Distance learning poses a particular challenge for Career Technical Education (CTE) classes: adapting largely hands-on courses to online instruction. With the help of new tools and ideas, CTE teachers in Jurupa Unified are evolving to ensure student success.
Bringing Technology to the Farm
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Rubidoux High teachers Kelsey Finnicum and Kayla Vanaselja see distance learning as an opportunity to expand their technological capabilities. On a Friday afternoon, the two Agriculture instructors met at the school’s farm to make a how-to video for students on cleaning a horse’s hooves. Rubidoux is unique in that it is one of two schools in California with horses, and Ms. Vanaselja demonstrated the process with resident horse, Little Ginger, while Ms. Finnicum filmed with her smartphone and offered her own tips.
There was even an opportunity for humor. “I wish we could put smell into video,” said Ms. Vanaselja as she used the hoof pick on Little Ginger. “Because if you guys could smell this right now, you might be gagging.”
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For some students, their agriculture classes were the reason they came to school every day. Though it is not the same as being on the farm, Ms. Vanaselja now utilizes forums like Instagram Live for virtual tours and updates to help students feel closer to the animals. Many love to ask about their favorite goat, Lucky, and hear what he has been up to.
“I feel grateful that I’m learning these things because they’re actually valuable tools,” said Ms. Finnicum. Ms. Vanaselja agreed, adding, “This is content I will be able to use when we’re back in person.”
Restructuring for Optimal Learning
For retired law enforcement officer Jason Horton, tackling distance learning means restructuring his curriculum. “I’ve been trying to move my blocks of instruction around,” said the Patriot High teacher, in reference to his Crime Scene Investigation class. He is focusing on lecture-based units such as crime scene set up and the history of cold cases with the hope of saving hands-on subjects like fingerprinting and footprint examination for in-person instruction.
Concerned about engagement, Mr. Horton maintains participation standards by asking students questions throughout his class periods. When students gave presentations during a recent Law Enforcement class, Mr. Horton stressed the importance of following proper presentation etiquette despite the unusual format of Google Meet. Later, he introduced the subject of K-9 Units by sharing videos of police dogs in action then called on students to remark upon what they had watched.
Though the structure has changed, Mr. Horton remains enthusiastic about teaching. “I choose to do this because I sincerely believe there’s a need in our society to have kids consider a career in public service,” he said. “It’s not an easy career, but it comes with the benefit of serving your community and putting others before yourself.”
Adapting to New Tools
During a normal year, the engineering students at Jurupa Valley High would have access to high-performance software and equipment like 3D printers and laser cutters. Now at home with their Chromebooks, teacher Fernando Cerda must get creative. “Trying to find programs that work with what my students have at home has definitely been a challenge,” said Mr. Cerda.
Autodesk, the software he uses for Introduction to Design, is not compatible with student Chromebooks, so Mr. Cerda found a similar web-based program called Onshape. Recently he used the free program to teach students how to make a 3D model of a business card holder. Students participated by answering questions about measurements and suggesting next steps. They had the choice between making their models along with Mr. Cerda or working on the assignment over the weekend with the aid of a step-by-step video.
For his advanced classes, Mr. Cerda is relying on simulators for students to complete projects. It is not the same as working with a machine, but Mr. Cerda is keeping a positive attitude as he adapts to the unique circumstances of distance learning. “Being flexible is one of the best 21st century skills you can have,” he said. “I’m teaching that mentality. It doesn’t matter what they throw at you, you just need to adapt and be flexible.”
Though nothing compares to hands-on work in the classroom, CTE teachers across the district refuse to let distance learning limit their instruction. “Our Career Technical Education teachers are innovators,” said Roberta Pace, Director of College & Career Readiness. “They care about their students and want to engage them in learning that prepares them for the future.”
