As a Staff Developer for EASTCONN I work with at risk high school youth implementing work readiness instruction into their existing academic and extra-curricular activities.  One of the tools I use to implement this is an online class managed through eSchool Builder.  This class is titled Skills for Success and the enrolled students are from Windham, Killingly, Plainfield schools.  The overall goal of Skills for Success is to give students a learning opportunity that is rich in diversity, communication, problem solving and planning for the world of work. 

I have written this reflection paper based on the National Technology Standards, which are inherent in participating in an online course, but also through the participation of some of the projects my students work on.  The above mentioned schools partner classes together to recreate a workplace environment such as Engineer or Construction Apprentices so that they may solve a real world situation together.  Doing so allows for the students to also integrate Social Sciences, Math and Language Arts standards within their work.

Specifically in regards to the Technology Standard “Technology Communication Tools”, though the online class, which is held in conjunction with face to face meetings between schools, a diverse e-class of students can discuss case studies and their current projects with one another.  The students also answer surveys and upload documents while working collaboratively with their peers.  The teachers and I have access to the information so we are able to more freely share ideas and offer feedback.

As part of the Skills for Success face to face meetings, students participate in team building and work based learning projects.  Student use digital cameras to capture this work that they then reflect on in their portfolio.  Students making bird houses use technology to create brochures about their products so they may sell them to the community.  In the end, students are using technology to communicate their ideas and work; each student presents their portfolio through PowerPoint or a web page.

“Technology Research Tools” is addressed mostly through students compiling their career exploration activities to add to their portfolio.  A student must research careers, which are usually related to their work based learning project, which consists of interviewing professionals, participating in an online virtual job shadow and compiling data from many online and CD ROM sources.  In addition, students also evaluate technological innovations and appropriateness for specific tasks through their work based learning projects. 

Through a project with the Willimantic White Water Partnership students work with engineers to collect data on the flora, fauna, historical landmarks and mileage of the Willimantic River area to make a map for visitors to use.  Through this project the students will have a variety of technology, mainly GPS, tools for them to use and they will need to learn about their uses and see which best matches the purpose for the activity.  In regards to using technology tools to process data, students have created Excel documents to present their finding to the Department of Environmental Protection.

Inherent in working with technology is reviewing and enforcing social norms.  One of the case studies that I review with my students is in regards to plagiarism and it is always interesting to see how students respond.  There is usually a wide range of ethics within each classroom, and some students feel that the Web is responsible for not posting articles which can allow for students to copy paragraphs, while other classmates argue that that thought process only leads to the school filter systems which police student activity.  The message is presented that students need to cite where they find their work and use their own words while researching and presenting data.  In addition, all students sign “internet agreements” to use the computer ethically, and through teacher supervision can be reprimanded if they are inappropriate in threaded discussions, etc. while using the online class.

Overall, I feel that I incorporate the majority of the National Technology Standards into my existing curriculum and am continuing to move forward to strengthening that infusion.  At the same time, by having students do work based learning projects they are also incorporating other standards across the curriculum.  Some students research the history of the Airline Trail, others create and read storybooks to elementary students and some teach middle school students project adventure activities in their physical education classes.  By doing these projects students are incorporating Social Sciences, Language Arts, Physical Education and Health, Science and Math standards into their technology rich education.  I feel that this interdisciplinary approach offers a real world life experience that will help create life long learners and productive members of society.

4. Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

• Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
• Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

National Technology Standards

• Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
• Students are proficient in the use of technology.

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• Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
• Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
• Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

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• Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
• Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

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• Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
• Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

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• Students use technology to locate, evaluate,and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Students use technology tools to process data and report results.
• Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.

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• Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
• Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

Link to ISTE Standards here