STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Classrooms
come alive with technology
If you walk into some classrooms today, you’ll notice
immediately that beleaguered, old blackboards have been replaced with stark, white
surfaces. These new wall panels make learning seem like magic. Called ‘smart
boards’ in common lingo, these intelligent white boards do so much more than
hang on the wall waiting for a dusting of chalk in hurried handwriting.
Promethean intelligent boards, along with a new video solution called Swivl, combine for the perfect technologies for teaching today’s students critical STEM classes
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
From a projector programmed with visual scenes, Promethan
boards allow students to watch everything from a protractor unravel a geometry
problem step-by-step to examining Einstein’s theory. Biology classes are able
to witness dissections on creatures ranging from cows to cadavers before taking
on their first frog.
A classroom Swivl can be used to record the best STEM instructors
in action and share those lessons with multiple classrooms. Swivl projectors can also capture students
solving problems on their Promethean boards, then replay their work to
catch themselves in errors and correct their own procedures.
Promethean’s intelligent white boards, along with Swivl ‘s
robotic cameras, permit students of all ages to participate in more than pencil
and paper assignments. They can solve math problems, develop theories or design
their own buildings with precision previously not available in textbooks or worksheets.
Without a lab or risk of explosion, students can conduct chemistry experiments
and chart their progress. All they need is a Swivl projector and Promethean
white board to immerse themselves in interactive, multimedia lessons .
Promethean
boards, Swivls make STEM subjects seem simple
“I’ve lived in Silicon Valley for the past 27 years where the
STEM skills are vital, says Jon Hoonstra, consultant and decision-maker in both
government and private sectors. “STEM is
almost part of the daily conversation here, as well as in other tech centers
like Minneapolis, Boston and Austin - to cite only a few (other places).”
A survey by the National Association of Colleges and
Employers (NACE) suggests that STEM be taken seriously in every school across
the country. The survey found that new college graduates who
major in STEM subjects bring home the biggest paychecks.
The only stumbling block to a great future for many
American students is their reluctance to major in hard core courses like
science, technology, engineering and math. With the help of Promethean boards
and Swivl projectors in classrooms, that could change. Just as computer technology has enhanced
student learning at all levels, these new options could go a long way in
teaching tough subjects, along with improving student performance in those
subjects on state and standardized tests.
“The lesson is that
students are capable of far more than they achieve in the typical classroom.
Improving that setting can help a child soar,” say educational researchers
Geoffrey L. Cohen (Stanford University) and Sara Goldrick-Rab (University of
Wisconsin-Madison).
College
grads who major in STEM subjects earn higher salaries
While
average salary for 2015 liberal arts graduates is about $38,604, business
majors can expect to earn approximately $49,807. But students graduating with
bachelor's degrees in STEM subjects fare much better than graduates in any
other fields.
Mathematics
majors are finding jobs with starting salaries of about $52,800. Chemistry grads
are likely to be offered about $57,900 for their first full-time jobs. Computer
science majors can anticipate an average starting salary of $62,200. Among STEM
majors, engineers earn the highest average salaries, starting their first jobs
at annual compensation in the neighborhood of $64,891.
Enhance STEM classrooms with the latest in learning technology
Promethean intelligent boards create an engaging and interactive learning experience with the ability to focus attention and keep curious minds interested in even the most difficult content.
Swivl robots record
classroom presentations, help teachers improve course content and delivery and
help students correct and improve their own work.
Article written by Susan K Maciak, Business Consultant/Author.
For permission to reprint or quote from this article: Contact Maciak at service@aimupimage.com
