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Guide to Contextual Learning Projects

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Environmental literacy
Media literacy
Health literacy
Economic literacy
Civic literacy
Computer Technology
Data Analysis
Writing Skills
Creative and Critical Thinking
Leadership

Computer Technology

What skills do students use in projects in computer technology fields? Computer technology skills can be broadly defined as including three areas of strength:

(A) Computer Literacy: the ability to learn, communicate effectively, collaborate, and problem solve about computer-technology-related tasks and projects; and

(B) Using Computer Applications: the ability to use technology to support your work, such as using technology in an engineering lab, design studio or research program; using technology to develop print and online materials; using technology to organize and present information; using technology to create and maintain databases; and/or

(C) Providing Technical Support: the ability to support others in the use of technology, such as setting up computer workstations or AV equipment for people, teaching computer skills, troubleshooting technology-related issues, and maintaining and repairing computers and related equipment.

Contextual Learning Projects. Examples of contextual learning projects using technology include:

  • Web design;
  • Video production and editing;
  • Creating a student newspaper;
  • Creating spreadsheets, presentations and other materials.

Workplace Experiences. Examples of job and internship placements using technology include:

  • Help Desk / Tech Support: Students providing customer support, computer repair, troubleshooting, software installations, inventory and cataloging, and other technical support.
  • Audio-Visual Support: Setting up audio-visual equipment, troubleshooting, repairing and supporting school or other organization staff in their media needs.
  • Web Design and Graphic Design: Students providing web design, web media (such as podcasts), website maintenance and graphic design work.
  • Database Management: Using databases to collect, organize and manage information.
  • Software Development Internships: Student interns working on a team with software developers on a software project.

Student Worksheet
How do you like to learn?

How do you like to learn something new, such as cooking something you have never cooked before or learning a new computer skill?

 

5 = Yes - I like this approach

4 = Somewhat like this

3 = In-between

2 = Not very much

1 = No I don't like this approach

Read print materials - recipes, instruction books, etc.

[5]

[4]

[3]

[2]

[1]

Read online - websites, technical forums, etc.

[5]

[4]

[3]

[2]

[1]

Watch a video

[5]

[4]

[3]

[2]

[1]

Watch another person

[5]

[4]

[3]

[2]

[1]

Talk on the phone to someone who knows how to do it

[5]

[4]

[3]

[2]

[1]

Email someone who knows how to do it

[5]

[4]

[3]

[2]

[1]

Experiment - just try it out

[5]

[4]

[3]

[2]

[1]

Figure it out by thinking about how similar things work (similar recipes, similar computer software, etc.)

[5]

[4]

[3]

[2]

[1]