Theories become skills. Students become better problem-solvers. Expectations of all students are raised. The process also places new demands on teachers. With students introduced to subjects ranging from desktop publishing to robotics technology, teachers must be ahead of the learning curve in technical abilities.
Classrooms become problem-centered, with students actively engaged in the learning process.
Those who teach in Tech Prep must complete a training program to be certified. Mississippi State University technology and education professor Patti Abraham, who coordinates Computer Discovery training statewide, said that teachers must be as comfortable explaining the computer as using it. In a month-long program this summer, she'll train 80 Mississippi teachers, who'll become competent in keyboarding, operating systems, data management, spreadsheets, and other computer applications. Abraham Through testing and presentations, the teachers earn certificates that say they've made the grade. To keep course work current and accurate, she visits teachers three times a year and schedules training as needed.