aptitude and leadership in IT/computing, and have plans for post-secondary education. Applications are due by October 31, 2012, with endorsements by parents and school officials by November 9, 2012. The sponsors of this award are the National Center for Women and Information Technology and the Bank of America.

Cultural Hype: Who’s Special?

Teacher David McCullough Jr. delivered the commencement address, “You’re Not Special”, at Wellesley High School. Not only did he say the graduates weren’t special, he told them that they’ve “been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped.” McCullough stressed that no matter what achievements the graduates have already achieved, after commencement, the slate is clean and they must travel a new path. That path, he suggested should be one in which they go after what they love and believe in—one in which they work hard and dream big. Graduates shouldn’t go out thinking everything will fall in place for them, but instead that they must make things happen.

According to McCullough, they’ve probably been told they are one in a million, and therefore, very special. However, “on a planet of 6.8 billion that means there are nearly 7,000 people just like” these graduates. The speech, as you can imagine, garnered an abundance of attention. Newsweek’s Periscope, “Generation ‘Special’" tells us that of the 700 emails McCullough received after the speech, only four were critical of his words. Does the speech inspire us educators to reconsider how we are educating our students? American companies often have to locate their operations overseas because they cannot locate enough qualified workers in the U.S. Think about how difficult it is for us to encourage students to take the most difficult courses in the STEM subjects and continue on with them in college. Do our students know how to write well, solve problems, and use tech as an assistant in their learning?  Do they know how to learn without us (educators and parents) pushing them? Are we heading many of our graduates toward inevitable difficulty in finding jobs after high school and college?

To Keep Your Computer Labs or Not

Schools debate over whether to keep computer labs or distribute the computers to classrooms. Some that have opted for mobile devices, such as iPads in the classrooms, have done away with traditional computer labs, but others maintain labs for use by students for work that cannot be accomplished easily with mobile devices. Many schools are keeping their computer labs because they do not have enough technology devices or mobile labs to give all students computer experiences. Even though students may only be assigned to computer labs once or twice a week, the labs provide a place where students can get instruction and practice with technologies and receive 1-1 experience with computers.

One school (Northfield Community School in New Jersey) decided to transform its K-4 computer lab to a K-4 STEM lab complete with QX5 Computer microscopes and other tools for STEM learning.  As with the schedule for the computer lab, students will come with their classes once a week, but they’ll engage in inquiry-based learning that emphasizes the STEM subjects. The lab teacher and the classroom teacher will team to work with the children as they Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve. Even though they won’t have traditional computer lab lessons, as they engage in inquiry, they will be learning the digital skills they need.

Learning Videos from MIT & the Khan Academy

It’s called MIT+K-12, and it means exciting learning about engineering, robotics, technology, bacteria, and other topics in science, engineering, technology, and math. MIT students are creating 5-10 minute videos, which can be viewed on the MIT+K-12 YouTube Channel. So far 75 films have been completed and about half have been posted online. Many of the films are also on the Khan Academy site.

What Encourages Girls to Pursue STEM Careers?

How to get girls interested in STEM subjects has been debated for some time. Now, it seems that after school activities are turning more girls on to the advantages of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. "Out of School Time Drawing Girls into STEM” (Education Week, 01/05/12) discusses the success of Techbridge, an afterschool program for girls that offers challenges in the STEM subjects through innovative teaching. Linda Kekelis, Executive Director of Techbridge, says that girls often don’t have the experiences boys do that create interest in the STEM subjects. “Techbridge is providing the expectations and the experiences to level the playing field for girls, particularly in STEM.”  The question remains, “Why can’t such programs be integrated into regular school studies?

Connecting Students with STEM Careers

ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) is offering a new book, Connecting Students to STEM Careers, which is designed to help students “open their eyes” to careers in science, mathematics, technology and engineering. The book content makes it clear that jobs of the future will involve the STEM subjects and that preparing in one or more of these areas of the curriculum will enhance career options for students. Author Camille Cole shows teachers how to connect their students via video-conferencing with those working in STEM careers throughout the world; how to develop programs so that students can “engage in real-world learning experiences”; how to introduce them to those who can be STEM career role models; and how fascinating and rewarding such careers can be. The paperback sells for $23.07 (ISTE members) and $32.95 (non-members).