Our Troubled World Requires a Skilled STEM Workforce Elements of STEM are integral to our nation’s economy – from health care to infrastructure needs, energy, and the environment. That’s why one of the most important tasks we have as educators is to encourage our students to consider careers in STEM. To get them to that point, they need to develop the ability to question and plan ways through experimentation to find viable solutions. Do I Have a Dynamite Class Lesson? Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I have a class lesson that I could sell tickets for?” In other words, a lesson that students will absorb and remember, and that will leave them excited to take the next step? A lesson that does that probably includes more than just abstract theory or memorization of concepts. It probably also challenges the students with “out-of-the-box” thinking (aka critical thinking) through self or team experimentation – which is a lot more interesting and engaging than listening to a teacher lecture or demonstrate a science concept. As long as students are learning, you can use any means possible to turn on the “light bulb.” There is no more important gift than teaching students how science works through application and experimentation. Continue Reading... Blog adapted from Boxlight blog, with our partnership. Check out their full suit of solutions here.
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We are excited to announce that we now offer NinjaTek Cheetah™ flexible filament. This industrial-grade filament is the perfect blend of speed and strength: it is the fastest and easiest-to-use flexible filament on the market, and has an impact strength that is 84% greater than ABS. The filament works well in the Afinia H-series 3D Printers and is available in orange, green, blue, red, semi-transparent, white, and black. Want to learn more about the most cost-effective flex filament on the market today from Afinia? Contact one of our Education Specialists to learn more. We read an interesting article the other day, “New study: Students use technology everywhere but school” that makes the point that today’s students are so connected in every aspect of their day, except when they are in the classroom. In the classroom, many educators roll back the clocks and try to maintain a technology free space. For so many students, technology is a natural extension of who they are and how they learn. Maybe, instead of expecting students to learn without technology, we should develop thoughtful ways of integrating technology into our student’s day. We’ve brainstormed a few ideas for educators grappling with this issue.
Each of these technology tools has the power to enhance learning while seamlessly integrating cost-effective technology. We’d love to hear from you –would these tools make a difference in your classroom? How do you incorporate Ed Tech tools? Share in the comments section below! Beginning August 19th, Amatrol will be updating all of the student learning sites, including learnAmatrol.com and learnOxygen.com, from HTTP to HTTPS formatted websites. This added security measure is designed to more closely protect confidential student information as they use the eLearning websites. The HTTPS format provides added security for learner data to all of our customers. This changeover will not affect access codes, courses, passwords, quiz grades, or any other user information. The only difference is that data sent between your browser (e.g. Chrome, Firefox) and the Amatrol websites is encrypted for security. Amatrol will be making the transition to Https starting on Friday, August 19th at 3:00PM EDT. During the changeover, access to learnamatrol.com and learnoxygen.com will be unavailable. A notice of this impeding downtime has been added to the eLearning websites, allowing users sufficient time to adjust their training schedules. Questions? Contact Moss for assistance. We often talk about the advanced skills positions available in today's manufacturing, but we can't forget about the importance of the fundamentals, the basic skills that employers assume candidates have when they hire. We came across an article in Manufacturing Today that highlights the need for basic assembly skills: There was a time, not long ago, when employers could rely on new hires to possess rudimentary knowledge of basic assembly methods, schematic diagrams, and proper use of hand tools. These skills were the result of individuals who grew up maintaining their cars. Yet that way of life is largely a thing of the past, much to the dismay of employers. The current focus on advanced technologies and high-end skills is crucial and necessary, but you cannot overlook the need for basic skills, such as the ability to install bearings, lubricate machine slides, or align couplings. These skills range from welding to assembly to how to use tools effectively. These fundamental skills are as crucial today as they ever have been. Click here to learn what several companies are doing to combat this skills gap, and how Amatrol is providing curriculum and tools to address this need.
Despite their tuxedoed appearance, penguins aren’t always well mannered. In the aftermath of one particular penguin scuffle among endangered African Penguins at Mystic Aquarium, Yellow/Purple (AKA “Purps”) was found to have a nonfunctional flexor tendon in her ankle. Much like an injury to a person’s Achilles heel, damage to a penguin’s flexor tendon leads to pain and difficulty in motion. Once Purps’ injury was identified, the veterinary staff at Mystic Aquarium took action with a handmade boot to immobilize, protect and support the damaged foot. Yet the animal care team knew more modern solutions were available that would not only be more durable and less cumbersome for the small bird, but also require less time than handcrafting the boot. Mystic Aquarium’s Chief Clinical Veterinarian, Dr. Jen Flower, proposed 3D printing. Blog courtesy of 3D Systems.
The highly-regarded Brookings Institute recently published a compelling article by Senior Fellow, Mark Munro, " The Skills Supply Chain Must Change as Software Eats the World," about the changing face of workforce development. The article illuminates the recent evolution of "digitization," as well as exploring "a variety of training-system responses to the talent needs of industry." The impacts of software exist hand-in-hand with those of hardware, and they are long-term, so they require meaningful consideration by executives, educators and workers. Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing's Dennis Dio Parker addresses Toyota’s interest in having factory floor worker engaged with a particular "'technical core' of professional competencies, including in electronics, robotics controls, circuitry, and digital learning. 'We have to focus in detail on exactly what’s needed in talent coming into the company and whether potential workers have it,' said Parker. 'I will say we are having a difficult time procuring the talent we need because, first, there’s not enough of it now and second, we need that talent to be more talented, with more specific skills.'” We've been hearing a lot about the Maker Movement recently. But what is the Maker Movement? Adweek hits it on the head: The maker movement, as we know, is the umbrella term for independent inventors, designers and tinkerers. A convergence of computer hackers and traditional artisans, the niche is established enough to have its own magazine, Make, as well as hands-on Maker Faires that are catnip for DIYers who used to toil in solitude. Makers tap into an American admiration for self-reliance and combine that with open-source learning, contemporary design and powerful personal technology like 3-D printers. The creations, born in cluttered local workshops and bedroom offices, stir the imaginations of consumers numbed by generic, mass-produced, made-in–China merchandise. In other words, the Maker Movement is home to the do-ers, the inventors, the designers of our generation. The people who use creativity to create and do.
Makers benefit from a space that has the tools to spur their creativity - whether it's a Fab Lab or a Makerspace - this space is designed to give people the tools to "figure it out." Most are filled with the tools of the trade, from 3D printers, lasers, robotics, and more. These people are looking for efficiencies, and driving creators and manufacturers forward with new innovation. Have you developed or used a Makerspace? What makes a successful Makerspace? Share your tips in the comments section. Launching new technology isn’t as challenging as flying to the moon, but both require many of the same components for success. You need clear goals, good planning and testing, reliable and expert partners, and tools to get the job done easily and effectively.
BOXLIGHT|Mimio has created this comprehensive guide with input from our experts, who have experienced many successful technology launches. The lessons they learned along the way can help you navigate your next mission. You just hired a new instructor for your welding school with years of skilled trade experience. You know they’ll be a good mentor for your students. But what does he or she know about technical instruction? Has he ever developed curriculum for a year-long program educational program? What will he teach on Day 1? Consider U/LINC™ Curriculum from Lincoln Electric – We have over 1000 lesson plans, student activities, assessments, videos and presentations covering everything from welding safety to welding engineering and everything in between. Let your instructor teach his trade – We’ll do the rest.
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