Technology Education:

Vision

Jason Galbraith

Programming and Robotics Instructor

Sunset High School

What is the problem?

• STEM requirements in our high schools do not meet the needs of our workforce.
• Successful after school programs, but many students are not able to participate in these.

• Industries in our state (as well as the rest of the nation) need more Computer Scientists and Engineers.

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What is our goal?

• All students learn about Computer Science and Engineering
• Jobs in these fields are high paying, interesting, and challenging
• Create stronger problem solvers: people who can think both logically and creatively
• Ability to model systems, analyze data, and solve real problems
• High quality workers, even if they do not choose technology related careers
• Technology is used in almost every job; it is a skill as fundamental as reading and mathematics

The Proposal

• Elementary school
• Exposure to computational thinking
• Robotics, drag-and-drop coding

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• Middle school
• Foundational knowledge of internet research, file structure, office software
• Some coding, web design

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The Proposal

• Change the Oregon High School Diploma to require two credits of technology
• One credit would be in Computer Science
• Creation of an abstract system
• One credit would be in Engineering
• Creation of a physical system

Why does this help?

• Equity for women and minorities
• More students introduced to the field
• ALL students become better problem solvers
• Create pathways to higher education and industry

Two Stories

Victoria Chen, 2010

• “When I entered high school as a freshman, I hadn't really figured out my interests; still though, I was dismayed to see Robotics on my schedule when I hadn't signed up for it. To make matters worse, I walked into class the first day to find that I was the only girl among 30 other guys. At seeing this, I had resolved to drop the class as soon as possible and take another elective. But I didn't. By the end of class that day, I was already captivated by all the new technologies and interesting assignments.”

Two Stories

Da-En Lee, 2013

• “Da-En’s passion for programming began when she was accidentally placed into Java Programming instead of Web Design in her freshman year. Her Java Programming teacher, Mr.Galbraith, encouraged her to take further advanced classes in her junior and senior year which solidified her decision to major in Computer Science in the future.”

Wait; you can't do that!�Money

Computer Science

• Computational thinking without computers: CS4HS
• Teach through cell phones or online

Engineering

• Use kits with reusable parts (Mindstorm, Arduino)

Have schools partner with industry and colleges to maintain and update equipment

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Current Diploma Requirements

http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=2861

Wait; you can't do that!�Credits

Many possible solutions

Change two elective credits to core requirements

Change Science lab course to Engineering

Remove current requirements from current diploma, such as 1 credit of Social Studies, or Foreign Language/Art/CTE

Wait; you can't do that!�Not enough Teachers

Start programs in Oregon that actually endorse teachers in Technology Education

Offer online classes

• Chemeketa and Salem Public Schools
• Flipped classroom model

Industry support for Technology Teacher stipends