Why code?
Challenge yourself

Why Not?
From making your own website without paying someone to fixing your own devices.
Save money
Save time
Save integrity

Do it yourself
Learn to code.

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, SnapChat, Periscope oh my!

Various platforms are drawing young people.  In order to stay connected the older generation must participate and use these platforms too even as awkward it may feel or ill skilled at using the application.  With practice it does come easier to use while at the same time the ability to share valuable information and expand the intellect of our young people becomes maximized.  If intellectuals are not in these forums the quality of info young people are engaging in will not be at the level our next generation need in order to be competitive and to think critically to be confident in the fact that we all are here with a special gift. 

Often bullying, stans or a "standard" is being pushed by these forums that are not healthy.  If more intellectuals are on these forms, more authentic and affirming conversations could very well reach our young people to help give them the motivation needed to excel and to believe "skys the limit". 

Even in the field of STEM, with the more encounters with STEM people ...sharing what they know and the excitement that goes with it.... could very well increase representation in the STEM field - especially if those people mirror the background of those in these platforms. 

Digital foot print should now be much more than just using the technology but how we use it to get to the next level.  I am the perfect example of this- as difficult as it is to blog...it is rewarding to catalog my thoughts and share my intellect so that eventually it will become easy enough for me to share in text.  However, with great opportunities...are great responsibilities...one that may come with obstacles.  What I share I take seriously, believe in, and is not just for myself but the benefit of all.  So in spite of the obstacles...purposeful living leads to a much more rewarding life.  Explore!  Excel! Engage!  Experience!

What does teaching have to do with it?

School will begin again and are we prepared?  Do we have our lesson plans already made and ready to implement?  But wait- Even though the expectations is to have a lesson ready...authentic teaching ensures we understand the learner for true learning to materialize to ensure retention.  So what do you do?  Develop the lesson plan but include ways for it to be differentiated.  Then once you learn the learners you can design your lessons with your students in mind.  Have several classes?  Look at lessons you have done before- do they fit?  Then use those too.  Using a digital drive, portable drive or some cloud service is great to ensure they are all in the same location.  I have so many lessons but they are not easy for me to locate.  This year I vow to name my lessons the same as the unit my lesson is from so that I do not have to recreate the wheel so much.  But what if the curriculum changes?  At least I have a frame work to go by.  

Consistency is best.  Exploration is great but it has to be with a plan or else you are continuously flying with no place to land.  Landing is what helps us refuel and rebuild so that we are not exhausted from flying.  

So what does this have to do with Authentic STEM.  STEM involves designing, problem solving, finding solutions that work.  Well, think of the everyday challenge of teaching and lesson planning and "ta-da" - teaching in itself is an art...but moreover the process of practicing the essential skills of a STEMist.  You can share your lesson planning process as an example in class and better yet have an understanding of the process inventors/innovators and engineers go thru when making new technologies.  

Are you ready?  Best wishes for a super year.  With great expectation comes great reward and if you are still in it much to gain for sure.

May the force be with you!

The Technology Education Classroom: What Works?

Technology Education has gone through much changes over the years.  Often it is associated with STEM education.  In every essence it is every bit of each letter.  However, what is changing as well are the dynamics of classroom instruction for it as well.



Woodworking, Shop, Modules, Whole Class Instruction, Stations....a little bit of all....the classroom dynamics can have it all and still work.


Often there is no "one size fits all".  Thus, the need for many different "platforms" or instructional strategies when it comes to providing STEM education in a Technology Ed classroom.

Knowing your student is essential.  Being flexible is a must.  Thinking quick on your feet is sustainable.

Evaluate the situation and see what works best.  Ultimately, student instruction should lead to learner growth.

CTSOs & Other Student Competitions- Competition Management

It is about that time of the year for students competitions and conferences.  From managing communications with parents, collecting permission slips & fees, juggling practice times, incorporating research opportunities and critiquing products - it can be a daunting task to undertake. 

Often, many actively teaching educators decline considering being a club or competitive event advisor just because of the various duties and time involved. 

Here are six (6) helpful tips:

1. Map out a time line of tasks to complete with alt dates just incase goals are not met when desired is essential.  Keep a checklist and check off what you complete- this is encouraging to you and them-- progress is being made!

2. Keep a folder- electronic and hardcopy of all correspondences is a plus- especially if it is something you plan to do in consecutive years. 

3. On the day of the event - create a "game plan"- listing times, locations and event titles so that time conflicts are easy to address. 

4. Lastly, do not turn down help or donations- you will never ever not need it.  What has worked best for me is having a "game plan" or term used in football- "play book".  Give it also to students in a folder to keep them accountable as well. 

5. Above all- get rest, take time for yourself, and manage your time so that your classroom excels as well. 

6.  Better yet- incorporate some of the events in the classroom- Its a two for one- and all win! 


Best wishes!!

Engagement- What does this really mean?  Many say that in is an indicator that students are learning.  If that is so, how is it evaluated?  When students are working in teams- how do we hold them accountable so that they do not associate it with the opportunity to just observe rather than to actively participate?  One of my solutions include - having a daily checklist of expectations and giving feedback on the checklist has made the difference in my classroom.  Teaching a lesson by first doing an activity that they have already made associations with has helped my students grasp complicated concepts such as what is truly "teaming", what is "design", what is an "innovation", what is "brainstorming",  why do we conduct "research" before developing new products

Any other suggestions?  Please share....

Minority Representation in Robotics

Happy New Year!  New year...new discoveries begin along with revisiting old ones with a goal to conquer them whether its to become more organized, more efficient or build better relationships.  Mine- to be more organized and to achieve goals that still need to be accomplished.  In my reflection I begin to  wonder what will it take to increase female representation in robotics- especially robotics leagues.  Even more, when will our robotic leagues become more culturally and ethnically integrated.    Not just all African American or all Caucasian or all female or all male. I even struggle at times with my after school programs being ethnically diverse and accepting of female contributions. What efforts are being made to do the prior and not just the later.  Perhaps it is in how, where and to whom we market our robotic endeavors to.  Are we making it accessible by removing barriers such as transportation, instructional success so that we are not competing with extra tutoring sessions, or financial support for competitions/leagues?  Are other activities such as boy scouts or basketball competing for our attention? Also, it is how we treat them once they are a member?  Do we give them more support if needed?  Do we build the skills for appreciating other cultures, ethnic groups and genders before they are blended?  All questions may need to be addressed.  We want our groups to best represent industry...or at least model what they should look like.  Not all of one is "it".  Everyone has something to contribute and having a different perspective allows our creations serve a better market place in real world scenarios.  Lets rise up to the challenge.  Lets see how much success is achieved attempting to complete this goal.  If you have any solutions that worked well...please share.  Happy New Year!