Connectivity, digital citizenship and interactive learning are all crucial for students’ success in today’s high-tech global economy. In order to meet these technology needs Tri-Rivers is piloting a”Netbooks in the Classroom” program next fall, according to Larry Hickman, executive director for the career center.
Over the last several weeks of the school year, around 60 TRCC staff members participated in an on-line professional development course created by TRECA called”Netbooks in the Classroom Setting.” The on-line course included: discussion board questions, blogging, creating a classroom website, Google docs, Skype to enhance the classroom curriculum, and lessons on using the netbook in the classroom.
"The goal is to eventually issue a netbook to all students attending Tri-Rivers,"said Hickman. "But first we wanted our instructors to have the opportunity to learn the best way to utilize the netbook in the Classroom. The on-line course is providing them the tools and knowledge to incorporate the Netbook into their curriculums. Next fall we will pilot the one-on-one netbook program with select programs at the Career Center."
Students in the following programs at TRCC will be part of the Fall 2010 Netbook Pilot Program: Engineering Technology, Teaching Professions Academy, Advanced Health Technologies Level 1 and 2, Automotive Technology Level 1 and 2, Cosmetology Level 1 and 2, Culinary Arts Level 1, Ag & Industrial Power Technology Level 2, Digital Media & Entertainment Level 2 and Construction Technologies Level 2. The students in these programs will each receive a netbook. The students, through meeting certain criteria, may earn the privilege of keeping the netbooks upon graduation.
"Eventually if we go to a one-on-one netbook program, we won’t need computer labs and we can e-rate the netbooks, all of which makes this program affordable," said Hickman. "The netbook with its built-in aircard provides access to the internet 24/7."
Hickman said the program is still undergoing changes and additions, but he feels it is the way to go to help students become good digital citizens and knowledgeable about the latest technology which makes them more employable and successful in their careers.
Elgin engineering teacher John Kuzio says he is very excited about the opportunities his students will receive from this Netbook Pilot Program. He will have 10 seniors participating in this program during the 2010-2011.
Pictured above are two of this year’s senior students, Cody Nevers and Zach Studer, working on the Netbooks at MTC in the College Tech Prep Engineering Level II class.
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