The future of skilled trade education is bright.
GUEST COLUMN | by Vanessa Myers
INTERPLAY LEARNING
According to a Gates Foundation survey, many students today feel the time and monetary investment in higher education provides less value than on-the-job training or courses that result in a professional license.
This rise in mixed perspectives on higher education opens the door for more career and technical education (CTE). However, the hands-on teaching methods, physical space requirements and access to tools and equipment for CTE courses create a hurdle that educators find insurmountable.
New breakthroughs in edtech–like virtual reality-based simulations, AI-powered curriculums and online learning platforms–could be the solution that educators are looking for. Digital learning environments are now powerful enough to bring firsthand learning to students through virtual–and remote–means.
‘Digital learning environments are now powerful enough to bring firsthand learning to students through virtual–and remote–means.’
Since today’s students understand technology more than ever before, they often find virtual learning platforms easy to navigate. Additionally, students quickly apply digital experiences to real-world situations, making technology-based CTE an excellent resource for educators.
How Technology Can Grow CTE Potential
Educational technology offers ways to eliminate barriers that prevented educators from offering effective vocational training in the past. Implementing emerging tech can increase CTE potential by:
Breaking down the stigma surrounding the skilled trades. Some view trades-based jobs, like HVAC, plumbing and electrical work, as low-tech positions with limited room for career growth. Technology-based CTE career exploration programs with VR and 3D simulations offer opportunities for students to get hands-on exposure to these high-demand fields and dispel the myths.
Reducing the footprint for CTE programs. A significant drawback to past CTE programs is the space needed within a school to teach the programs. For example, an HVAC repair course would require lab space big enough to house heating and cooling units for real-world instruction. Digital simulations allow more students to access virtual, hands-on practice in a smaller package, such as a laptop, tablet, or VR headset, while helping students stay safer and be more prepared for when they do work on live equipment in a lab setting.
Increasing access to industry experts. One challenge educational systems face is finding experts to teach CTE courses in person. Industry experts have little time to spare if they are active in their field, and private instructors can be costly. Since online learning platforms leverage pre-recorded instruction from industry experts, it frees up the expert from spending additional hours teaching in person and can reduce course costs.
Lowering risks associated with certain trades. Practical instruction gives students valuable first-hand experience when working with the tools of the trade. However, teaching trades comes with inherent risks like electrical shock or exposure to potentially harmful chemicals if students fail to follow instructions. Three-dimensional simulations enable students to practice in a safe, no-risk environment before touching real equipment, lowering the potential for injury.
Tech-Based Courses Save Educators Money Without Sacrificing Quality
In addition to a reduced physical footprint and increased access to industry experts, tech-based CTE programs can cut down on overall costs.
Repetition is key to learning a trade, and training often requires students to practice skills like soldering pipes or joining wires in junction boxes. Virtual simulations help schools save money by cutting down on expensive consumables like copper pipe and rolls of wire.
AI-based systems also bolster digital learning with real-time answers when needed. And as artificial intelligence advances, AI-assistants may further tailor lessons to students’ needs by reteaching areas that may need improvement or shifting settings to work better with individual learning styles.
Why Adopting Edtech Is Essential for Equitable Access to CTE
Students who are interested in learning a trade sometimes have no access to CTE at their school and must enroll at a separate learning facility in the district.
A study conducted by the New Hampshire Department and RMC Research found that 71% of students who attended CTE courses in the state were enrolled at a host school. These findings indicate that students without onsite CTE courses are far less likely to attend than their peers who have on-site access. Factors that may contribute to the lower attendance include:
- Limited access to transportation
- Course scheduling conflicts
- Credit requirements for graduation
Tech-based CTE lessons break down this barrier to education by removing the travel requirement to attend courses and increasing the flexibility for course scheduling. Digital courses allow students to leverage technology already provided by the school and give them the chance for self-guided learning during free periods in their schedule.
The adoption of edtech for career and technical education could transform how the tradespeople of the future learn their trades. From decreased stigma and costs to increased safety and equity, the future of skilled trade education is bright.
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Vanessa Myers is the Senior Director of Education and Workforce Development at Interplay Learning. She brings 15+ years’ experience in edtech and Trades across product, content, sales, and strategic partnerships. Interplay’s mission is to rapidly accelerate trades careers and education through VR and 3D simulations. Vanessa leads Interplay’s efforts in K12, higher education, apprenticeship, and workforce development. Her work has been featured in ACHR News, Contractor Magazine, and NATE Magazine, with product and partnership awards from Stanley Black & Decker, SIIA, and Cengage. She currently serves on NAHB’s Student Chapter Advisory Board and Board of Trustees at her local library. Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn.
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